How Much Does It Cost to Build the Perfect Shed in 2024?

If you're ready to upgrade your backyard with a new shed, you've come to the right place!

It can be fun to plan your shed build. With the perfect shed, you can instantly transform your outdoor living space—whether it's for gardening, storage, workshop space, office space, or just hanging out. Who doesn't want that?

But any project has a cost! While you're planning, you should be aware of the cost of building a shed.

So, exactly how much does it cost to build a shed in 2024?

How Much Does it Cost to Build a Shed: Influencing Factors

For most homeowners, the average cost to build a shed is about $3,000–$4,500. This includes the cost of the shed itself, plus other costs for land preparation, materials, labor, and miscellaneous add-ons.

Of course, you can spend much more or less. It all depends on your needs and budget. So, let's go over the various factors that can change the cost of your shed build in 2024.

Shed Size

The size of your shed will affect the cost. Large floorplans cost more in materials and labor. Also, sheds with high ceilings cost more than those with lower ceilings.

For example, a small garden shed (about 4x7 feet) can cost between $200 and $1,000, while larger structures (such as a 10x12-foot shed) might range from $2,000 to $15,000.

At Patiowell, our prefab sheds cost from a couple hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the size.

Cost to Build a Shed per Square Foot

You'll also want to consider the cost to build a shed per square foot.

The average cost to build a small, prefabricated shed is about $15 to $40 per square foot. Custom and large-scale sheds are more expensive, costing up to $100 per square foot or more.

Shed Material Choices

The cost to build a shed per square foot depends on the materials used for the build.

Metal Sheds

Metal sheds are typically made from durable steel. They are low-maintenance, pest-, rot-, and fire-resistant. They typically cost between $15 and $30 per square foot.

Plastic Sheds

Plastic sheds are great because they're easy for most people to assemble. Each piece is lightweight and easy to handle compared to other materials.

Some styles of plastic sheds don't even require screws to assemble, and they can just be kicked together.

Plastic sheds are also weather- and rot-resistant. This means they require minimal maintenance and can save you money in the long run.

Plastic sheds cost around $10 to $25 per square foot.

Wood Sheds

Wood sheds offer a classic, timeless look. However, they can require more maintenance and long-term costs than plastic and metal sheds.

Wood sheds can cost about $20 to $50 per square foot, depending on the type of wood used.

Labor Costs to Build a Shed

Labor costs can make or break the price of your shed.

If you can build it yourself, you can save a lot on labor costs. But remember that if you DIY, you'll be trading monetary savings for your time and hard physical labor. You'll also need to research your local safety and municipal codes to make sure you do everything right!

Instead, you can hire a professional contractor. Hiring a contractor will add to your costs but save you time, energy, and headaches. They will handle all the code issues and inspections for you.

If you hire someone, make sure they are reputable, licensed, and insured for the work. Look at reviews online or ask them for references. You can expect to pay between $50 and $100 per hour or more. Contractor rates vary depending on your area.

You can also DIY some tasks and hire a professional to do the rest, minimizing labor costs and ensuring the work gets done.

Custom Sheds vs. Prefab Sheds

Prefabricated sheds are usually cheaper and quicker to assemble than custom sheds. You can choose from existing products with detailed instructions, so everything is super easy to order and assemble.

Alternatively, custom sheds offer personalized features at a higher cost. Custom sheds are perfect for creating exactly what you need, but it can cost more time and money to draw up custom designs, make custom parts, and assemble them.

Custom sheds can be about 4x the cost of prefabricated sheds or more, so keep that in mind!

Site Preparation for Building a Shed

In addition to the shed itself, preparing the land where your shed will go can have hidden costs. Depending on your project, you may need to spend money prepping the site.

Site preparation for a shed can include removing bushes, rocks, trees, roots, and other materials. You'll also need to level the ground with dirt or gravel.

Depending on your land, site preparation may only cost a few hours of your time, or it require hiring a contractor and coordinating with your local government to ensure you have the proper permissions for your project. This second option can be expensive if you're not careful!

Concrete Foundation for a Shed

In addition to leveling the ground, you can add a foundation for your shed to rest on. Some municipalities may require a concrete slab foundation. Even if a foundation is not required, you may wish to build one anyway to ensure your shed is stable and level and increase its longevity.

Research the rules for construction projects in your local area.

Concrete slab foundations often cost around $4 to $10 per square foot to install.

Permitting for Building a Shed

Your local area may also require a building permit to build a shed.

For smaller projects, permits cost less than a few hundred dollars. Large projects can be several hundred or even a couple thousand.

Be sure to check with your local municipality to figure out what permits you need and how much they cost. Building codes vary from town to town.

Adding Utilities

If you want to have things like lights, running water, and an HVAC system in your shed, you'll need to add utilities to your plans.

Electrical and plumbing can cost between several hundred and several thousand. The cost depends on your project and your contractor's rate.

Additional Features

You can also personalize your shed with extra windows or doors, custom paint, lighting fixtures, flower beds, outdoor decking, decorative features like upgraded hardware or trim details, and custom shelving.

These features enhance functionality and aesthetics and allow for personalization but add to the overall costs.

Shed Delivery Cost

Depending on where you live, you may need to pay delivery fees. When asking yourself, “How much does it cost to build a shed?” be sure to factor the delivery cost into the final pricing.

How to Choose the Size of Your Shed to Minimize Cost?

You don't want to overspend for more than you, and you certainly don't want to be stuck with a shed that is too small to be useful. So, how do you determine how much space you need to pay for?

Think about everything you want to store or use in your shed.

Are you a gardener with long tools like shovels and rakes? Or a woodworker with a workbench and power tools? Do you need a place to stash large sporting equipment like bicycles and kayaks? Or maybe you simply need a minimalist desk and a comfy chair for your writing retreats?

Knowing your needs will help you stay within your budget.

We offer Plastic sheds ranging from 4x2 to 8x12 ft and metal sheds ranging from 3x3 to 10x12 ft so there is the perfect size for everyone.

How Much Does it Cost to Build Your Dream Shed?

At Patiowell, we know your shed isn't just a shed—it's an extension of your home. It's where you keep equipment for your hobbies, or where you create, or maybe even where your kids play. We're here to help you make it your own, in a way that's good for your wallet and fits your life.

So, how much does it cost to build a shed per square foot? And how do you choose the best shed for your needs?

The average cost to build a shed in 2024 depends on many factors. It depends on how big it is, what it's made of, where it's installed, what the city requires, how you'll use or personalize the shed, and more. That said, you can create the perfect backyard retreat on a budget with just a bit of careful planning.

If stainless steel is your style, check out our collection of Metal Sheds, available in a variety of sizes to fit every need.

If Plastic Sheds are better for your project, check out our super small footprint Fit-It Shed Collection and our super-easy-install “Kick-It” Shed Collection.

Our offerings range from $199 to $2599, providing a solution for every budget.

Why Choose Patiowell Sheds?

We provide high-quality outdoor storage solutions like sheds and deck boxes. Our products are designed to help you make the most of your time outdoors, creating a convenient, tidy, and personalized space the whole family can enjoy!

Explore our full range of sheds and start building your dream space today!

Our team of experts can answer your questions, including “How much does it cost to build a shed?”