Storage shed can be strictly utilitarian and stuck off in a corner somewhere to keep tools and other items out of the weather and out of sight. They can also be an elegant or a fanciful structure that adds architectural interest to a garden landscape.
Typical costs:
$100-$750 will get you a plastic, vinyl, polyethylene or PVC shed kit that's relatively easy to assemble, but doesn't offer many options. At the bottom of the price scale is a horizontal outdoor bin 3-4 feet high, 4-1/2-5 feet long and about 2-1/2-3 feet deep for $100-$350; vertical outdoor cabinets run $240-$560, are generally 6-1/2 feet high and anywhere from 4-1/2-6-/12 feet long and 2-3 feet deep; and walk-in versions are $550-$900, for 6x6-feet to 8x8-feet. Rubbermaid is a major manufacturer. GardenSheds.com lists the pros and cons this type of shed.
Home Depot sells prefab metal sheds starting at $560 for 8x6 feet and up to $1,250 for 10x17 feet. . Arrow is one of the major metal shed manufacturers. (Home Depot offers installation services for an additional charge based on the complexity of the job.)
For longer-lasting and more attractive structures, ThisOldHouse.com recommends buying plans and building it yourself; or assembling a pre-cut, mail-order kit, which runs $320-$500 for a simple 8x8-foot wood barn style that can be constructed in a day, to $2,200-$5,900 for more refined 8x10-feet or 12x24-feet structures. Also according to ThisOldHouse.com, the easiest and most expensive method is to hire a local contractor to build a custom shed, costing at least $2,000-$3,000 or more for an extremely simple 10x10 foot structure. Major pre-cut wooden kit manufacturers include Better Barns, Sheds.com and HandyHome.com.
LancasterBarns.com offers large vinyl siding sheds in styles such as Victorian, Quaker, Dutch and more, with prices starting at $2,000-$3,500 or more in sizes beginning at 8x8 feet and going as large as 32 feet wide. Summerwood Designs offers sheds in upscale designs that look like small homes; sizes vary between 4x6 to 16x22 feet, with precut kits running $2,000-$19,000 and pre-assembled versions at $2,200-$22,500.
HGTV.com describes a two-day process for assembling a prefab shed.
A shed needs a firm base; FineHomeBuilding.com describes four types of basic shed foundations, such as poured concrete or concrete blocks.The cost of pouring a concrete foundation will vary considerably depending upon size and site conditions. Some metal sheds sell foundation kits for $50-$150, depending on the size, and in many cases the foundation kit is included in the price of the shed. Vinyl sheds usually have floors, and can be installed on existing concrete or level dirt.
Contact your local planning department as a building permit may be required, and there can be setback and easement regulations for garden sheds.
Additional costs:
Be sure you understand what is included in a pre-cut or pre-assembled shed kit; some don't include roof shingles. The price for those will depend on the size of the shed and the location, since lumber costs vary widely nationwide.
Shopping for a storage shed:
Before choosing a shed, make an honest list of what will be stored in it; GardenSheds.com gives a planning overview to determine the size needed.
Many localities have local businesses that sell prefabricated sheds for a very good price. The sheds are constructed in a factory and then delivered and installed in your yard.
I settled on a prefabricated metal shed from Morgan Buildings. I got an 6'x8' (and odd size that had to be custom built, the 8'x8' would have been about the same price) metal shed that is extremely sturdy with 2"x4" framing and a well-constructed door and lock system. I researched different shed options and concluded that many of the kits are either flimsy metal or cheap particle board and the materials for a "do-it-yourself" version was not much cheaper than the prefabricated shed and would require much labor. I'm extremely pleased with my shed purchase.
I have been given a 10'x12' ft wooden shed. It has 2x4 consruction, a shingled pitched roof, two windows (about 2'x 3'w/security bars, and a large 3'x6'2" front door, w/a large heavy steel custom security door w/steel mesh, measuring 78"x41" (measurement inside 2x2 steel frame), w/all heavy duty latches, hinges, etc. Inside the shed is plain w/no walls, sheetrock, just the 2x4 framing showing. the floor is also framed and attached to the building and covered w/3/4" plywood (damaged by forklift-I will also repair this). The catch is a tree fell on the front, damaging the roof and front wall (door wall). I've worked as a carpenter so I can make necessary repairs (good as new). How much would you say this shed would be worth once I make the repairs and the shed is practically good as new? How much more delivered?
12x20 custom-built shed with garage door, one door, and two 24x27 windows with shutters. Solidly built (should hold a car) with 12' OC floor joists and 7' high walls. Also has vinyl siding. Has a ridge vent, and gable vents. Also has a ramp for the garage door.
Just agreed to having a custom 10 x 12' vinyl siding shed with large double doors (48"), no windows and pitched shingled roof with wood floors. The $5,000 includes removing a 5 x 5' cinder composte structure, adding a wood platform next to the shed for firewood storage, along with fixing a stone pathway up to the shed.
12X24 garage shed vinyl double doors with half moon windows small window in dormer garage door, tech shield,smart floor,diamond plate shield at the entrance,shutters roof paper 30yr shingles. I going totally solar power lights, garage door opener power outlets and external motion lights.