Shed or Metal Building Ideas

[Valkorado]

I've realized a dream of owning two Valks, now I need to look into a place other than my sibling's garages to store them and do some general maintenance out of the elements.  I know nothing about storage sheds except that the pre-fab ones made by Cumberland Buildings available locally are mighty pricey.  I don't require a beautiful shed, just a sturdy and functional one that is not an eyesore.

http://www.cumberlandbuildings.com/dealers-in-co--ut.html

Keep in mind that I'm not a carpenter and cost IS a big consideration for me, but I do need something that will serve my basic purposes and hold up to the elements and Gunnison winters.  I'm not sure if having a floor poured or having a thick plywood one installed would be best/most cost effective.  Same with steel vs. wood.  I am needing something big enough to store a Tourer and an Interstate with hitch, with a wide (maybe garage type) door.  I'd like to squeeze in a small compressor, lift, toolbox and electric generator.  Will probably put in some solar lighting and a wall mount blue flame propane heater to warm it up when needed.  I do not have much area to to play with, maybe 10x10 or 15 max.  I could even pull one bike out and under a cover temporarily if I need to do some light maintenance inside on the other.  Anyway, I would like to have a buck or two left over for the gas tanks this summer, and I will need to also consider land prep (hiring a Bobcat to level the area, etc.).  If anyone has done something similar and on a (low) budget any ideas/tips/photos you can share will be appreciated.

[cookiedough]

I know my neighbor hired an Amish builder locally who does wooden storage sheds delivered ON SITE to your location well built.

His was 8x10 I believe but if I was you with what you want inside go for sure 10x12 if not 10x14 or 12x14 or 12x12 size.  YOU NEVER can have too much room since you can always find other items to store inside. 

All he did was get a load or two of gravel delivered dumped in his backyard about 6-8 inches high and he leveled the crushed rock out himself and the pre-made storage shed was delivered right to his site on top of his leveled off crushed rock/gravel.  I think it cost him like 1500 bucks total cost.  Even came with a small ramp with doors that are for sure over 5' wide so plenty of room to get 1 Valk in at a time.  He never insulated it but you could easily do that yourself the 2x4' studded walls.  It has wooden plywood floors as well.    Am sure you are looking at over 2 grand for a bigger size wooden storage shed delivered and built to your pre-prepped location. 

The 8x10 Menards/Lowes, etc.  metal storage sheds for say 800 bucks will not be big enough for your needs,  so will have try to find a local builder of storage sheds (or build it yourself I guess in a pre-fab kit).   Even a 1 car garage you might want to check out being built say 10x18' if you have room for it.  NEVER go too small, always go as big as you can fit in the space you have. 

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

If you go pole building very little if any is needed to be done on existing landscape. Use 2X8 framing and 3/4 plywood for the floor. You should also put a stiff leg down the center on all framing on the floor if you plan on having two Fat Girls , tools etc. that's a lot of weight.  Metal building will sweat ( condensation ) . No matter what you go with wood of metal put a good heavy plastic vapor barrier down before you do anything. Tons of info on UTube on building a pole barn/shed.

[Jess from VA]

I can't recommend materials for Colorado, so shop around for all available materials/deals.

I can tell you I dug my own foundation; three trenches for the three fore-to-aft 4 X 4 skids the prefab sheds come with, laid rows of 4" solid cement block in the three trenches, all leveled front-to-rear and side-to-side.  This way, when the prefab arrives, they build it nearly flush to the ground (1 1/2" above grade, just to keep water out), instead of about 8-10" above grade (which then requires you to build a ramp to ride the bikes in, and a steep ramp is not exactly conducive to careful positioning of the bikes necessary in tight spaces).

Twenty years ago, when I did my homework, a wooden 10' X 12' shed kit ran about $850 at the local building supply, and the local best outfit charged about $1100 to deliver one partially assembled and build it on your lot (T111, gambrel roof).  I suck at carpentry, and worked full time, so I paid it done for the extra $250.  

Based on local advice, the only upgrade I did was a double 3/4" marine grade plywood floor.  Then, as soon as they left, I went through a half case of good caulk doing all cracks and seams, and painted with two coats of oil based exterior.  The floor is solid and perfect after 20+ years, and will outlast me.

