Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

Looks great! I see you're working with a small backyard, which explains the weird 17x6.5 foot dimensions, but I like the space in which you fit your shed.

For anyone else looking to build a shed, I recommend sticking with dimensional lumber defaults (generally, multiples of 4 feet) and going as big as your space and local licensing allows. Check your local laws, but in many townships in the US, you can build a 200 sqft accessory building before you have to deal with permits and all that rigamarole. Rather than selecting odd numbers, build something 12x16 = 196 square feet.

The biggest upgrade I'd recommend to make the thing a lasting enhancement to your property rather than something the next occupant will want to tear out would be to pour a concrete slab foundation.




One other thing is that the dimensional restrictions often apply only to "permanent structures." You can sometimes get away with larger buildings because in many locations if you don't have poured footings or a foundation, the structure isn't considered to be permanent.


> Check your local laws, but in many townships in the US, you can build a 200 sqft accessory building before you have to deal with permits and all that rigamarole

So others know, I just called my city's building department and asked what the rules were. They were very helpful! (It was max 120sqft in my area and something like 10' maximum height)


I had a friend in Missouri who said they had to get a permit for a shed of any size, so consulting local regs is super necessary. Heck, the Dwellito people should already be able to help with this as a part of the sales process, having zip-code level PDFs of requirements or something.




Consider applying for YC's Spring batch! Applications are open till Feb 11.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: