Here's Why Garage Shed Construction Is No DIY Activity

Perhaps the number one reason to install a garage shed within the compound is that the presence of the shed will have a positive impact on the market value of one's property. The thought of undertaking DIY construction of a garage shed often seems exciting to a large number of homeowners 

Discussed in this article are two reasons why DIY construction of garage sheds may not be so exciting after all.

Think Legal Complications

One of the main reasons not to undertake DIY construction of a residential garage shed is that there are a number of by-laws and building codes whose requirements will need to be met.

For example, if the shed to be constructed will be attached to the house, a homeowner will need to prove that the addition of the shed will not compromise the structural integrity of the house. In order to do this, DIY-minded homeowners will need to familiarize themselves with the minimum requirement spelt out for different aspects of the shed construction (e.g. building the foundation, shed framework installation etc.)

Failure to comply with local building codes and relevant by-laws can attract huge fines from the authorities concerned. That aside, non-compliance with local building codes when setting up a garage shed compromises the safety of those who will have regular access in and out of the shed.

Shed builders apply the provisions spelt out in local building codes in their work(s) on a daily basis. Thus, it's easier for one such professional to achieve full compliance with the mentioned codes during garage shed construction than it is for a DIY-minded homeowner to do the same.

Think Electrical Installations

As if the legal aspects of setting up a garage shed are not "tangled up" enough, there are electrical wiring system that need to be "untangled" and installed within the shed.

Undertaking electrical installations in a residential garage shed is a complex activity. This is because it often involves the "tapping" of electric current from the mains electrical wiring system. So much could go wrong so fast during the described activity.

For example, poorly-installed electrical connections between the main electrical panel and the sub-panel to be used in the shed can lead to the involuntary and continuous production of electrical sparks in either panel. This could easily lead to a fire outbreak in the newly-constructed shed. A DIY-minded homeowner is more likely to make costly mistakes with electrical installations in a garage shed than a licensed electrical contractor. In this context therefore, prevention is indeed better than cure.

The dangers posed by the kind of electrical work that would be involved in DIY construction of a garage shed should convince a homeowner that this is not the average DIY activity. Contact a company that specializes in garage construction if you need to build a new one on your property.