First time poster here, though you can find me over on UKWorkshop too.
I have been busily researching and planning a workshed build to replace an existing dilapidated shed, and have a couple of questions which I've numbered that I'm hoping someone can help me with. I have lots of diagrams and pictures to help explain the situation and any issues I'm not sure about, as there are a number of confounding factors I'm a newbie with building, so if you can see any issues that seem obvious to you, which I might not have thought about, please do point them out.
The Workshop
I am planning to make it 8' by 12', with a flat roof (orientation not decided yet) and it will primarily be used for hobby and diy projects with hand and battery powered tools only (so no heavy machinery). It will be built with wood stud framing, and insulated and water proofed. I will need to get planning permission since this is within the grounds of a listed building, so no need to worry about permitted development issues related to height.
Q1: Does it matter which way I slope the flat roof?
Foundation - 9' 1 1/2" x 13' 6"
There is already a concrete foundation here, and it was built by some previous owner at an unknown date (I have lived here for a year now). I would prefer not to have to make one myself.
- It is close to soil level on some sides
- The concrete foundation (2") appears to have been cast in two sections on top of reclaimed bricks (~5")
- The surface is rough and pitted, but uncracked.
- Water collects and does not dry well..
As you can see it is not in great condition, but it feels strong and stable.
Q2: Can I re-use this foundation?
Q3: If yes, can I clean/prep it to prevent water/dirt collecting in the rough surfaces?
Q4: How much space should I leave on the edges of the foundation closest to the guy and on the right?
Boundary Wall
There is a boundary wall that is over a foot high(pics below). The problem with this is that this is ground level for the neighbours, and they have a large vegetable patch there. As such I am worried about surface run-off and damp issues. I am thinking of leaving a foot of space between the workshop and the wall.
Q5: Will water pooling be an issue?
Q6: Should I try and prevent rain as much as possible by extending the roof to create a guttered overhang?
As you can see it's quite damp, although that might be because I just swept up the winter's leaves. The wall is in quite a state as the previous owners dumped a lot of stuff back there.
Shed Base
I am thinking of following Mike's how to build a shed without concrete design (with the 145mm suspended floor).
Q7: Would this approach work here?
Q8: Would I need to cement the reinforced lintels down?
Q9: Would I need to apply mastic to the inside of the lintels to prevent water ingress?
That's all for now, thanks for reading this far and looking forward to your replies
-David