Is It Cheaper to Buy or Build a Shed?

It is generally cheaper to build a shed yourself than to buy a pre-built one, but this depends on your skills, time, and the materials you choose. If you have basic carpentry skills, the necessary tools, and enough time, building a shed can save you money.

However, buying a pre-built shed can be more convenient and quicker. This option is ideal if you lack the skills or time for a DIY project.

In this blog, we’ll explore whether it is cheaper to buy or build a shed, examining the costs, benefits, and potential drawbacks of both options to help you decide which is best for you.

Buying a Shed vs Building a Shed: Cost Comparison

To assess whether it's cheaper to build a shed or buy one, we need to break down the factors that affect the cost. Here are the common expenses you might run into:

Factor	Buying Shed	Building a Shed
Materials	Included in the purchase price	$800 - $5,000+
Labor	Easy and efficient DIY due to all materials being provided to you	$500 - $2,000 (if hiring help) Free (if DIY)
Tools	Not required	$200 - $1,000 (If you don’t own tools)
Design	Limited customization	Full customization
Permits	May be included	$500 - $500
Foundation	May be extra	$300 - $1,500
Time	Quick delivery and setup	Several days to weeks
Total Cost Range	$1,500 - $5,000	$2,000 - $10,000+

• Materials: The price of the shed you buy includes the cost of the materials. Building something yourself means buying individual parts, which might cost a lot depending on the kind and quality.
• Labor: Free or inexpensive installation is sometimes included with pre-made sheds. Although hiring assistance for complicated jobs might add up, DIY builders can save money on labor.
• Tools: You don't need tools to purchase a pre-made shed, but you’ll certainly need a set of them if you decide to opt to build your own shed.
• Design: Prefabricated sheds offer limited customization, while building allows for complete design control.
• Permits: Some suppliers incorporate the cost of permits in the purchase of the shed. Permits are usually obtained and paid for individually for do-it-yourself builders.
• Foundation: Purchasing a pre-made shed could lead to additional costs for a proper foundation, which is essential for both choices.
• Time: Depending on your talents and availability, buying a shed is usually quicker than building one, which can take quite a bit of time.

As we can observe from the comparison above, the answer to whether it's cheaper to build a shed or buy one isn't as straightforward. It really is dependent upon you and your preference and situation.

Factors Affecting The Cost

The cost of building a new shed is affected by a lot of factors. These factors must be carefully assessed and considered when you are deciding whether to build or even buy a shed based on your current circumstances.

Do you need a big shed for storage, a modern shed office, or a functioning workshop? To further determine whether it's cheaper to build a shed or buy one depending on your needs, consider the following:

• Size: Larger sheds tend to cost more whether the shed is built or purchased. Making your own is, however, likely more affordable for larger quantities.
• Materials: Material choice has a significant impact on cost. Pre-made metal and plastic sheds can be cheaper; and if you have the skills, you can often make wooden sheds less expensive.
• Customization: Rather than attempting to tweak a ready-made decision, it can be cheaper to DIY your own shed or employ a builder if you want a fully bespoke shed.
• Location: Labor and materials costs and whether you can find ready-made sheds vary by geography.
• DIY skills: In case you are handy and have the tools, building your very own shed will help you save a lot of labor.
• Time value: Give your time a little consideration. If you have time to buy, a prefabricated shed could prove more "cost-effective" in the long run.
• Durability: A well-constructed custom shed may outlast a less expensive pre-made one, offering more for its price

Read more shed type choosing guide here: 15 Types of Sheds: Your Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right One

Buying a Shed vs Building a Shed: Advantages and Disadvantages

Cost and Value

Buying a Shed		Building a Shed
Advantages	Disadvantages	Advantages	Disadvantages
Buying a shed offers predictable upfront costs. Manufacturers often include a warranty, providing added value and protection. Prefabricated sheds are priced to include professional design and materials that maximize durability and space.	Per square foot, pre-built sheds can be more expensive, especially for smaller units. Some pre-made sheds may use lower-quality materials compared to custom builds, which can reduce their lifespan.	Building your own shed can be cost-effective for larger structures, especially if you already own tools and materials. You have complete control over the materials used, potentially resulting in a stronger and longer-lasting shed.	The cost of materials and tools can add up quickly. Hidden expenses, such as permits, delivery fees for large items, or correcting mistakes, can make the project more expensive than anticipated.

