Storage space is very limited when you buy or own a home. If you have extra appliances or sentimental items, normally, you’d just put them in your basement or attic. But once those two spaces are filled, what do you do? What if you have tools that you need to store? Instead of your old knick knacks or high school photos, you’re also going to need to think of a space for equipment. A space for tools to tend to your garden or lawn. Here is a cost analysis into building your very own shed.
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Like any project that matters to a homeowner, size is what matters most. The size of your shed equates to the price of the project. Let’s look at what the cost is to build a shed per square foot. On average, a new shed for your property can cost up to $17-$24 per square foot. Or to be more precise in terms of a total, the complete construction can range up to $1500-$15000.
A regular size for a shed is normally 10x12 ft. And to take a peek at the total sum cost of building a shed, we should also take a look at all the materials you’ll be willing to buy. If a regular size shed is what you’re looking for, then the price calculated, according to these numbers, should be about $2040-$2880. But that’s only an estimate made by the assumed calculations.
What would a shed need? Primarily, you’ll need a concrete slab for the shed to stand on. At minimum, the concrete should have the same width and depth as your shed. You’ll also need to keep it at a level where the shed won’t be damaged. This means it’ll need natural drainage and have no standing water.
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Labor cost to building or assembling a shed
If you aren’t willing to spend countless hours on building a new shed, you can always hire a contractor for a project of any size. Whether it’s the cost to build a 16x20 shed or the cost to build an 8x10, contractors will generally charge you around $50-$100 per hour.
Instead of building a custom shed or a DIY, you could also look into a prefabricated assembly kit. Not including the price of your kit, the assembly on any shed will cost you about $10-$20 per square foot. When looking for a contractor or professional, always ask for these three quotes: licensing and insurance, customization, and lighting/clearing services.
As stated above, you’ll need the foundation to place the shed above it, in this instance, a concrete slab. Besides the decision on what size your shed is going to be, you’ll have to determine what kind of shed you’re looking for. Maybe you’re unique and you want to start a project by building a brick shed. Maybe you want a metal shed because it’s fireproof. Maybe you’re looking to build a wooden shed because you just like the look. Or maybe you’re looking to build a vinyl shed because of its lasting durability and overall ease. Whatever option you’re looking for, these are the four options in front of you.
Specific costs for other services
What also needs to be mentioned are services like: clearing the land, basing a concrete foundation and installation of electrical wiring. Most probably, you’ll need to pay a majority of your budget for these services. Clearing the land ranges from $1300-$4400, concrete will cost you $4000-$12300, and installation will range from $600-$2200.
An electrician will charge you about $40-$100 per hour, a plumber will cost $45-$150 an hour, and the insulation costs will range from $0.35-$3 per square foot. Insulation is also dependent on the type of materials you choose.
Material cost
When it comes to raw materials, on estimate, you’ll have to spend at least $40-$75 per square foot. But this also is dependent on what kind of shed you’re looking to build. Mentioned above is the type of materials you’re buying for the shed: brick, metal, wood, or vinyl. All these materials can vastly change the price of the total cost to build a shed.
| Type of Shed | Cost Range |
| Brick | $50-$150 per square foot |
| Metal | $300-$7000 |
| Wood | $3000-$15000 |
| Vinyl | $200-$5000 |
Brick shed cost
You’re someone who doesn’t like conventional things. You’re a unique character and you want to be the odd man out. But most of all, you’re looking for a challenge. A brick shed is the most expensive kind of shed to build. If you’re looking for a professional for the job, you might need a custom builder, instead of your conventional contractor. The cost can range from $3200-$30000, or $50-$150 per square foot.
Always remember, and this is the case for any shed being built on your property: Find out if you need a building permit! The larger your shed project is, the more your likelihood of needing a permit. Remember, brick sheds do not have prefab kits, this project needs a more personal touch.
Metal shed cost
You’re more of a pragmatist than you are an idealist. You believe that a shed is merely a project meant for storage and you just need it now. The benefits to a metal shed is its pragmatism. It isn’t as costly as a brick shed and you can install a metal shed in a much quicker fashion. There are also a number of prefab kits for metal sheds.