I had county code issues, and could not build larger than 10 x 12, taller than 9'3," and could not have a cement floor (ergo, a permanent structure) and put it three feet off the property line where it needed to be. (Check you codes, if any, carefully BEFORE you make any decisions; my county is ruthless and unforgiving and will make you tear it down if not in compliance).

The 10 X 12 holds two Interstates, hand tool rolling cabinet/box, power tools, jacks, small compressor, and a small bench. I roll one bike as close to the inside wall as I can, then shim up the kickstand to put it nearly straight up against the wall.  Then the other bike rides right in (with mere inches of clearance between the doorway on one side, and the bike on the other side), and I lean it on the other bike (bag guards to bag guards).  There is not much room left, but it holds everything OK.  I cannot work on the bikes in there (except to add air to the rear tires), one has to be rolled out to work on (and I put a good quality sun shade with metal frame just outside the doors to do so.  

These 10 X 12s came with double 4' doors on piano hinges, and that is satisfactory to get bikes in and out.  But it is tight enough that I have bumped my Hwy pegs if I forgot to put them up, and I have broken off levers and mirrors backing out without due care.

I dug a trench and ran power to the shed from the house on it's own circuit (GFCI), during the planning stages.  About 40 feet.  I wired the shed with lots of plugs, and a small cheapo overhead fan which comes in handy in summer for heat and bugs.

I did not finish or insulate it, because I needed every available inch of space for storage.  I cut 1 X 6 shelves for all the exposed framing inside, and all that shelving is covered with cans of nuts, bolts, and stuff.  I built a small loft across the rear third of the shed gambrel roof for more storage (a cut down 3/8 sheet of plywood).  And put in 12" shelves across the rear of the shed which hold helmets and other gear.  

10 X 12 is about as small as you can get away with for two Valks and stuff, and you need to plan vertical storage to maximize space available.

Forget windows, which are easy to break (by you or thieves).  I got no roof vent, but one 6 X 12" louvered vent in the roof peaks, front and rear.  I put a hasp and padlock on it, and the shed sits behind a 7' solid fence with locked 8' gates.

20+ years later, my regrets are that they used the cheapest shingles known to man, and I will need a new roof shortly (I wish I had gone with an upgrade 40 yr shingle).  The T111 sealed and painted has held up very well, but the non pressure treat doors/frames are falling apart/rotting at the bottoms from water and snow, despite paint and seal.

Like this, except my gambrel roof starts at 4.5 feet, and I think my doors are 6" wider than these:
   

[art]

I needed a shed for my Valk ten years ago but the price was way out of sight. I am not a builder I'm a machinist but decided to build my own. I researched plans and bought the wood and table saw ,nail gun, and compound miter saw for less than $1000 and built a 12' x 14' shed on skids with a ramp up to allow the Valk to be ridden up and inside. The same thing would have cost about $3000 - $4000 .  I also put in windows and insulation. No permit since it was not a attached and could be moved. It had a 2 x6" floor with plywood on that, plenty strong for a motorcycle. It's worth looking into.

[da prez]

Check on a metal shipping container . If they allow them , they can be sided or roofed to look like it was built.
 If no code , just do it. All sorts of mods can b done to them. I have installed roll up doors in them. The main door is a barn type and seals very well. Many different lengths available . We are putting one on our property   in Northern Wisconsin.

                                      da.prez

[PAVALKER]

I believe COSTCO, SAMS and others occasionally carry plastic or Poly sheds/out buildings.  I've heard they hold up very well and are reasonably priced.

Here is what I found for COSTCOs listings...   
http://www.costco.com/sheds.html?ddkey=http:CatalogSearch

Another option you may wish to consider is a trailer....with a ramp.  If you  or a friend have a truck you can use it for its intended purpose as well as a little bike garage.

[Valkorado]

Thanks for the replies, lots of good advice and things to consider there.  I agree that I'm probably visualizing too little space, and I need to think bigger.  cookiedough, I wish one of those Amish builders lived around here.  I've heard their work is impeccable, and their prices very reasonable.  Jess, thanks for all the detail.  I sure like the storage ideas, and utilizing as much overhead area as possible to get crap out of the way of my big feet.  Joe, it looks like the pole building might be the least expensive, easiest option -- next to da.prez's shipping container idea.  Art, you are much more adventurous and patient (and talented) than I!  PAVALKER, that 11 x 21 CostCo one would do it!  That's bigger than anything I thought they carried.  Still, not inexpensive.  Back to Broncos...

