Designs

You are currently browsing the archive for the Designs category.

Design and build the ideal garage, barn or workshop yourself.  This easy click-and-drag software lets you create the perfect building and then print plans and a complete list of the materials that you’ll need.

Cuatom RV Garage and Workshop

Custom RV Garage and Workshop

For do-it-yourselfers who want to add extra storage space or just want to protect their car from the elements, BigHammer Software’s Garage Designer is the tool to use. Garage Designer uses a grid system that allows you to precisely create the exact size building you need by clicking and dragging. It is so precise that you can size your building to the inch.

Design your dream garage, workshop or storage barn. Then, click and drag it to the exact size you need. Choose a wall height from as low as 4′ up to 16′ to accommodate RVs and other large vehicles. Then, choose between several types of entry doors and garage doors.

After you’re happy with the design, Garage Designer provides all the information you need to transform your garage, barn or workshop plan into reality. You can see your building in a variety of ways, including 3D, plan, and dimensioned front, back & side views. Then, you can print your custom plans and have them at hand throughout your building project.

You can also print a complete material shopping list. You’ll know all your material quantities immediately so you can get accurate prices before you start to build. Garage Designer assures that you’ll never be caught running back to the lumber yard for forgotten supplies. Instead, you’ll be efficiently constructing your ideal, do-it-yourself garage. Your personal shopping list will help you buy everything you need the first time, right down to the nail.

The inexpensive, downloadable program comes with a free, full color garage building guide book that will take you step-by-step through the construction process.

Click here to read more >>>

Related Articles

If you’re planning a new barn on an old homestead or in an historic neighborhood, you should take a look at the Historic American Building Survey for design ideas and details. The HABS offers photos and measured drawings of hundreds of historic barns and outbuildings. They are indexed by location, so you can often find buildings that are appropriate for your site’s weather and vernacular building traditions.

1853 Shaker Church Family Cow Barn, State Route 4A, Enfield vicinity, Grafton County, NH

1853 Shaker Church Family Cow Barn, State Route 4A, Enfield vicinity, Grafton County, NH

The HABS is a joint effort of the Library of Congress and the National Park Service. It was started by the Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression to offer work to architects and engineers. They were invited to document historic buildings of all types in their areas. The idea was that the records and drawings that they created would be available to future generations, even if the buildings were lost to progress. For the buildings that remained standing, the documents would be a valuable tool for restorers. The extent of the documentation varied greatly from building to building. Some of the old barns are just recorded in photographs. Others have extensive sets of drawings showing floor plans, exterior elevations, timber frames, building details and even details of hand-forged hardware. Most of the material can be viewed online, and higher quality prints can be ordered through the Library of Congress.

The HABS didn’t end with the depression. It’s a work in progress. Preservation minded architects and educators continue to measure and record old structures. You can read more about their efforts to preserve America’s heritage by visiting the website Built in America.

I’ve compiled a list of links to the records of a variety of barns. They span three centuries and show the diversity of American vernacular design. They are just a few samples of the hundreds of barn and outbuilding designs that you can see. Click here to take a look at the list. Then, do your own searches through the vast collection. Make sure to look at the records of historic homes and farmsteads in your area. Many include barns and outbuildings that were on the same properties.

Related Articles

Gable Roof Shed by StorageShed-Plans.com

Gable Roof Shed by StorageShed-Plans.com

Looking for a challenging do-it-yourself project? How about a new storage shed, workshop or cabana for your backyard? With a good set of plans, a step-by-step building manual and a little patience, you can do it.

You’ll find inexpensive, good quality plans at StorageShed-Plans.com. They offer a variety of roof styles and layouts in more than a dozen different sizes from 8′x8′ to 16′x24′. You can download the plans and a seventy page building guide, and print them right on your computer as soon as you place your order. So, you can get started right away.

Still not sure if you want to tackle a project like that yourself? A sample version of the 8′x8′ shed plans is available for free. Print that and you’ll get a pretty good idea of what you’re getting yourself in to.

Read more >>>

Related Articles

Chandler Design Build's Carport and Workshop

Chandler Design Build's Carport and Workshop

Chandler Design Build, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, offers free downloadable design drawings for a beautiful and practical pole-frame carport. It has parking for two vehicles under a wide roof. A 12′x20′ enclosed project room opens from the carport. That space is perfect for your use as a workshop, garden shed, backyard studio or storage room. A small loft adds a high-and-dry spot for more storage.

Carports are inexpensive buildings - usually just a roof on posts. Unfortunately, they usually look inexpensive too. They’re great for sheltering cars, trucks, ATVs, trailers and boats, but not usually great for adding value or “curb appeal,” to a home. This design is different. The graceful hip-style roof and the added project room make it look like the substantial and valuable structure that it really is.

Chandler Design Build is an award-winning, green-oriented residential building company. Their homes and outbuildings reflect the talents of designer Beth Williams, builder Michael Chandler and a group of dedicated craftsmen. Visit their website, www.ChandlerDesignBuild.com to see their portfolio of completed projects.

The free, downloadable carport/workshop design drawings are available here >>>

Related Articles

« Older entries