If you are looking to buy a new shed, whether it is your first shed or a replacement, one of the most important factors to take into consideration is cost, as it is an investment that may be worth a lot.
Having your own shed gives you benefits. You can store your tools, equipment, and anything you don't want to keep in your house. Before purchasing, you must decide whether to build a custom shed or get a pre-built one. There are many advantages and disadvantages to going with either, and it all comes down to preference.
So, is it cheaper to build or buy a shed? Let's find out!
What Are The Factors That Determine How Much A Shed Typically Costs?
If you want to get an aesthetically pleasing shed, there are some things you need to look out for as they influence the price. Things like the labor costs, all the materials used, tools required, and the style of the shed can all determine how much you will spend on a shed.
Style
The final cost is hugely influenced by the shed style and type. The price of a storage shed ranges from about $300 to $15000, while a simple garden shed can run from $100 to $1000. Also, the cost will increase if the shed has features like shelves.
Materials
The shed building materials used play a crucial role in determining the final cost of the shed. Metal sheds range from about $500 to $7000, while vinyl sheds can cost as little as $200. It is simple; using expensive materials results in a costlier shed, but a shed built with cheaper materials won't cost as much.
Size
The bigger the size of a shed, the more its cost. So, if you are looking for extra storage space, you need to increase your budget.
Everything about the size of the shed influences the price, including the floor space and roof height. You will save money going for a shed with a low roof and small floor space.
Building Your Own Shed
Building your own shed is an excellent solution for your storage needs. If you choose to have your backyard shed built from scratch, this is what you can expect.
Advantages
These are some perks you stand to benefit from if you opt to build your own shed.
Quality
Custom-built sheds give you complete control over the shed quality, unlike a pre-built model. Building a shed from scratch will save you the stress of dealing with cheaper cuts of wood, shoddy timber, or some of the other least expensive materials. If you decide to build your own shed, it gives you the room and more creative control to customize it how you want.
It is Cheaper
Buying a shed means you are paying someone for their skill and labor. However, if you opt to build a shed, you are saving money as you won't charge yourself for labor. But, ideally, you will have helpers during the course of the entire project, so you may need to provide them with food and drinks.
Budget control
You can take advantage of building your own shed and keep everything under budget even while making a few tweaks. You control your spending. You can choose to go easy on the insulation and maybe install some additional windows. You can also add extra outlets or take the size down a bit while maintaining your budget.
Flexibility
Your flexibility is not limited when you decide to construct your own shed. You can easily add extras like gutters, shelves, rails, and many more items. You get to say where the doors and windows go and choose the design and sizes.
Disadvantages
Just as everything that has pros must have cons, you can face some challenges while building your shed.
Time
You must be fully ready for construction projects like this as you will spend a lot of time on them. It will require your time and effort, especially if it is your first time. You will also need top-notch organization and careful planning if you want your dream shed.
Tools
If you don't already have a dedicated DIY set of tools, you should be ready to spend some cash to get the power tools you need for the project. There's no way to cut corners on this.
Equipment You Need To Build A Shed
These are all the tools needed to build your own shed:
First aid kit
Pair of ladders
Safety equipment
Wood glue
Wood chisels and clamps
Power tools like a circular saw and drill
Nails, screws, and screwdriver
Wooden stakes, measuring tape, and hammer.
Typical Costs When Building A Shed
These are the factors that typically affect the cost of building a shed:
Size - You should budget about $17 to $24 per square foot of space.
Foundation - For the shed foundation you can use concrete blocks and runners. There is also the option of a concrete slab that costs around $75 per cubic yard.
Type of siding - You can select metal, vinyl, or wood siding for your shed. Metal sheds cost about $300 to $2000, vinyl sheds cost around $800 to $5000, and wood sheds range from $600 to $3000.
Type of roof - The different materials you use for your shed roof also impacts the price. You can use asphalt shingle, metal, tile, or tin roof.
Windows - Depending on the size and number, the window price ranges from $60 to $400 per piece.
Considering all these factors, the typical price range of building a shed falls between $800 and $6000.
Quick steps to building a structurally sound shed
Install deck piers and string support beams across them
Assemble the floor frame and add floor sheeting
Frame the walls
Mount the roof frame
Fit the exterior siding to the walls
Attach plywood and shingles to the roof
Fit the doors and windows
Add a proper shed ventilation system
Insulate and waterproof the shed
Buying A Shed From A Shed Construction Company
If you are not a fan of DIY projects or don't have the skill level needed, then purchasing a pre-built shed is your best option. While you don't have complete control of the project, picking quality materials, or the design of the shed, there are perks to buying a shed. You'll be saving yourself the stress of doing the hard work.
Advantages
Warranty
When you buy a shed, it will most likely be covered by the manufacturer's warranty, which means you get a free repair service if there is a defect. But you are responsible for dealing with any issues or mess if you build your shed yourself.
