It may seem hard to imagine with the current conditions outside, but now is the perfect time to start thinking about backyard season. In addition to planning your gardens and picking patio furniture, it might be time to start considering taking on an outdoor project. To that regard, may I suggest a playhouse?

The one I had when I was little seems more like a play-shanty when compared to the ones here, which offer plenty in the way of inspiration. Imagine how much fun a kid — or, hey, even an adult — could have in these pint-size works of art? And for those of us without kids or grandchildren, I’ve added a grown-up option or two as well.

Article courtesy of Houzz. Enjoy the slide show below or click on the image to access original article.

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Are you an insufferable romantic? While “cordwood masonry” sheds employ a building method of days gone by, they still have an unmistakeable charm. This cordwood shed is a particularly charming and whimsical interpretation of this lost building method.

Article excerpt courtesy of Sunset Magazine

Creative ideas for backyard retreats, detached home offices, and reinvented sheds

Fairy tale eco shed

Photography by John Granen, Kathleen Brenzel

Gail and Mark Dupar’s shed looks like a cozy vacation cabin, or something out of “Hansel and Gretel.” But the cordwood structure is really the nerve center of the couple’s kitchen garden on Decatur Island in Washington’s San Juans.

Here they start seedlings, arrange flowers, raise tomatoes, store tools, and dry freshly harvested shallots on the warm brick floor.

Photography by John Granen, Kathleen Brenzel

Tour the cabin’s creative details

A note of caution… If you are looking to add a cordwood garden shed to your property, it is best to first check with your local permit office. We have a previouse blog entry on this topic here. For alternate shed options, you may also wish to look at the DrummondHousePlans Shed Collection.

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www.DrummondHousePlans.com - Plan # 2961-16

Adding outbuildings and sheds can increase your property values and add much-needed space and efficiency. When adding a building to your property, you need to be aware of your local guidelines.

The best thing to do is to check with your local permit office for details on what buildings require permits and which buildings may be exempt. Often, a building under 100 sq.ft. without a permanent foundation will not need a building permit. But still ensure you are familiar with local regulations regarding size limits and setbacks.

Permits are normally set by the provincial building code, but enforced by municipalities. The reason for the permit process is to ensure that zoning requirements for the town or city are met and that safety and fire codes are also met. Zoning regulations can usually be found in the town or cities zoning by-laws. Municipalities and towns may add specific zoning requirements for their area.

The realtor’s mantra of location, location, location applies to these buildings. They cannot impact septic tanks, property lines, easements, utility lines, water, or drainage systems. Some places may also have rules regarding placement in relation to public roads or separation from the home. Areas with a building scheme may also have conditions on the type, size and location of storage building placement. Some subdivisions may not even allow the construction of sheds so it is best to do your homework to make sure you are a good neighbour.

If a building permit is required, you may be required to provide a diagram illustrating the location of the proposed building. Included will be the location of existing structures, water lines, power lines, septic tanks, and property lines. Again, your local permit office will be the best place to start.

When constructing a larger storage building, shop or garage, construction plans are required to obtain building and development permits, which may include:

- A plan illustrating the dimensions of the proposed building

-  Cross-section building plan showing the material used for the roof, walls, and floor.

Depending on where you live and the complexity of the building (structural, electrical, plumbing) you may require an inspection or inspections be conducted by the building inspection department. You can also avoid headaches and frustration by allowing plenty of time for the issuance of your permit and required inspections.

Knowing the steps to securing a permit will make the process of adding storage or workspace will make the process much quicker and easier.

Drummond House Plans has a great variety of sheds, garages, and even garages with bonus space above. At Drummond, we can be customized sheds and outbuildings to complement your home by echoing the architectural elements or simplify the look to blend into the background.

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The May long weekend is upon us and the promise of spring is all around. The long weekend can be relaxing, productive or both! Just in case you are wondering what to do with your first long weekend, we have compiled our “top 10″ list of activities:

1. Open the cottage.We have recently blogged on this topic. It is time to bring your recreation property out of hibernation to allow for maximum enjoyment for the rest of the summer.

2. Plant a veggie garden. The May long weekend is traditionally a safe time to plant all of your vegetables. The risk of frost is virtually past. If you are a novice to the art of planting veggies, fear not! Growing veggies, is fun and the product is rewarding. If you don’t have a family member or neighbour with a green thumb, the Internet is a great place to become an armchair market gardener. Great reference sites include:

• Grow Veg
• Veggie Gardening for Dummies
• Gardening Know How

3. Garden Centre Tours – Once you know what you are planting (or even if you do not!) a trip to your local garden centres is in order. Just remember that potted plants are fragile and need to be pampered until you get them in the ground. Allowing them to dry out, even once, will affect the health of the plants. Because of this, resist the urge to over-purchase. You can always do a trip back to pick up more.

4. Road trip! – This is a great time to be a local tourist. Pay a visit to your local tourism centre and get a local attractions guide. You can do several day trips or a weekend excursion which ties into the next item…

5.  Camping – The May long-weekend is often the first major camping weekend. Campsites are normally at a premium so you are best to book a site before leaving to avoid disappointment. Critical grocery items? Graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate. Camping is just not the same without S’Mores!

6. Build a deck – Summer living often involves a lot of outdoor living and great decks help with staycations –  vacations in your own back yard! If you are very visual, try an online tool  like the one at TimberTech to help you get a better idea of what your deck will look like. And don’t forget your building permit!

7. Time for a new BBQ? If your old BBQ just doesn’t cut it anymore, it may be time to look for a new one. What better way to kick off the vacation season than grilling something special! If you are not sure which BBQ is best for you, this article may be helpful.

8.  Build a shed. Many home improvement stores include shed kits which can be quickly and easily assembled. If you are looking for something a bit more substantial, check out the DrummondHousePlans shed and storage collection. As always, make sure you have a building permit if one is required.

9.   Shakeout cruise! The May long weekend is often the first outing in the family pleasure craft. It is important to note that all Canadian boaters operating a powered watercraft for recreational reasons in Canada need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card or they risk a $250 fine. If you haven’t already written your exam, you can actually do so online.

10. Property hunting. On the May long weekend, realtors notice a marked spike in the number of clients who search for “that perfect place” for either their next home or vacation getaway. Most places look attractive at this time of year. Remember the property selection mantra… “location, location, location.” And when you have the perfect location, let the friendly staff of DrummondHousePlans help in the selection or customization for your perfect space.

Enjoy your weekend everyone, and be sure to play safe and stay safe!

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Store your bicycles, garden tools, recreational toys & other seasonal necessities like snow blowers and swimming pool gear in the creative NEW shed plans that Drummond House Plans‘ has planned. Saving space and making room, either way you look at it, this Drummond designs’ collection of sheds is dedicated to providing you with storage solutions.

Shed Plan 2963-16 by www.DrummondHousePlans.com

To get a custom shed plan or a playhouse plan to match your existing or future house, please contact Drummond House Plans’ customization department or call 1-800-567-5267.

If you are looking for a larger storage solution, visit our detached garage designs collection. 

Garage Plan 3981 by www.DrummondHousePlans.com

For those who are searching for extra space for your in-laws, review our garage plans with apartment collection.

Garage Plan with Apartment / Mother-in-law Suite (Plan 3935) by www.DrummondHousePlans.com

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