A metal shed is also the most optimal decision if you’re searching for durability. Unlike wood, metal doesn’t rot, and it’s naturally insect-proof. Materials for a metal shed can vary from aluminum to steel. Depending on the size of the shed, and whether it’s a kit or not, the cost range for a metal shed is $300-$7000. Aluminum is a lighter weight than steel so it’ll also be easier to install. Although, aluminum is pricier than steel.
Wood shed cost
Are you a homeowner who enjoys a more traditional look? Do you prefer a rustic, artisanal atmosphere? Do you have time and money for a passion project? Then, a wood shed is what you’re after.
A wooden shed is more customizable in appearance than the other types of sheds. You can match the color of the shed to your house. Although this may be the case, a wooden shed requires a lot more upkeep than the other three kinds of sheds. This is because naturally, wood decays from rain. And it definitely isn’t pest-proof. Wood sheds also require more time and care to install.
Other than the cost, which ranges from $3000-$15000, the upkeep and repair costs range from $500-$1300. Most homeowners look for wood sheds because of how they look, they sacrifice time and money for the artistic value. Remember to also look into the variety of prefab kits for wooden sheds in the market.
Photo by gemphotography on Adobe Stock
Vinyl shed cost
Don’t have a big budget for this kind of project? Would you rather just buy a shed and place it in your backyard without a worry in the world? A vinyl shed is definitely a storage space to consider buying.
Vinyl sheds are plastic so they don’t rot and like metal or brick sheds, vinyl sheds are insect-proof. They’re also very cheap and extremely easy to clean. But if you live in a state that has harsher wind conditions and weather is an issue, step back from buying a vinyl shed.
If these concerns are not a problem for you, then these plastic sheds cost up to $200-$5000. The plastic vinyl material is the complete opposite to brick, it’s the lowest price you’re going to be searching for. They’re also probably the lightest weight to look for and the easiest to shop around.
DIY Brick Shed Guide
As stated above, the first things you need to do is decide how big your shed is going to be, if you’re going to need a permit, and setting up the concrete base. So after you’re finished with researching the ordinance of your city or county, you can start setting in the foundation. Always keep in mind, in any project you work on, you’ll have to measure and make sure there are no obstructions. This means plan everything out and get rid of any unwanted debris or material in the way.
Again, always remember: level is key to constructing any foundations.
First:
You’ll need to dig down from about eight to ten inches.
This is where your shed is either going to be built or assembled. Then you’ll need to pour in sand as the base. Use your hands to tamper the sand down and remember to keep it leveled. Then afterwards, you’re going to need some 2x4’s and cut them at the length of the hole. Make sure that the boards are straight and drag them along the sand to keep a level foundation.
Next:
Dig a few holes, each about four inches deep.
This is so that there are 4x4 posts placed around the level base to support the roof later on. Leave 12 inches of space for the bricks, then pour concrete into the holes and dry them overnight. Remember, this kind of project will take the most time to build.
Afterwards:
Tie a nylon string-line between the two posts you dried overnight.
This is the layout to your first stack of bricks. Guide them and lay the mortar down by that first stack. Ensure no water seeps through. Again, level is key, continue to check if everything is at a flat level. Continue to lay the bricks around and make space for an entryway.
Then:
Build a roof frame on top of your 4x4s, by using 2x4.
It’s fine if there’s a gap between the roof and the brick structure you’ve laid out, this allows for ventilation. In addition to the angling, remind yourself that you need a runoff to lead any rainwater down another direction. This means you’ll need an extra 2x4 along the side of your door. Now, attach a steel sheet roof to the frame with nuts and bolts. For a little more style, you can also paint the steel sheet roof.
Finally:
Build the door frame.
If you followed the instructions accordingly, the door frame should fit correctly to your specifications. Attach the hinges and the final latch to your door and frame. And there, you have a completed passion project in the back of your house.
Now your shed is ready for any kind of storage space you’ll ever need.
