Oh boy ... that's definitely a loaded question, but thank heavens my husband doesn't read these forums!

I'd had it all planned out (the shed, that is), but it was not cost effective. Oh all right - $2000.00 IS a bit ridiculous, I suppose. We modified the design and took a few shortcuts to significantly drop the cost, got a few things from friends ("free" works for me!), and ended up w/ a really cool shed, inside & out. It's large enough to hold all of my garden tools/accessories/books/etc. Plenty of space to move around, lots of counter space for various tasks ... I actually spend quite a bit of time out there on the weekends, even in cold temps (propane heater).

BUT ... the number one thing that I would do different is the roof. While corrugated tin LOOKS absolutely fantastic, rustic, etc., it doesn't hold heat worth a darn!

Of course, I can't possibly say anything about it at this point - the shed is built, and I'M the idiot that fell in love w/ the overall look of a tin roof!

*heavy sigh* Guess I shot myself in the foot, so to speak!

Increase the size of it at least 4X, install an overhead garage door,windows in the south wall, insulation, water electricity, and heat

Oh boy . . . the very shed I had in mind has a metal roof so I'm glad I read your tips. Can't insulation be installed under the metal roof though?

The shed I have my eye on was shown in the July/August 2003 issue of Family Handyman magazine. I posted a link to a picture of it below. It was called 'The Ultimate Gardening Shed'. I have ordered a back issue of this magazine so I can get the plan. Then I plan on taking the material supply list to 84 Lumber and getting a price on the materials themselves. That's not even counting the cost of the labor.

I know it's going to be very expensive so I may not be able to have it built for another year or two. In the meantime I can learn from other people's tips and I can look at the picture and drool.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:287247}}

Planning a greenhouse/shed. Is it for storage? Will it be wet? I plan a 10'x12' barn type stucture, south slopes fiberglass, south wall old windows, e & w walls more fiberglass and windows. Have moved dirt to make a flat place for it. Want expandability on east end.

We use our garden shed only as a garden shed. No non-gardening 'stuff' allowed in it. After building a sun room and greenhouse, I've learned how easy it is to install a skylight. If I was building the garden shed again, I'd add an east or west facing skylight...regardless of how small the shed is.

Re the comment above on metal roofs. It should be easy to insulated with rigid styrofoam. I'm not a fan of building anything with metal or plastic because wood is so much easier to renovate or add on to , match up, etc. 'after the fact'.

just_me -

the roof you're looking at (based on your link) could probably be insulated. Mine, however, is that cheap corrugated metal sheeting. Looks great in redneck beer joints, but just doesn't work on a garden shed IF you're going to try & over-winter plants.

Now, if you don't have to keep anything alive, there's no need to worry one way or the other. I've been working in my shed during this latest cold snap (single digit temps) w/ a propane heater, and I stay warm & toasty. I've got windows on the East, West, and South walls, w/ cupboards along the North wall. But keeping houseplants out there over the winter months - no way. Unless, of course, I'm prepared to have an electric bill that equals the gross national debt (which is out of the question, since none of my kids are inclined to turn off their TVs, Radios, PCs, etc.).

Ilsa

Build it twice as big as you think you need. Add a water faucet and fiberglass laundry sink inside. Run a natural gas line for heat. Add an electrical box with 220-240V electricity rather than just 110V. Add self opening vents. Pour a solid concrete floor. Now, you must realize at the time I built mine I was on a tight budget.

I'd make sure my husband got a permit from the city to build it!