Buy or Build a Shed? Here are Some Tips to Help You Decide

Having a shed is a great solution if you ever face a storage problem. However, if you do put budget as a crucial consideration, you might have wondered if it is cheaper to buy or build a shed. 

Many people find it a lot more affordable to build it on their own, not to mention they can get it to suit their personal needs and preferences perfectly.

Is it Cheaper to Buy or Build a Shed?

So is it cheaper to buy a shed or build one? Building on one is definitely a cheaper option than another, with all other extra considerations such as installation or transportation fees. You can create a tailored budget for this particular project and stick to it.

However, the answer is that buying or building a shed is cheaper and will not be as simple anymore if you put another factor, such as time, into your account. For a lot of people, time is a valuable and irreplaceable asset.

Building the shed may not be an ideal answer if you don’t have a lot of time to spend on one project – as you need to plan, design, choose the material, and assemble it all on your own.

Cheapest Way to Build a Shed

Here are seven helpful techniques and tips on how to build a shed from scratch if you have decided to do it yourself:

Obtain permission to build

Before building anything on top of your property, it is necessary to apply for a building permit from the local building department. The shed is no exception. Once all the necessary approvals are required, follow along with the rest of the process as instructed until an inspector reviews and approves your project.

Placing the shed

Locating the shed means identifying the ideal spot on your property where it will stand exactly. It might seem such a simple task, but it is simply true, depending on your yard circumstances. Picking the wrong spot, however, might make you end up with an unusable and short-lived outbuilding.

Prepare your tools

Regardless of the shed’s size, you will need a set of carpentry power tools and hand tools. For power tools, impact drivers and cordless drills are required to drive screws and drill holes. Meanwhile, for hand tools, you will require plain carpentry tools such as a hammer, framing square, tape measure, etc.

Begin with a sturdy foundation

You cannot expect a shed to last long if it is installed on a weak base. The majority of sheds will be supported decently by an on-grade foundation comprised of pressured wood timbers or solid concrete blocks set on the ground directly.

Construct weather-proof floor frame

The floor frame is the closest part to the ground to be prone to bugs and rots. Select the shed’s floor frame that includes perimeter band joints, floor joists, and mudsill.

Make the roof framing simple.

The roof is the most challenging part of the shed building for most DIYers. It requires you to do repetitive angled cuts with accuracy and precision. To make it simple, you may want to assemble ceiling joists and rafters into the trusses, then raise and set them on over the walls.

Understand the significance of door placement and type

Hinged and sliding doors are the two most common types of doors used in storage sheds. The hinged door is more space-friendly and provides security and tightness. Meanwhile, the sliding door can glide easily and is easier to install.

Read also: How to Install a Bathroom Vent through a Wall Easily

The answer is it is cheaper to buy or build a shed might be more complex when more variables other than cost are measured. Comparing your options between the two in detail will lead you to the best course to take over this matter.