How much does it cost to build a storage shed?

It is often quite amazing just how handy a small storage shed can be. This is especially true for the homeowner who has no garage, and yet who also has a lawn that needs tending. This is because they will have equipment and supplies that need to be kept out of the weather and secure from the risk of theft or damage.

The traditional size of a custom or prefabricated storage shed tends to be 10'x12' or 120 square feet. For the purpose of this discussion we will look at the costs associated with the construction of a modest, and yet extremely durable storage shed of this size.

Building a shed as described can be a DIY project, but it will require some advanced carpentry skills and even the pouring of some concrete. Because of this it is best for the average homeowner to hire a professional carpenter or contractor to tackle the job instead. This is particularly true if the shed will be wired for lighting and electrical supplies.

According to the Craftsman National Building Cost Estimator program, the pricing on such a custom-built structure would be around $2745, or $22.85 per square foot. This fee schedule assumes that carpenters receive $70 per hour and electricians demand $65 to $85 per hour.

Cost breakdown

These costs will cover:

• Concrete foundation and floor - this is of the "continuous" style and will be approximately six inches deep and 11'x13' in area. The average price of concrete is $75 per cubic yard, and this work would come in at a cost of $832;

• Walls and roofing - these would be constructed of "good" quality lumber (usually pressure treated) and would include 4x4 posts bolted to 2x8 beams. There would also be high-quality rafters, galvanized bolts, joist hangers ¹ and angle brackets used in the construction and the roof would be a medium pitch of 6/12 with corrugated PVC roofing. The walls and roofing would cost roughly $930, and the roofing would run at $12 to $15 per 24"x16' length or panel for a total cost of $108. This is strictly the material requirements and does not include labor expenses.

• Demolition, excavation, and site preparation - costs will vary according to the level of work necessary;

• Electrical and carpentry to code - many areas have building or planning regulations around storage sheds, and this means that the owner hoping to use the space as a workshop is going to have to ensure that wiring and construction are up to local building codes. The work done by such licensed professionals might be priced on a "per item" basis, or they might simply base costs on the square footage .

Enhancement and improvement costs

• Barn door and hardware - the hardware set should cost $290 and take around six hours to install. This price does not include the one or two sheets of plywood ² or T-111 used to build doors;

• Construction of a workbench;
• Installation of storage loft using overhead space in rafters; and
• Installation of gutters and eaves ³.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

² Plywood: An engineered construction material manufactured from thin slices of wood glued together in alternating grain patterns for strength