- 1). Obtain a permit. Draw a plan of the proposed building with dimensions. Draw a second plan showing the location of the building in relation to other structures and to property boundary lines. Contact your local city or county building department and submit a permit application. Do not start working on the project until you have been approved.
- 2). Prepare the pad. Clear all vegetation and level the area using shovels or a backhoe. Measure the outline of the building and mark it with stakes and twine. Make certain it is square and all four corner angles are at 90 degrees.
- 3). Excavate the foundations. Dig trenches 1 foot wide and 1 foot deep all the way around the inside perimeter of the building, with a post hole at each corner 18 inches deep. Insert the 4-inch by 4-inch posts in the holes and make certain they are vertical with a plumb line. For buildings larger than 12 feet by 12 feet, you may need intermediate posts in the center of each side. Hammer scrap wood onto the posts angled down to the ground to brace them and keep them in place. These can be removed once the posts are concreted in.
- 4). Set the forms. Hammer lengths of rebar or metal stakes into the ground to set the 4-inch by 6-inch or other type of forms around the exterior boundary of the building on the outer edge of the foundation trenches. Spread a network of rebar or old scrap metal pieces over the floor to reinforce the concrete and prevent it from cracking and crumbling.
- 5). Hire a concrete pumping company. Pump concrete into the foundations, post holes and floor area. If you prefer, mix bags of ready mix concrete with water in a wheelbarrow using a shovel. Shovel the concrete into the foundations and post holes and the entire floor area inside the forms until they are all completely filled with concrete. Allow 48 hours for drying. This is called a monolithic pour because the foundations and floor are all concreted at the same time as one unit.
- 6). Build the roof supports. Saw the tops off the two rear, and any in-between, posts to create an even slope of about 18 inches from the front to the back of the building. Attach the 2-inch by 6-inch cross beams to the tops of the posts with 6-inch galvanized carriage bolts, notching the posts with a hammer and cold chisel to make them fit if necessary. Screw 2-inch by 4-inch beams at 18 inch intervals across the roof area.
- 7). Nail the metal roofing sheets onto the beams with galvanized roofing nails and a nail gun. Make certain the channels slope down toward the lower rear of the building for rain and snow drainage. Frame up a doorway with 2-inch by 6-inch lumber. Frame up and install widows with 2-inch by 4-inch lumber if desired. Screw 2-inch by 4-inch horizontal beams across the center of the walls around the building. Nail metal roofing material onto the posts and cross beams on the remainder of the sides of the building to make the metal walls. Install the door with strong hinges.
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