[PAVALKER]

Also try.  Www.garagebuildings.com

[hubcapsc]

I built this shed to park the Harley in over a weekend... I didn't
work on the Harley... I wish I had built it twice as wide now  :'( ...



-Mike "that's last year's snow..."

[Rams]

Won't give advice on building in your area but, will say you sure are trying to put a lot of "stuff" into a very small square footage building.

Some of the things I've learned in my life are as follows:

1)  No matter how big you build your shed/shop/garage, it won't be big enough for all the crap you want to keep in it.

2)  We all keep more crap than we need to or should.

3)  The more room one has to keep crap, the more crap one will have stored in that space.

4)  Moving always, always brings out the statement, why did I keep this.   The same can and will be said during Spring cleaning regardless of when it happens.

[cookiedough]

this resin one would be big enough in the link above;
http://www.costco.com/Brighton-11-ft.-x-11-ft.-Storage-Shed.product.11211237.html

Still is 2 grand and bet you can find a builder for a 10x12 or 12x12 to be built out of wood with a wooden floor for around the same price if not 2500 or so that should if built right will outlast any resin storage shed.  Also agree 10x12 is pushing it inside for 2 Valks,  I'd go 12x12 so as to have some wiggle room at the very mininum if building out of wood. I think wooden storage sheds look nicer and you can have the people building it paint it or you can easily do the color of your choice yourself once delivered to save money.  Worth noting though as mentioned I would FOR SURE upgrade your shingles since in my experience, most put cheaper 20 year shingles on these storage sheds and I would upgrade to 30 year shingles being heavier for not much more cost per bundle.  They should last for sure 7 more years than the flimsier 20 or even 25 year shingles.  I made that HUGE mistake going cheap 20 year shingles on my new home in 1993 and were shot after 12 years buckling and ripping chunks off, worst thing I EVER did.  Went with 30 year shingles after that which should last 20 years or more.  Has been almost 10 years now and still look near new vs. 10 years on the cheap 20 year shingles were near junk.  

I have one of those resin storage sheds got at home depot for 500 bucks is ONLY 7x7' and took about 4 hours each day Saturday and Sunday to erect mostly me and the wife needed at times.  It has held up VERY well no fading and weather proof for about 6 years now for storing a lawnmower or two and patio furniture, etc. inside  Rubbermaid was very helpful since 2 of the side panels had cracks in them taking them out of the box brand new sent 2 panels to me ASAP under warranty. Hardest part was putting the roof panels on since was VERY hard to do AND MUST make sure your ground is perfectly level as indicated since the higher up I went being the roof panels multiplied any error on the floor being off just a tad.  Those last few roof panels trying to flex/bend in that middle aluminum center roof cap I thought NO WAY would NEVER fit but after over 1 hour of cussing,  I got them to snap in place.  

I think the VERY heavy duty resin floor would hold a Valk (maybe?) but I wouldn't try it personally and might crack although is very sturdy resin material.  I know it will hold a youth ATV and me on it being total 500lb. tops though no problems.   You'd have to call rubbermaid, etc. to see what the weight capacity is of the resin floor material though since 800lbs. is a lot in one spot.  

ONLY issue is twice now with not much inside for weight besides a push mower or two,  the 7x7 lightweight resin rubbermaid storage shed has moved near 1 foot on my concrete slab in VERY high winds both times with  about 40-50 mph winds.  

[The emperor has no clothes]

Won't give advice on building in your area but, will say you sure are trying to put a lot of "stuff" into a very small square footage building.

Some of the things I've learned in my life are as follows:

1)  No matter how big you build your shed/shop/garage, it won't be big enough for all the crap you want to keep in it.

2)  We all keep more crap than we need to or should.

3)  The more room one has to keep crap, the more crap one will have stored in that space.

4)  Moving always, always brings out the statement, why did I keep this.   The same can and will be said during Spring cleaning regardless of when it happens.

