How Much Does It Cost to Build A Shed

Are you in need of a storage place? An extra working space? A playhouse, perhaps? Are you debating on whether to buy or build a shed? If you are, you might be trying to answer this frequently asked question “how much does it cost to build a shed?” Well, let me answer that for you, the shed building price ranges from $300 to $5,000 with an average cost falling around $2,000. Understandably, the cost will greatly depend on the materials that will be used and the size of the shed that you intend to build.

A shed may be built for many purposes. It could be for storing bicycles, woods, and gardening tools. Sheds may also be for building a barn to keep or raise animals. It may even be built for play purposes for parents whose kids could use a shed playhouse. However, sheds are most commonly used for storage purposes. Whatever your purpose is in building a shed, it is important for you to be informed about the cost breakdown of what you are about to invest on. Here, we will discuss the factors that will affect the increase or decrease of the cost of shed-building; this will also serve as a semi-breakdown of the overall costs.

When dealing with shed building prices, it is important to look at the factors that will influence how much the cost is to build a shed.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Building a Shed

• Electricity/Plumbing – If you are planning to install electrical and /or plumbing systems in your shed, note that these will cost you more.
• Roof – Lumber could also be used for roofs as well as other materials such as angle brackets, hangers, joists, etc. All in all the roofing may cost up to $100.
• Base/Floor – The foundation of a shed is often made of concrete; it is also known as a concrete pad. Usually, this costs around $75 per cubic yard. For an 11’x 13’ area, it may cost around $800.
• Walls – The walls are usually made of good quality pressure-treated lumber or plywood decks. Approximately the walls may cost up to $800 although there are cheaper materials available that may cost less than $500.
• Shed Size – The overall shed size will also greatly affect your costs. Bigger sheds will cost you more as more materials will be needed. This may also dictate whether or not you will need a building permit.
• Permit – Usually there is no need to get a permit when building a shed. However, there are some places in the U.S. wherein it is necessary to secure a permit especially if the shed is of a large size. Shed permits may cost you around $100 and are necessary to ensure that the shed meets the code requirements.

Quick Steps in Building a Shed/Overview

If you are interested in the question “how much does it cost to build a shed”, then it is safe to assume that you are also interested in how a shed is built. Listed below is a quick overview of the steps needed to be taken when creating a shed.

1. Establishing your base – this means digging a trench and pouring concrete in it so as to create a sturdy base for your shed. Here is also where you will establish electrical channels if you wish to put electrical systems in your shed.
2. Create the walls and roof – Plywood or lumber is often used as walls and roofing. You can use a chalk to guide you in making the walls and roof forms. Once you have built your walls, stand the walls and nail the corners of the side wall and back walls to form the shed.
3. Put the roof into place – For this, you may need 2-3 persons when lifting the roof as it may be heavy.
4. Build the door and windows – Using pencil, you can make your outlines for windows and doors. You will then have to use a cutting device to cut through your outlines.
5. Prime and paint the shed.

Useful Tips when Building a Shed

• For cheaper costs, always keep in mind that you can reuse and recycle materials from previous construction projects. If you do not have any, you can go around your neighborhood and buy or ask for leftover materials.
• DIY sheds are cheaper, however, quality may be compromised; this is why it is important to thoroughly research what materials will ensure durability.
• Ask help online. There are plenty of websites that share their steps in building sheds. These websites even use step-by-step pictures to relay a clear instruction. They will be very useful especially if you do not have any building experience.
• Online custom calculation is good for those of you who want to determine further the cost of building a shed.
• Hiring professional shed builders will cost you more but will ensure quality and keep you from the dirty work.

Once again, to answer the question “how much does it cost to build a shed?” we have established the fact that there are a number of factors that needs to be considered as previously mentioned above. However, the shed building price discussed above, seem to be reasonable as it will give you an extra working space in your own home that could serve multiple purposes for you and your family.