Beginner's Guide to Backyard Building

Design and build a simple backyard structure—from a basic garden shed or chicken coop to a fully finished tiny house—even if you've never built anything before!

In this inspiring beginner's guide to building, author Lee Mothes illustrates the entire process from start to finish, beginning with site evaluation and ending with a finished building. Using his own detailed drawings and clear step-by-step instructions, Mothes shows how to: Build one small (6ʹ x 8ʹ) structure—suitable for use as a workshop, studio, garden shed, playhouse, or chicken coop. Use that basic knowledge to build a more permanent structure, such as a tiny cabin, granny flat, or home office. Modify the structure to suit your needs and location by adding a loft, moving doors or windows, changing the roof pitch, or adding rooms. You’ll end up with an attractive, functional building, as well as construction skills you can use for a lifetime.