A shed in your backyard offers a great solution for your storage. These structures can fit easily into spaces while also safeguarding your storage. And it doesn’t have to be out of the ordinary. It can be made to compliment your house and be an attractive piece in your yard.
So if you are thinking about a shed, the first question that comes to mind is whether you should build a shed or buy one. Various factors determine the better option for you, including time, effort, money, and DIY skills.
Since the world revolves around money, we always think about the cost before thinking about something else. So this article focuses on the financial aspect, whether building a shed or buying a shed is cheaper.
What is the cost of building a shed?
The price of this construction project is also calculated by the square foot of the structure. The typical size of the shed is 10 feet in length and 8 feet in width, and this covers 80 square feet. So the average cost per square foot is around 17 to 24 dollars, with an average shed costing you 1300 to 1900 dollars. Some things affect the cost of building a shed, including:
Material used
Wood, vinyl, or metal is used for constructing a shed. Wood sheds will cost you 600 to 3000 dollars, metal sheds cost around 300 to 2000 dollars, while vinyl sheds cost approximately 800 to 5000 dollars and are the most expensive option.
Windows installed
Windows range from $60 to $400 per piece.
Roof
Whether flat or pitched, the type of roof made with metal or shingles will also affect pricing.
Composite trim
It costs $2 to $5 per square foot.
Venting
The type of venting used will also affect pricing.
Tools used
You may need various tools, including a drill, sawhorse, circular saw, nail gun, or compressor. This will add to the total cost if you have to buy them.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of building a shed?
Advantages
· When building your shed, you have control over the quality you want. You do not have to compromise on the cheaper cuts, sturdiness of shed, details, quality of materials, or workmanship.
· You can build good-quality sheds within your budget. Since you can decide where to put more money and where to save, you can get good quality shed according to your requirements within your budget.
· You can build the shed from the materials that you want.
· You also have a lot of flexibility. You can decide what to add and what to remove. The height of the shed, the number of windows, and other additional things are within your hands.
· Building a shed comes with great personal satisfaction. And you will take proper care and precision when it comes to building your shed.
· You can let your imagination run wild and create unique designs according to the location where you wish to place it and the purpose it will be used for. Your shed doesn’t have to be a box-shaped structure.
· Building your shed means saving around 40% of the money that may be paid for labor work if you buy a shed.
· If you have limited space, then you will not be able to find a pre-built shed of that size, so by building your own shed, you can utilize the space.
Disadvantages
· Building your own shed requires a lot of time and effort. So you need to plan carefully if you want to build your own shed.
· Your personal life will also be affected, and you should consider this before actually building a shed.
· Building a shed requires power tools that, if you do not have within your tools already, you will have to buy them all.
· You will need some help when you build your shed. So the completion of your project may be at the mercy of their availability.
What is the cost of buying a shed?
The average cost of buying a typical 10-foot long and 8-foot wide is 1200 dollars. This means that per square foot, the cost ranges from 12 to 18 dollars. The various factors that contribute to the overall price of the prebuilt sheds include:
Cost of delivery
Pre-built sheds are heavy and thus may weigh around 500lbs. So if you do not get free delivery, then the cost of delivery will add to the final cost.
Additional materials
If there is something additional you want to add, like shingles, then this will also affect the cost of buying a shed.
Labor cost
Pre-built sheds need to be installed when they arrive at your house. If you are not going to do it yourself, then hiring a contractor for installation will cost you around 50 to 100 dollars per hour. And if there is some electrical work needed, then your labor costs will increase.
But if you only consider the per square foot cost of buying a pre-built shed, it is comparatively cheaper than building your own shed. Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of buying a shed from a company.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of buying a shed?
Advantages
· It saves your time since it’s already built, and you just have to prepare a foundation and get it delivered and installed.
· There is no requirement for power tools.
· There is no requirement for DIY carpentry skills that are required for building a shed.
· Pre-built sheds are already designed and crafted to your needs. And you do not have to worry about where to place windows, vents, and doors.
· Buying a shed means that you have the manufacturer’s warranty in case there are defects in the piece.
Disadvantages
· The price of the sheds will vary depending on your requirements. If you are looking for a high-quality pre-built shed, then be prepared to pay more.
The bottom line
Whether you build your own shed or buy a pre-built shed will depend upon your requirements and budget. If you have the budget and the pre-built shed suits your needs, then you can easily buy a shed from the company.
But if you have to think about the costs and need something different for your shed, then it’s best to build your own. The above-mentioned pros and cons will have given you a better idea, and so now you can start planning for the shed you want.
