Owning a shed is an excellent solution to free up space in your house. In a shed, you can store a wide variety of things that clutter your household, from gardening tools to Christmas decorations. Likewise, if you have a DIY or passion project, a shed will provide the extra space you need to let your creativity flow.
There are many things to consider when looking into getting your own shed. Aspiring builders must budget the cost of materials, choose between multiple design options, and acquire the basic tools needed to build a shed. Needless to say, one must also have the building skills to handle such a construction project on its own.
A more straightforward option is to purchase a pre-built or custom shed. A pre-built shed is easy to install and can be modified to cater to the needs of the buyer. Additionally, you will have access to your new shed much sooner if you go for the prefabricated option.
However, one question remains: Is it cheaper to build a shed or to buy it? As with any building project, to make a shed from the ground up one must pre-plan, design, acquire expensive materials and tools, and handle transportation. While the upfront cost of a shed assembly service may seem high, the actual cost of building a shed could be higher.
Hmuch does it cost to build a shed?
The cost of building a high-quality, durable DIY shed varies depending on various factors. While a really small wooden shed can cost less than $500, building a large storage shed can cost more than $25,000.
Size
As with any other building project, the cost of a shed depends on its size. While a small 4-foot by 7-foot shed may end up costing less than $1,000 to build, a larger 12-foot by 12-foot shed can cost over $5,000. It is important to remember that it is not only the square foot floor space that counts but also the intended height of the shed. The average price of a shed with a higher roof is above one with a lower roof.
Materials
The cost of building materials is a key factor to determine the price of a shed. Most sheds are built using one of the following materials:
- Wood sheds: Wood is the most popular building material for sheds. There are many different types of wood and the material is easy to cut and shape. Wood sheds may be aesthetically pleasing, but they can also be expensive. Their price can rise depending on the specific type of wood in use. It is important to note that wood sheds require a very solid foundation and protection against insects, fungi, and weather damage.
- Treated wood sheds: This type of wood is better at resisting moisture, insects, and bad weather. It is also more durable than regular lumber. Unfortunately, it can drastically increase the price of a building project. Some builders prefer to limit its use to only the floor and the foundation of a shed to save on costs.
- Metal sheds: Metal has its advantages and disadvantages. Its strength makes it ideal for building sheds in areas with frequent heavy storms. Metal is very durable and safe from insects and fire, but metal sheds may rust over time. Higher quality metals, such as aluminium and steel, resist rust but come at a higher price. Moreover, metal sheds tend to fall short in the looks department.
- Plastic sheds: Plastic is one of the less expensive options for building materials. It is resistant to moisture and insects. There is also less maintenance involved with plastic sheds because they aren’t prone to receiving much damage. Even so, plastic tends to deteriorate in bright sunlight.
- Vinyl sheds: Vinyl is stronger than most building materials and will last even longer than the best metals. It is also very appealing to the eye, giving sheds built from it a very good look. However, vinyl also tends to be the more expensive building material for sheds.
- Prefab shed kits: Shed-building kits are a potential solution for first-time shed builders. A shed kit will come with all the pieces pre-cut and ready to assemble. On the other hand, they may take a long time to build and don’t offer much creative control over the design.
The material you choose should be influenced by the size of the shed, your construction expertise, and the time you wish to invest in the project. If a shed is only meant to hold a lawnmower and some garden tools, then a small wooden shed will do. However, anything larger will require additional thought.
When building a shed, it is also necessary to have the right power tools. You may already have some shed-building tools lying around the house, but unless you frequently work on DIY projects, you may need to buy other tools.
Essential tools to build a shed include:
- A circular saw
- Sawhorses
- A ladder
- A nail punch
- Tape measure
- A drill
- A framing nailer
- Safety glasses
- Framing or speed square
- An air compressor
- Etc.
Style
The intended purpose of a shed is bound to affect its cost. A shed only needed for some extra storage space doesn’t require the careful planning and custom building of a workshop. Simple garden sheds tend to cost less than $1,000 to build, while storage sheds can cost more than $10,000 if they possess additional amenities such as shelving and electrical outlets. A shed meant to be used as an office can cost between $5,000 and $15,000.
Planning regulations
You should be aware of the specific ordinances and building codes of the place where you wish to build your shed. You may need to acquire a permit, which is not free. Normally, building a very small structure on one’s property doesn’t require the acquisition of a permit, but it is still important to be sure. Buildings larger than 15 square meters tend to require some kind of legal permit.
Labor costs
Unless you’re prepared to handle the thrill of construction on your own, you will need to hire a contractor to help you build your shed. A team of builders will make sure that the project runs smoothly and safely. Contractors normally charge up to $100 per worker.
What is the average cost of a shed?
The average cost of a basic shed is between $2,500 and $3,000. The main determinants of price are the chosen building materials and the construction method.
Building a shed vs buying one
While building your own shed will give you complete control over the project, buying one is faster and easier. When building a shed, many challenges that are usually handled by professional builders must be addressed personally.
Quality control
Building a shed by yourself gives you control over your shed’s quality. However, this is a double-edged sword. While more control may be enticing, it also means that you have the responsibility to inspect every piece of material to see if it is up to standard. You will have to oversee the installation of extra supports and other features required to maintain your shed’s quality, durability, and usefulness.
Building costs
When you build a shed by yourself, you have total control over construction costs. This allows you to decide how much you want to spend. Nonetheless, it is important to keep an eye out for any hidden costs and space issues caused by too much corner-cutting.
On the other hand, when you buy a shed all building operations, including delivery, are handled by professionals. This means that the price you see is the price you pay. When buying a shed, you don’t have to worry about buying tools and materials, or hiring labor.
Time investment
Building a storage space can be a heft time investment. Before making the choice to build a shed, one must realistically consider if they have the time to see the project through. If you enjoy relaxing during the weekends or have a very active lifestyle, then building your shed may take much longer than you think.
Professional designs
While building your own shed may give you a sense of accomplishment, nothing guarantees that it will look and feel the way you want it to. In contrast, professional shed builders have the construction skills to deliver a shed that fits your specifications.
A shed is much more than four walls and a roof. It is possible to increase the appeal of a shed with windows, large doors, hooks for tools, electrical outlets, insulation, and many more elements.
Shop for sheds
It is faster and easier to buy a shed than to build one. If you don’t wish to wait a long time until your shed is useful or you need it before a specific date, then buying is definitely the way to go. Even if you think you have what it takes to build a shed on your own, buying one will give you the peace of mind of knowing you’re receiving a reliable structure. The time and effort it would take to get your shed built can be better spent enjoying a brand-new and beautiful custom shed.
La Cabanerie offers the best prefabricated and custom sheds, garages, gazebos, pool houses, and much more. Our prefabricated sheds have a series of advantages over traditional sheds, including increased durability and an easy installation process. Our team of experts is ready to listen to and understand your needs, study your outdoor space, and design the perfect shed for you.
