Outbuildings are part and parcel of living well. These additional facilities on your land make it easy to store extra items or get certain activities out of the house (where they could create a mess).
But how can you make new, affordable, practical outbuildings that serve your purposes? How should you approach this task?
Fortunately, this guide can help. It discusses practical advice you can use to make the most of your outbuildings.
Plan With Purpose
The first step is to get your planning right. Make sure you know what you want the outbuilding for.
Most people use outbuildings for:
- Keeping horses and other livestock
- Space for workshops
- Additional storage
Once you understand the purpose of the outbuilding, you can begin planning what to do with it and how you will construct it, including material choices, and whether it has doors/windows.
Having a purpose in mind allows you to focus on your costs.
Choose Cost-Effective Materials
You also want to choose cost-effective materials. Selecting items that are fit for purpose can help the outbuilding last longer, eliminating the need to build a new one after just five or ten years.
Speak to a roofing contractor about the best material for the roof. This part is often the first element of the building to start crumbling, so getting it right is critical.
You should also consider whether you should use pressure-treated lumber or corrugated metal. These materials have proven pedigree for outbuildings, but they may not be the best option for you.
Plywood siding is okay, but other options like brick or vinyl can last longer. These latter materials are better if you live in an area prone to driving rain, storms, high winds, flooding, or heavy snowfall.
Build On Budget-Friendly Foundations
Foundations are where construction projects can get expensive, so you need something that’s budget-friendly but will also last.
Fortunately, affordable foundations are easier to find than you might think. The simplest are concrete blocks or gravel beds. These provide a solid foundation for the structure to slot on top.
You can also use a concrete slab for the greatest longevity. However, this option is only really necessary for larger buildings where you intend to spend significant time inside. You don’t have to worry about this for sheds or other storage spaces.
Use A Simple Design
Adding bells and whistles to an outbuilding design is always tempting, but the most practical spaces are simple. These have single-pitch or gable roofs, and are oblong in shape.
Adding more angles and designs can feel like fun in the planning stage, but it adds to the cost. Intricacies are rarely free and increase the building work required to get the same internal volume.
Of course, if you have the budget, then go for it. But if affordability is the main objective, it could be a waste of money.
Use Salvaged Materials
Another option is to use salvaged materials. These help you bring down the cost significantly.
Virgin wood and other materials are expensive. But if you can find ruins with old timber you can treat and stones you can use for the foundations, you may find that your costs come down substantially.
Salvaged materials are usually around 20% to 50% cheaper overall, even if you buy them from a supplier. They won’t last quite as long as virgin materials, but they have a ruggedness about them that makes them attractive and well worth the investment.
DIY Where Possible
You also want to DIY where possible when it comes to outbuildings. Naturally, things like foundations and roofing should be left to experts (otherwise you might find you have some very expensive mistakes on your hands), but other jobs like interior painting and laying stepping stones are things you can do yourself.
Sometimes, you can find portable outbuildings that come with instructions on how to put them together. However, these still require still and expertise in most cases.
Shop Smarter For Supplies
Another approach for reducing costs is to shop smarter for building supplies. Looking for discounts on lumber and roofing material is a good idea. Check big-box retailers, local hardware stores, and online retailers to see who offers the best rates.
Use Natural Resources
Finally, make sure your outbuilding uses natural resources available to it. For example, use windows and skylights to bring in natural light and look for ways to cut down on the building’s reliance on electrical wiring.
If you can place it at an angle that protects it from the prevailing weather fronts, that helps too.