Customization and Functionality

Buying a Shed		Building a Shed
Advantages	Disadvantages	Advantages	Disadvantages
Many premade sheds come with built-in shelving, workbenches, or space-efficient designs, making them highly functional from day one. They’re engineered for durability and convenience, with standard designs that suit most needs.	Customization options are limited. Changing the layout, adding features, or adjusting the size is often impractical. Off-the-shelf designs may not match your specific style preferences or functional requirements.	A DIY shed allows unlimited customization. You can select the exact size, materials, and features, tailoring the structure to your needs. It’s ideal for unique projects, such as multipurpose sheds or hobby spaces, where standard models fall short.	Designing and constructing a shed from scratch requires time, tools, and expertise. It can also be overwhelming if you’re inexperienced with DIY projects.

Time and Convenience

Buying a Shed		Building a Shed
Advantages	Disadvantages	Advantages	Disadvantages
The process is straightforward—choose a model, place an order, and the shed is delivered and installed in a matter of days or weeks. This makes it the best option if you need storage space quickly.	You’re limited to the designs and sizes readily available. Customization, if offered, often adds significant time and cost to the purchase.	While time-consuming, the process of building a shed can be highly rewarding. You gain a sense of accomplishment and full control over the pace of the project.	DIY construction can take several weeks or months, depending on your skills, schedule, and the complexity of the project. Delays can be frustrating, especially if storage is urgently needed.

Long-Term Value and Mobility

Buying a Shed		Building a Shed
Advantages	Disadvantages	Advantages	Disadvantages
Pre-built sheds are often easier to dismantle, relocate, or sell if you move. Their standardized designs can be more appealing to prospective buyers.	They may not add as much long-term property value as a custom-built shed, especially if they are made from lower-quality materials.	A well-built, custom shed can enhance your property value, especially if it complements the home’s aesthetics and serves multiple functions. It’s a long-term investment that reflects your unique needs and craftsmanship.	A custom shed can be more challenging to dismantle or relocate, potentially limiting flexibility if you plan to move.

 

Should You Buy or Build a Shed?

After knowing the advantages and disadvantages, you might still be unsure if it is cheaper to construct a shed yourself or purchase one for your requirements. In the end, it boils down to what you value most and need in your specific circumstance.

Buy a shed if you urgently need one, lack the time or skills to do it yourself,  or just want a hassle-free, fully insured solution. But building a shed might be better if you want a specifically designed build, have the equipment and DIY skills to make it happen, and have the time to do it.

But keep in mind that, at times, the least expensive option isn't always the best one. Besides price, look at long-term value, durability, and how well the shed will serve your needs. Also, consider how this could affect your home value. A well-built, attractive shed can boost the value of your home–while an inadequate or poorly fitted one can actually work against it.

Consider also the materials you'll use. Pre-built sheds often come in preconfigured materials such as plastic or metal that may not suit your aesthetic taste or climate. Building your own lets you choose materials to match your home and the weather where you live. However, finding those materials yourself can be time-consuming and potentially more costly.

Last but not least, check local building codes and homeowners association rules. Some jurisdictions have very specific rules governing the size, location, and appearance of sheds. Compliance is important whether you buy or build–and it could be simpler to navigate these requirements with a custom-built solution.

Read more shed cost buying guide here: How Much Does It Cost to Build the Perfect Shed?

Want To Buy a New Shed?

If you've concluded that purchasing a prefabricated shed is the best course of action for you, have a look at the premium options offered by Patiowell. You may discover a shed that suits your needs and budget thanks to the large selection of styles, sizes, and materials available.

See Patiowell's website for a range of durable and stylish sheds. Patiowell can provide you with a huge workshop or a tiny storage unit, depending on your needs. You may also purchase with confidence knowing that you're receiving a fantastic value for your money thanks to their outstanding customer service and range of warranty options.

Take action today and find the perfect shed for your home at Patiowell! Remember, whether you choose to buy or build, the most important thing is finding a shed that meets your needs and enhances your property. Happy shed hunting!

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