The traditional shed is a unique building, that should offer unique methods of storage, appeal to the most discerning tastes and give you spare room to utilize for your plants, pots and garden utensils. Do you find yourself wondering how to reduce the cost to build your own shed. Luckily for you we have all the tips?
It affords not only custom storage, but also, its looks make a statement about your own style and standards.
Selecting any type shed should mean taking into account before selection, what you will use the shed for, its overall looks and how they will enter into your own sense of style as well as its construction. As well as the size of the shed, best measured in square feet.
Typically, sheds can be used as an art studio, a small private office, for gardening or for many other pursuits, including a small sleeping area.
With these uses in mind, your shed, whether it is built of wood, corrugated metal or brick and stone, it should be insulated, solid in construction and able to withstand some heavy use in a wide array of applications.
You will want the walls and rafters to be sturdy enough to provide for additional storage.
In most cases you will want the interior of the building prewired with at least one lighting fixture and outlet and some sort of finished interior.
Solid wood framing is almost a necessity and a heavier door to prevent unwelcome entry is also something that you should consider.
A strong foundation, using some type of pressure treated lumber is also a necessity to be able to withstand some of mother natures harsher onslaughts such as wind or hail.
Placing your shed directly onto a concrete or wooden foundation is also a necessity, to assure that the building begins and continues to be stable.
Another thing that must be taken into consideration will be your local building codes to assure that it is located and put together as they prescribe that it must be.
Most smaller sheds which are purchased as kits can be easily assembled by two people with nominal carpentry skills in as little time as a weekend.
To view some plans and ideas for sheds, please visit Better Barns.
Metal Sheds
If you have decided upon a metal shed, then there are several different types available from galvanized steel to aluminum.
Galvanized steel has been around since the early 1900’s when it was first introduced. Galvanizing involves applying zinc to steel to protect against rust. The process does add weight to the structure so if this is important to you, then galvanized may not be right for you.
Aluminum sheds were originally developed during World War II because of their lightness and ease of assembly. Aluminum is much lighter than steel and therefore easier to transport and assemble.
Today, aluminum is still very popular due to its low cost and easy installation. However, aluminum requires special care to keep it looking good over time. If you live where snow falls regularly, and plan to build your own shed, then you need to know that aluminum tends to get dinged up pretty quickly after being exposed to cold weather.
Wooden Sheds
There are three basic styles of wooden sheds: post-and-beam, gable roof and hip roof. Post-and-beams are probably the oldest form of timber frame buildings. They consist of vertical posts supporting horizontal beams across them. Gables roofs are similar except that instead of having flat sides, they slope slightly toward the center. Hip roofs are sloped both ways.
Brick Sheds
A brick shed is an excellent choice for those who want something more permanent than a wood or metal shed. Brick sheds come in many sizes and shapes including round, square, octagonal, hexagon, etc., depending on what size you desire.
They are constructed using standard bricks laid in mortar joints. Bricks used for construction vary in thicknesses ranging from 1/2 inch thick to 3 inches thick. Some builders use thicker bricks for added strength.
You can choose either natural colored bricks or painted ones. Natural color bricks tend to look better than painted ones.
When choosing colors, remember that darker shades absorb heat and reflect less sunlight.
Pre-Built Shed
If you don’t have enough space to construct a new shed yourself, there are several pre-built options available. Pre-built sheds are often cheaper than constructing one yourself. These structures are designed by professionals with years of experience.
Some manufacturers provide plans along with kits. Others sell complete packages without any drawings at all. In addition, some companies will allow customers to design their own plan.
When shopping for a prefabricated shed, consider these factors before making a purchase decision:
- Size – Is the shed large enough to hold everything you’ll store inside? Will it accommodate larger items such as lawn mowers, tractors, boats, motorcycles, ATVs, etc.? Do you have enough square footage?
- Style – Does the manufacturer produce designs that match your home decor? Are the construction materials durable and attractive? Can you customize the exterior appearance?
- Warranty – Most manufacturers include warranties on their products. Find out how long the warranty lasts and whether repairs are covered under the terms of the agreement. Also find out if the company offers extended service contracts.
- Installation – Ask questions regarding the type of foundation required, the amount of time needed to install the structure, and other details related to installation. If possible, visit the site where the product was manufactured so you can see firsthand how well built they really are.
- Cost – The cost of purchasing a prefabricated kit includes shipping charges, taxes, and assembly fees. Compare prices among different suppliers. Check local regulations regarding permits and inspections prior to beginning work.
Once you’ve decided which option best suits your needs, contact the supplier directly to get pricing information.
Post-and-Beam Sides
Posts are usually made out of 2x4s while beams are typically 4 x 8s. Posts are spaced 16 inches apart and beams are placed every 24 inches. This means that each beam supports four posts. A typical shed would require 12 beams and 36 posts.
Gable Roof Sides
Posts are generally set back 6 inches from the edge of the wall. Beams are placed between posts and extend outward past the end of the posts. Each beam spans six posts. A typical shed might require eight beams and 48 posts.
Hip Roof Sides
Posts run parallel to the ground and support the ridge pole. There are no beams; rather, the entire side of the house rests on top of the posts. A typical shed could require 10 posts and 40 beams.
Building Codes & Regulations
Most states regulate the size and placement of buildings in residential areas. Some cities even restrict the height or number of stories allowed. Before starting construction, check with your city officials to determine what codes apply to your project.
In many cases, builders must obtain a permit from the municipality to erect a building. Obtaining this permit may be costly depending upon the location of your property. For example, obtaining a permit to build a shed near an airport requires special permission because planes fly over the area during takeoffs and landings.
Before buying a shed, ask the seller if he has obtained the necessary permits. He may need to pay extra costs associated with getting them approved.
You may want to hire a professional engineer to review your plans and ensure compliance with applicable laws.
How Much Does it Cost to Build My Own Shed?
There are two ways to determine the average cost factors of a construction project:
Add up the costs associated with buying supplies, hiring labor, paying contractors, and completing the job. An easy way to reduce the costs is to simply choose less expensive material.
Calculate the hourly rate of skilled laborers plus overhead expenses divided by the number of hours worked.
- In both cases, add together the following components:
- Materials
- Supplies
- Labor Costs
- Contractor Fees
- Equipment Rental
- Tools
- Fuel
- Insurance
- Taxes
If you need a step-by-step guide to build your own shed, have a quick gander through this video.