Tools
You won't need extra tools if you purchase a pre-built shed. You might need a screwdriver to fix a lock hasp, but that's about it. The delivery guys will be responsible for installing the shed and will ensure it is level on its foundation.
Time
Since the shed is already built, you don't have to devote time to the construction. Once the foundation is prepared, schedule delivery. Your shed could be delivered to you in a day or a couple of weeks.
Disadvantages
Yes, there are downsides to buying a shed.
Price
The disadvantage of buying a shed is the noticeable cost difference. When it comes to already built sheds, you can expect to pay a lot as things like workmanship and materials all add to a high cost. Also, don't forget the installation and delivery costs. If you want a quality shed, be ready to spend more.
Typical Costs When Buying A Shed
If you are looking to buy a shed that is 8ft by 10ft, it will cost you an average of $1300. However, some other things could influence the final cost. These include:
Labor: If installing the shed is too much of a job for you, then you have to hire a contractor to do the work, and this would cost you about $50 to $100 per hour. Also, there is the case of electricity; you need an electrician to do the wiring.
Delivery costs: If the manufacturer does not offer free delivery, you will need to pay for that as sheds can weigh over 500 pounds.
If you are looking to buy a shed, you can't go wrong with Urban Sheds. We can deliver the best shed for your home, and what's more, you have the liberty to design your shed. You also get a 30-year warranty on the shed you order. Use our contact form or check out our 3D configurator for more information.
Buying a Shed Kit
There is a wide variety of kits to choose from, which can make your life easier in many ways. A shed can be a storage unit for your garden tools and equipment and other items or a small barn.
However you want to utilize your shed, you will get the most out of it. Kits come with detailed instructions and tips for constructing a durable shed. These are some of the advantages and disadvantages of buying a shed kit:
Advantages
At this point, you might be wondering how using a kit will help you. Buying a kit has some benefits:
Beginner Friendly
As an inexperienced builder, a kit would be your best friend during the course of building. While utilizing a kit, you don't need to be as good as professional builders to put your building skills to work.
Better Convenience
Buying a shed kit is more convenient. Your building project will be completed faster. There are instructions, so you don't need to waste time figuring out which plan or materials to use.
No Labor Costs
One major selling factor of kits is that you don't need to go through the hassle of hiring builders to do the work for you. With a shed kit, you cut back on some expenses to construct it yourself.
Disadvantages
The drawbacks of buying a shed kit include:
No custom choices
A shed is meant to help you store things safely, but that doesn't mean it can't look outstanding. Shed kits don't give you as much creative freedom, meaning you can't fully design it to your taste. You will also have less control over the quality and structure of your shed compared to building one from scratch.
Building vs Buying a Shed - Comparison
Now, let us discuss the differences between buying a shed and building one:
Time
Building your own shed is cheaper. But although it may be cheaper to build a shed yourself, you will need to allow a lot of time. You need to level the ground, measure the dimensions, and do other customizations.
If you buy a shed, you just sit and wait for the transport company or delivery guys to bring it and have it installed.
Building Materials
After you have started building your shed, you have the ability to change the material you are using.
On the other hand, you cannot change the material when you buy a pre-built shed.
Size
When you build your shed from scratch, you get to choose and modify the size and shape of the shed to your liking. You can get a larger shed cheaper too.
If you go ahead to buy a shed, you don't have control over the size as what you purchase is what you get.
Construction Quality and Longevity
If you decide to build a shed, you can be sure it will last much longer since you hand-picked the building materials yourself.
With buying a shed, you cannot be so sure of the quality of materials used.
Electricity and Plumbing
When building a shed yourself, you need to call a plumber and electrician to do the plumbing and wiring work.
When you buy a pre-built shed, the plumbing and electrical installations will be taken care of by the shed company.
Customization & Design
You have so much creative control when building a shed because you can create whatever you want.
Most pre-built sheds or kits on the market already have pre-existing designs, so you just have to select one of them.
Cost
When you build a shed yourself, you don't have to pay for labor costs. So your costs per square foot are significantly cheaper.
You have to pay for the labor of the builder that put the shed together if you buy one ready-built.
So, Is It Cheaper To Build Your Own Shed Or Buy One?
In a nutshell, if you build your own shed, the cost will be lower than buying one. But, you must remember that you will need at least one helper.
You will also need to devote a lot of time and energy, and you should have some basic construction knowledge. You should note that there won't be any warranty if you decide to build your own shed.
Conclusion
If you have decided to shop for a shed that will serve you well, then you should know the value it will quickly add to your home.
You can opt for a shed made from engineered wood, vinyl, plastic, metal, or wood. You can invest in this attractive structure, and rest assured that your storage problems will be solved.
Is it cheaper to build a shed or buy one? The difference in the cost of building a shed vs buying can be significant. But you have to take into consideration other things like how much time and effort the project will take.
With all the information provided, you can now answer the question is it cheaper to build or buy a shed for yourself based on your budget and needs - and choose the best option.