Heh, I am glad I read the comments here. I bought a piece of land (a garden basically), and it has an old house / shack where the roof needs to go. I am debating internally for two days now if I should replace the roof myself or not or just bite the bullet and pay somebody. I am on a kind of a sabbatical so in theory I have time, and the idea is tempting, but it's definitely not software.
I Built a Shed (2020)
111–120 of 323 posts
Re: I Built a Shed (2020)
#112I hate to be a bore, but.. did zoning come into play? I know a place that had to tear theirs down once the city found out.
In my part of the US, a temporary structure does not require a permit or zoning allowance, while a permanent structure does. When we build sheds to meet the "temporary" definition, they are built on top of cinderblocks and not a poured concrete foundation. In this case, the author built his shed directly on top of his patio, so I am curious whether this would be considered a permanent or temporary installation.
I think this would still be temporary in my area because you can pick it up and put it on a flatbread trailer. The wiring might change that.
I think there are still lots of rules to follow.
Re: I Built a Shed (2020)
#113Not that anything about this shed is built to code, but this takes the cake: > PRO TIP Use screws for everything; if you mess up, remove the screws and redo it; with nails, it’s a lot harder to do that. You absolutely should not do this for framing, and most building codes specify the type and size of nails that you must use when fastening load-bearing structural components. Screws are convenient, sure, but they are…
> Not that anything about this shed is built to code
This is why we can't have nice, or at least affordable but slightly less than perfect, things. I would also note that, while I'm sure everyone's right about the rules in Santa Cruz, this is jurisdiction specific. In the UK, if your shed is less than 15m^2 and is not used as living accomodation, no building regulations apply, and you can build it with screws, nails, or corrugated cardboard and PVA glue if you're so inclined.
Re: I Built a Shed (2020)
#114Came here expecting some classic bikeshedding, was not disappointed.
Are you able to elaborate? Do you mean in the article or in the comments?
Re: I Built a Shed (2020)
#115Earlier quoted context omitted.
Was it more about the building process for you or more about the usage afterwards?
I enjoyed building it, but the primary motivation was to have the additional space
So basically there was no dedicated room inside the house for WFH before?
When you use your shed, what are the aspects that you came to value? E.g. is it more about the feeling of nature (because the garden is much closer) or is it more about the sound-separation from the rest of the home? Or would you be as happy with a dedicated room within your house?
Re: I Built a Shed (2020)
#116Does anyone know how zoning restrictions affect this in California? Wondering at what point you need to get approval to set up something in your backyard.
Check your city/county, but in most places in CA and the rest of the US, zoning allows up to a 120 square foot shed without building permits. Neighborhood HOAs, if applicable, would be the other restriction. 36 square feet? good to go. If I were to do it, I'd make it slightly bigger and put a electrical sub-panel in it with an extension cord like an RV has. You could plug it into anywhere with an RV outlet. It's also…
building permit is not a zoning permit. OP may still need to get a zoning permit.
Re: I Built a Shed (2020)
#117It’s my life’s dream to do a project like this.
What is stopping you?
Re: I Built a Shed (2020)
#118Earlier quoted context omitted.
As much as everyone loves to complain about red tape, building codes have a lot of useful info. Even if you're not going to pull permits (at your own risk) it's useful to be aware of what code requires and why. Specific examples from the post: * Plywood thickness required for floor decking * Min roof slope for asphalt shingles * Drip edge, where it's required and how to install it * Roof drainage - probably doesn't m…
Are termites a problem down there? Seems like he’s created a termite magnet with all that wood exposed to water damage.
I thought the entire backyard was already brick/pavers? I doubt there are many termites hanging out on top of those waiting for some wood to get a little damp. If it was pressure treated, it should be fine to use those beams as a sort of footer on the pavers "foundation".
Re: I Built a Shed (2020)
#119Two other posts from today: * Ask HN: Why does a busy man build a shed? ( https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=29767682 ) * Why I Live In a Shed ( https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=29762145 ) Does HN have some kind of mechanism that promotes posts with similar keywords?
I've noticed this happening as well, and the explanation that I've stuck with is that the follow-up posts are posted by readers who recognize a similar article they've previously read that's deserving of a (re)post on HN.
Re: I Built a Shed (2020)
#120I am planning on building what is essentially a tiny house for my shoffice. Basically I want something that also includes a bed and a shower/bathroom. My biggest concern is whether I will need to pull permits for this project and/or if I need a foundation or if I can get away with a gravel pad + railroad ties as the base. Tying into house plumbing and power is going to be the trick I guess.
Some bylaw research is always in order because it can get sticky.
Where I happen to be, I can build what I like without a permit as long as it's under 100 sq ft, doesn't tie in to plumbing or electrical, isn't in lot setback areas, and it doesn't push the lot coverage over the limit but if I were to park a trailer on the property for any other reason than to store it, I'm in trouble.
Never assume. I knew someone in the situation of being on a road that was a zone boundary. Research revealed they couldn't do what they wanted just because the guy across the street was doing it too.
Another angle to look into: Have you considered just buying a travel trailer or pre-built shed to use as an office? More than once I have personally fallen into the trap of spending $100 in materials and $1000 of my time to avoid a $500 expense when my time would have been better spent getting back to work to pay for a bought solution.