Who Is Secrets Of Shed Building?
Welcome! My name is John Coupe and I bring over 30 years of professional engineering experience to my work as a shed specialist.
After getting my master's degree in civil engineering back in 1988, I spent most of my career as a structural engineering consultant working on projects large and small around the world, but recently mostly in the UK.
It has been noticed that I may be a bit overqualified for my work building and repairing sheds! But I find being involved in the whole process of developing an idea and working with customers designing and repairing their buildings from beginning to end very fulfilling.
By specialising in the, potentially mundane, world of sheds I've developed a deep understanding of design, durability, and functionality - all of which I now channel into repairing, modifying or crafting bespoke, high-quality sheds.
My Shed building journey
I launched Secrets-of-Shed-Building.com in 2008 as a passion project that quickly gained a fairly wide following. I enjoyed sharing my knowledge about the design and construction of sheds of all types as well as showing how they were built. I also made some very useful contacts.
One of the contacts led to a publishing project, in 2018, to write The Haynes Shed Manual, a practical guide for building and fitting out sheds. I co-authored this book with Alex Johnson, a journalist and proprietor of the website Shedworking.co.uk.
Shortly after the book was published, I moved full-time into hands-on practical work. Focusing on repairing, modifying and also building new bespoke sheds across West Kent, East Sussex, and South London.
Shed repair and construction work
Today I work with my 23-year-old son, he's has seen what a good time I have at work ;-), and is keen to learn and carry the business into the future. Together, we're committed to delivering great service to ensure that our projects meet the unique needs and vision of our clients. Whether it is designing a custom shed or restoring a well-loved structure, I approach each project with care, precision, and a passion for quality.
When I'm not working repairing sheds I volunteer for my local Repair Cafe in Tunbridge Wells. We don't get many people in there looking for shed repairs. So, I most often work on the 'miscellaneous' section where I end up with a wide range of items from sticking together bits of broken porcelain to mending umbrellas.
When not repairing stuff you'll likely find me out on my bike in the High Weald of Kent. Staying active to keep my energy and focus sharp for those long days on site.
If your shed has seen better days and you need help to restore it to its former glory, or if you are looking for a new a shed that combines durability, functionality, and beauty - or need expert repairs to restore your existing structure - I'd love to help.
Contact details
Please leave your details and a description of the help you need on the form below and I'll get right back to you.
Important details to include are the size of shed and also whereabouts you are located. I will also probably ask for some pictures at a fairly early stage so it is good to have them on hand.
I need to visit most projects before I can prepare a quotation but for some I am able to prepare a costing using just a couple of photographs and some dimensions.
I look forward to working with you.
John Coupe
www.secrets-of-shed-building.com
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