Shed Choice and Approach

[rodrigol]

I completely agree that building from scratch is the best solution. The skills and strength (3 cervical surgeries later) required are not within my reach so I went for an easy to build pent shed with a detachable roof. I've been looking at all sorts of sheds and companies that specialise in obsy-sheds and manage to determine the key differences between a normal shed  and an obsy-shed:

1. Additional strengthening of the wall-roof structures. I added a rigid wood frame  that spans across all walls. The roof sits on top. 

2. Additional strengthening of the wall-floor structures. Think of the location of the obsy in relation to strong winds and lots of rain (e.g. gaps between the roof and walls and flooding).

3. You need to think carefully how you are going to deal with condensation, cold winters and hot days where temperatures inside the obsy can reach 35C. 

My design has so far survived the winter and summer storms we've had this year!  

An important piece of information is that the total build costs have been kept < £500 

Here are the relevant links to the build:

 

 

[tooth_dr]

I've converted an existing wooden shed as well as built a complete wooden shed from scratch.

From my experience it was easier modifying an existing shed than building a new one.  But everyone will have a different experience.

But however you decide to do it, it'll be the best move you'll make in the hobby.  I can 100% say I would have given up the imaging a long ago without the shed.

[smudgeball]

Just as an update

I've found a shed builder that is going to construct a roll off roof observatory for me.

They've completed a couple of similar requests before.

Won't take delivery until end of September, but I'm sure pics will follow

 

Neil

[Adam J]

3 hours ago, smudgeball said:

Just as an update

I've found a shed builder that is going to construct a roll off roof observatory for me.

They've completed a couple of similar requests before.

Won't take delivery until end of September, but I'm sure pics will follow

 

Neil

Cost and specification???

[smudgeball]

Hi

£1200 for a 7' x 5' pent roll off roof.

[Adam J]

On 18/07/2017 at 17:50, souls33k3r said:

£800 for an observatory? What? How did you manage to get that? I am planning on moving houses very soon within the next few months and an observatory is definitely right up there with "Honey, we surely can move but i need my North and East to be clear off any obstructions for my hobby". I'd most certainly like to see what you've done with yours.

Just like Neil, i have zero DIY skills but i do have the basic household tools. Thanks to Argos, i can screw in a few things on my own if needs be but that's the limit of what i can do

The trick is ordering the wood cut to the correct lengths so as you end up with no waist. For example the cladding to the left and right hand side of the door is exactly the correct length to allow me to use the off cuts from the cladding on the side. However it does have to be said that I am not including the cost of a couple of mistakes in that 800 pounds, cost me about another 150 pounds to make right. Finally the obsy is small only 1.7m x 1.7m x 1.7m ish and so its not allot of materials. I made the pier from concrete having made a form from some left over ply wood from the flooring. I already had a pier mounting plate and found a reasonably cheap source for the rails and wheels. 

I am going to do a quick thread on it with some pictures when I am 100% finished...not long now just need to paint the inside and do the electrics. 

[Adam J]

15 hours ago, smudgeball said:

Hi

£1200 for a 7' x 5' pent roll off roof.

That is very cheap, but I am guessing that electrics, the base, the pier, a high quality lock and some other things too are not included in that cost. Will be interested to see some pictures when its all done. 

[souls33k3r]

11 minutes ago, Adam J said:

The trick is ordering the wood cut to the correct lengths so as you end up with no waist. For example the cladding to the left and right hand side of the door is exactly the correct length to allow me to use the off cuts from the cladding on the side. However it does have to be said that I am not including the cost of a couple of mistakes in that 800 pounds, cost me about another 150 pounds to make right. Finally the obsy is small only 1.7m x 1.7m x 1.7m ish and so its not allot of materials. I made the pier from concrete having made a form from some left over ply wood from the flooring. I already had a pier mounting plate and found a reasonably cheap source for the rails and wheels. 

I am going to do a quick thread on it with some pictures when I am 100% finished...not long now just need to paint the inside and do the electrics. 

Thanks for sharing the info

1.7m is big enough because i do not expect to put a bed in there

Can't wait to see your thread

[smudgeball]

15 minutes ago, Adam J said:

 I am guessing that electrics, the base, the pier, a high quality lock and some other things too are not included in that cost.

Yeah that's just the cost of the obsy.

I need to collect it as well.

My pier was a modified skywatcher pier that I already had and just dropped off at local blacksmith to modify

So it went from this (minus legs)

 

To this with fins and a base plate welded.

I don't intend to permanently wire up the obsy so it will be an extension lead for any electrics on the night.

I'll be re-inforcing the door as necessary.

Cost wise, pier was initially £185 when purchased plus £75 for blacksmith so £260 all in.

Concrete foundation with bolts £105

So it's £1565 so far plus fitting out.

Neil