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I Built a Shed (2020)

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Re: I Built a Shed (2020)

#181

Post by ryandrake »

hinkley wrote: post #65
ohazi wrote: post #33

Not 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…

I was going to post about code violations but I’ll just tuck it under yours here so we don’t flood the top level (although one could argue that this really deserves it). I had to stop reading r/diy because half the stuff in there made me angry. Especially people building lofts to store heavy stuff without knowing anything about construction. You can’t overlap rooflines like this. That’s how they allow people to build…

Thank you both. The number of "Wow this is so cool!" encouragement-replies here is pretty scary. Building a shed is definitely something most people can DIY, but please don't make it hazardous! And, at least make an attempt to look up local building codes. Even if conformance is not required for your particular application, they can be used as a reference for best practices.

I believe some jurisdictions now occasionally check e.g. Google Maps to look for obvious things like sheds built too close to existing structures (which this one likely is), so it's possible he'll get an unrequested visit from code enforcement anyway.

Re: I Built a Shed (2020)

#182

Post by hattmall »

ecopoesis wrote: post #101
fargle wrote: post #48

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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…

No way this shed can be moved. It’s built with drywall screws and 24” centers. If you kick a wall it’s likely to flat pack itself.

Where are you seeing he used drywall screws? I use deck and construction screws for framing all the time, it's fine. You can always add nails too. 24" centers are ok for this too, there's very little weight. Far less well constructed sheds are moved daily.

Re: I Built a Shed (2020)

#183

Post by stickfigure »

jacquesm wrote: post #73
hinkley wrote: post #65

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I was going to post about code violations but I’ll just tuck it under yours here so we don’t flood the top level (although one could argue that this really deserves it). I had to stop reading r/diy because half the stuff in there made me angry. Especially people building lofts to store heavy stuff without knowing anything about construction. You can’t overlap rooflines like this. That’s how they allow people to build…

Putting signalling and power wires in the same conduit is about as bad as it gets. The proper way to do this is to dig a trench and use armored cable suitable for burial without further protection and to use a plastic uninterrupted tube for the cat6 (which you can blow through). That said, there isn't a lot of difference between a DIY person and a low grade contractor, and a competent DIY'er is probably better than m…

It's short. Put a normal extension cord in the "conduit", with plugs on each end. At least here in California, electrical code ends at the receptacle. You can do practically anything you want on the other side, as long as it plugs in.

Re: I Built a Shed (2020)

#184

Post by IgorPartola »

2ICofafireteam wrote: post #120
IgorPartola wrote: post #22

I 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 t…

I definitely am considering getting a camper as well. That seems like a more straightforward solution, just potentially a more expensive one in the long run.

I’ll definitely do my research and see what I can come up with.

Re: I Built a Shed (2020)

#185

Post by anotherevan »

drodio wrote: post #10

I’m such a fan of this. Nicely done! I opted for a $3k Costco shed and went off grid with it even though it’s in my back yard: https://drodio.com/going-all-in-on-an-off-grid-workspace/ Off grid = No need for a permit but more importantly, a proof of concept that with starlink, this small office “shedquarters” could be placed anywhere in the world — say a beach in Costa Rica for example!

"Starlink works great until the cats find out that the dish gives off a little heat on cold days."

https://twitter.com/Tippen22/status/1476985855981993984

Re: I Built a Shed (2020)

#186

Post by jholman »

wbl wrote: post #140
0xbadcafebee wrote: post #128

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You just went from concerned citizen, to person with anger management issues lashing out. If your thoughts here were in good faith, you would help the author learn about code compliance so that he could make the necessary modifications and learn about the real-world consequences of not being in compliance. Instead you're making a threat to send code enforcement after him so that he can be punished for being ignorant.…

The punishment for building code violations is death. The building code enforcement is a lot more lenient in comparison.

Help me to understand who dies when the rooflines overlap?

Re: I Built a Shed (2020)

#187

Post by rpnzl »

jjeaff wrote: post #177
rpnzl wrote: post #55

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Definitely want to use nails for framing (especially in zones that might experience the shearing forces of an earthquake) -- here are a couple of links so folks can see for themselves: [Project Farm]( https://youtu.be/qmajKElnwfE ) [Vancouver Carpenter]( https://youtu.be/5-PlR8tf84c )

In that project farm video, the screws came out stronger than nails in every test except the repeated bend test (even the drywall screws). I think it could be argued that since screws are much stronger and have better holding power, they are much less likely to get loose enough to the point that they are going to be repeatedly bending back and forth.

I think this is valid -- I'm not a structural engineer so I can't speak to how an earthquake might behave differently than the tests in the Project Farm video, but I can imagine a scenario where a screw becoming a bit loose would create a situation that more closely resembles the repeated bend test.

The IBC still outlines nails as appropriate light frame fasteners [0], and where I am (on Maui) there's no local provision in the code to allow swapping in screws. The GRKs [1, 2] and Simpson [3] screws others have mentioned are seemingly valid alternatives to 16d nails, but ultimately it's going to come down to what you're comfortable with, the local code, the inspector, etc.

[0] https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IBC2021P1/chapter-23-wood#...

[1] https://www.grkfasteners.com/structural/r4-multi-purpose-scr...

[2] https://www.grkfasteners.com/structural/rss-rugged-structura...

[3] https://www.strongtie.com/strongdrive_exteriorwoodscrews/sdw...

Re: I Built a Shed (2020)

#189

Post by R0b0t1 »

hinkley wrote: post #65
ohazi wrote: post #33

Not 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…

I was going to post about code violations but I’ll just tuck it under yours here so we don’t flood the top level (although one could argue that this really deserves it). I had to stop reading r/diy because half the stuff in there made me angry. Especially people building lofts to store heavy stuff without knowing anything about construction. You can’t overlap rooflines like this. That’s how they allow people to build…

You don't need to take power underground. Most midwestern construction doesn't and I usually see PVC conduit. There are hazards from breakage, but putting it in PVC conduit tends to exceed code.

Re: I Built a Shed (2020)

#190

Post by R0b0t1 »

wbl wrote: post #140
0xbadcafebee wrote: post #128

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You just went from concerned citizen, to person with anger management issues lashing out. If your thoughts here were in good faith, you would help the author learn about code compliance so that he could make the necessary modifications and learn about the real-world consequences of not being in compliance. Instead you're making a threat to send code enforcement after him so that he can be punished for being ignorant.…

The punishment for building code violations is death. The building code enforcement is a lot more lenient in comparison.

Most building codes are not a life or death matter. Most of them are windowsill clearance, door clearance, minutia about the spacing of steps. In some locations you have really stupid proscriptions about load bearing structure types (so e.g. you can't use a metal frame for your house simply because they specify you must use wood).
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