+1

[Jersey mike]

Considering your size limit and not sure of your budget, this was the first thing I thought of.

https://www.portablegaragedepot.com/index.cfm?catid=58

Your size limit is going to make the 2 bikes inside tough.

[cookiedough]

I really don't think those portable instant shelters will hold up and last without blowing away in the harsh winters of Colorado or WI.  I've always thought of getting one in my backyard for storage easy enough to setup in one weekend, but even staked into the ground,  I do not believe is money well spent since will not last I don't think for 20+ years as good wooden or metal storage building will.

Have you looked into steel structures at all if they even make them that small say 12x12 or 10x12 and will they be cosmetically appealing to the eye as well in your neighborhood??

For the heck of it,  maybe try craigslist doing a search for storage sheds, etc. and see what pops up.  I have seen 3-4 companies local on craigslist advertised willing both steel and wood to build to desired size and delivered fully done onto your prepped site.  I would tihnk crushed rock/gravel 8" high tops leveled off good and settled 1 foot around the entire structure would work just fine and easy to do yourself with a good 3/4" plywood floor on the wood storage shed. 

[Hook#3287]

http://www.cumberlandbuildings.com/project/utility-2/

If I was to build a shed for myself to store bikes, it would be something like the one above.  I would do a peaked roof style rather than a gambrel style, just easier.

IF your trying to save $$$ and can cut and hammer, their pretty basic to do.

You can check out your local Home Depot or Lowes for culled lumber and make it work.  Sometimes you can get PT or Kiln Dried Pine for 25-50% off.

This is what I'd do:

Min 10x10

Crushed or pea stone base over 3 mil sheet plastic over leveled area
Cinder blocks for foundation, at least 3 rows of 3 or 4, depending on your building size and you might find damaged ones from the big box stores, just put the good side out.
2X6 PT 16" oc floor joice and box beam
3/4 PT plywood subfloor
2X4 bottom and top sill
2x4 studs 2' oc
3/4 T-111 sheathing/siding
2x6 rafters 2' oc
2x4 collar ties
2x8 ridge beam
5/8 red zip board for roof sheathing
30 yr arch shingles
1x #2 pine for trim, soffet and fachia
Build your own doors out of 2X and T-111, or look/find a damaged 6'0x6'8 dbl pre hung.
find some cheap windows.
Figure on a ramp.

[Alpha Dog]

Won't give advice on building in your area but, will say you sure are trying to put a lot of "stuff" into a very small square footage building.

Some of the things I've learned in my life are as follows:

1)  No matter how big you build your shed/shop/garage, it won't be big enough for all the crap you want to keep in it.

2)  We all keep more crap than we need to or should.

3)  The more room one has to keep crap, the more crap one will have stored in that space.

4)  Moving always, always brings out the statement, why did I keep this.   The same can and will be said during Spring cleaning regardless of when it happens.

Good grief ain't that the truth

[Ramie]

Just a word on pole buildings, my brother-in-law has a large one and has constant moisture problems in the spring, mainly because of the gravel floor.  He parked his personal pickup in it for years and ended up have to redo the whole brake system because of corrosion.  If you build one put in a concrete floor. 

[MP]

Just a word on pole buildings, my brother-in-law has a large one and has constant moisture problems in the spring, mainly because of the gravel floor.  He parked his personal pickup in it for years and ended up have to redo the whole brake system because of corrosion.  If you build one put in a concrete floor. 

Agreed, but concrete is expensive.  If one cannot afford concrete, at least put down a HEAVY plastic barrier on the bare ground, then carefully cover with the layer of gravel.  It will stop a lot of the moisture from coming up.

[Alpha Dog]

No concrete a vapor barrier is a must and adequate ventilation is a good idea.  For mine I put the gravel down first.  Then I put a heavy duty 22 mil used billboard tarp over the gravel.  Stays very dry and very easy to sweep or vacuum or even blow.   These tarps can  be purchased online from several places and should last a very long time and are cheap.  Mine was 25 x 26 or thereabouts and less than 100 dollars delivered.

[crash1980]

I have been longing for a shop but don't have the budget.  My dad has one about 5 miles away, but I always end up working on his projects instead of my own. 

His advise for anyone who ask about a shop.
1) Build it as big as you can possibly afford.  It will never be big enough.
2) Build it as young as you can so you can get as much use out of it while you are young and able to work in it.

[Valkorado]

Thanks again for the replies. I've got lots to think about but since the ground is frozen solid and covered with snow I've got time to decide.

Alpha Dog, the billboard tarp is an interesting floor covering idea.  I think I'll try to avoid a concrete pour if at all possible.  Jersey Mike, I tried the portable shelters and like cookiedough mentioned, they barely lasted a riding season.  The wind and 7703' UV rays tore them to shreds.  I even tried one of the fold over bike port things, it kinda worked but it wasn't air tight at the base so when the wind kicked up the bike got dust blasted so bad there would be dirt in every nook and cranny.

[Jersey mike]

it took me a while to find the paper work so I knew the manufacturer but I have this shed;

http://www.secrets-of-shed-building.com/royal-winchester-shed-8-x-10.html

I've had it for probably 15 years and it's been through many heavy snow storms, hurricanes, tropical storms and blazing summers and it is still standing strong. When I bought it, it was about $800 and I built a base for it out of PT 2x6 and 3/4" PT plywood.

it went together real easy and still stands strong.

From what it seems Royal is not making these any more but if you are uncertain as to the durability of vinyl or resin sheds, this one has been great.

[robthepres]

I'm late to the party, but since you are in Colorado look at carports from WeatherPort. I have a portable garage and even though my neighbors might not like it so much, it holds up really well.

In the gallery on the page I linked there is a small shelter with a bike under it. Would that work well with what you need? Also, any update since now I'm reviving the thread? I'd love to see what you bought or put together!

[G-Man]

I've been thinking of buying a house for the new addition we'll be getting in a few weeks.

Was looking into this 3 sided thingy with the concrete slab.

https://www.versatube.com/

[Valkorado]

I'm late to the party, but since you are in Colorado look at carports from WeatherPort.

Also, any update since now I'm reviving the thread? I'd love to see what you bought or put together!

Well, the snow finally melted, but we're expecting more tonight through Thursday.  

I thought of Weatherports, they actually started here in Gunnison (Hansen Weatherports)

http://www.weatherport.com/about-weatherport/

and then moved out of the area.  Unfortunately, the HOA won't allow them in our neighborhood.  

[Jess from VA]

Now this is my idea of a shed!! (from your link)



I guess the HOA wouldn't love this either.  

[baird4444]

weatherport is over in Delta just North of Montrose now.
I spose 1 of these from Home Depot is against the
yard nazi/hoa....
       http://www.homedepot.com/p/ShelterLogic-Garage-in-a-Box-12-ft-x-20-ft-x-8-ft-Peak-Style-Garage-in-Grey-62790/202065748

[Atl-Jerry]

I'm presently in the middle of a pole barn build, poured the slab yesterday.  It's a 24 x 30 with a 12x20 lean-to on one side.  The PO of this property left me a 12x30 slab that I wanted to utilize so I built the structure over it and added a second 12x30 slab beside it and the 12x20 on the other side.  In the pic you can tell a color difference between the new and old concrete, the new is about 9 hours old in the pic.  The original slab did not have footers so the best way to use it was a pole barn structure.  With me doing it myself The open structure cost about $2.8K and the 8 yards of concrete $$1.7K.  By the time I close it in I'll probably have $7K in it, or about $7-8 per square foot.  I think the only major difference in huilding at your location would be pole depth due to frost heave. 

[Binkie]

Look for a used shipping container. You can set in on gravel with a vapor barrier.

[Hooter]

   What ever you decide to build, build it twice as big as you first intended to.

[..]

I'm presently in the middle of a pole barn build, poured the slab yesterday.  It's a 24 x 30 with a 12x20 lean-to on one side.  The PO of this property left me a 12x30 slab that I wanted to utilize so I built the structure over it and added a second 12x30 slab beside it and the 12x20 on the other side.  In the pic you can tell a color difference between the new and old concrete, the new is about 9 hours old in the pic.  The original slab did not have footers so the best way to use it was a pole barn structure.  With me doing it myself The open structure cost about $2.8K and the 8 yards of concrete $$1.7K.  By the time I close it in I'll probably have $7K in it, or about $7-8 per square foot.  I think the only major difference in huilding at your location would be pole depth due to frost heave. 

Wow!