How Much Does It Cost to Build a Shed? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $600 - $4,300
The cost to have a professional assemble your shed for you averages around $3,500, but prices can range from $350 up to $40,000 depending on the complexity and your location.
The cost to hire someone to assemble a shed can be as little as $350 if you buy a DIY kit or more than $40,000, depending on several factors. The average price you’ll pay is $3,500, but it depends on size, type, location, and material.
Whether you’re running short on space or want a home for all your yard toys, a shed is the perfect outdoor storage solution. But assembling your shed isn’t always the weekend project most homeowners have in mind. This guide covers how much it costs to hire someone to assemble a shed, factors that impact its price, and how to save money along the way.
- Average
- $3,500
- Low end
- $350
- high end
- $40,000
Factors That Influence the Cost to Build a Shed
Factors that impact the cost of a shed are size, material, and style, but they are not the only ones influencing the final price. Here are other factors that affect this project.
Size
It goes without saying that the larger the shed, the more material and time it’ll require and the more it’ll cost. But how much it’ll cost for different shed sizes is what we’ll cover below.
| Shed Size | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 6x4 | $600–$1,300 |
| 6x9 | $1,200–$2,320 |
| 8x5 | $700–$1,290 |
| 8x10 | $870–$2,500 |
| 8x12 | $820–$2,400 |
| 10x10 | $600–$3,300 |
| 10x12 | $860–$3,000 |
| 10x15 | $1,780–$3,150 |
| 10x16 | $2,100–$6,300 |
| 10x20 | $2,000–$4,110 |
| 12x14 | $1,500–$3,620 |
| 12x16 | $2,200–$3,950 |
| 12x20 | $3,300–$4,640 |
| 12x24 | $2,800–$3,800 |
| 12x28 | $3,300–$4,300 |
| 14x24 | $2,800–$4,300 |
Prefab vs. Custom
Opting for a prefabricated shed is one of the easiest ways to lower project costs. You will find pre-made models and DIY kits for as low as $350 and all the way up to $4,000 for larger, more equipped models.
Custom sheds, however, cost between $60 and $150 per square foot, or a total of $800 to $5,000 on average for materials and labor. And while there are many pros and cons to both prefab and custom sheds, there are clear cost differences.
Types
Sheds come in an endless array of designs, uses, and styles, and all come with their own price tags. Farm sheds equipped for housing animals, for example, will start around $3,000, while sheds large and open enough to fit a garage start around $7,000.
Each type of shed indicates the type of materials used and whether it requires add-ons like insulation, plumbing, and electricity. We'll break down each type of shed and its costs below.
Materials
A quick throwback to “The Three Little Pigs” is enough to remind you of all the materials used to build a strong and eye-catching shed. The building materials will have just as large an impact on cost as the type of shed you choose.
While stronger materials like brick will ensure a longer-lasting structure, they will cost more upfront and require a sturdier and more costly foundation. Plastic sheds, however, will cost as low as $350 but will not withstand the elements as well as brick, metal, wood, or steel.
Prep
Whether you choose a lightweight prefab or build a hefty metal shed with a slab foundation, you can't just plop it down on any piece of land. The land for a shed needs to be cleared, leveled, and support proper drainage.
Clearing land costs $250 to $2,800 per-half-acre, and leveling your yard will cost as low as $400 for a small piece of land.
Roofing
You’ll need a roof to protect your shed, just like the one on your home. A shed roof costs $3.75 per square foot to install. Asphalt shingles are a common choice for sheds thanks to their wallet-friendly price tag (about $1.25 per square foot), ease of installation (compared to other roof materials), and wide range of color options. A metal shed roof is extremely durable but requires hiring a roofer for the installation, and metal shingles cost around $3 to $18 per square foot.
Foundation
If you’re looking to add a concrete slab to your shed, expect to pay $4,000 to $12,300. Though it’s worth noting that even if some prefab sheds don’t require a foundation, some communities or cities might.
Electrical and Plumbing
Most homeowners use their shed as an outdoor storage system. But if your purpose for yours involves electrical, plumbing, or both, you’ll be paying extra toward the total price of a shed. The cost to hire an electrician is $40 to $100 per hour. And the average cost of hiring a plumber is $45 to $150 per hour.
Insulation
If you’re looking to keep your shed insulated, the cost to add insulation is $0.35 to $3 per square foot, depending on the insulation type and thickness.
Permit
Typically, not all sheds need a building permit, but it might be a requirement for larger sheds or to satisfy your local building code. The cost to obtain a shed permit is approximately $250, but it can cost up to $2,000.
Labor
Hire a handyperson for help building a prefabricated shed for between $60 and $125 per hour, or for a flat rate based on the extent of the project. Keep in mind that some prefab sheds come with installation assistance built into the price.
On the other hand, custom sheds will cost a bit more when it comes to the cost of labor. You'll need a local building contractor, who will charge between $50 and $100 per hour.
Use
Do you have big plans for your shed once it's done? If you're already mapping out your storage plans, choose a design sturdy enough to support shelves and heavy objects.
You may also need to consider:
Cost of an electrician: $50–$100 per hour
Cost to lay new pipes: $0.50–$8 per linear foot
Location
The cost to hire someone to assemble a shed can vary depending on where you are in the country. Let’s look at how much you can expect to dish out for your shed, based on homeowners in similar regions:
| Location | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Seattle | $6,700 |
| Miami | $5,700 |
| Denver | $6,200 |
| Minneapolis | $6,400 |
| Los Angeles | $6,200 |
| New York | $7,300 |
| Houston | $6,200 |
| Chicago | $6,500 |
| Augusta, ME | $5,500 |
“We have built many custom sheds, and one of the most important considerations is to seal it from critters,” says Bob Tschudi, Angi Expert Review Board member and general contractor in Raleigh, NC. “If there is an opening in the gable, the eaves, or around the door, it’s an invitation for all forms of wildlife to make your shed their new home. You don’t want bats in your shed!”
Shed Cost by Type
In the past, sheds served one purpose. But the changing tides have brought sheds that fit various needs with it. Here are common shed types and the typical all-in price you’re looking to spend for it.
| Type of Shed | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Modern shed | $5,000–$16,000 |
| Farm implement shed | $3,000–$40,000 |
| Storage shed | $800–$2,300 |
| Garage shed | $7,000–$10,400 |
| Garden shed and greenhouse combination | $600–$10,000 |
| American barn style | $3,000–$7,000 |
| Hoop shed | $2,000 |
| Pole shed | $4,000–$11,000 |
| Commercial shed | $25,000–$80,000 |
| Custom | $800–$5,000 |
Modern Shed
If you ever see a shed with straight lines, windows that let in abundant natural light, and a sloped roof, you’ve seen a modern shed. These sheds offer a sleek look that combines simplicity with design.
Modern sheds are commonly made from wood and come in plastic or metal. They cost $5,000 to $16,000 on average, depending on size, material, and add-ons.
Farm Implement Shed
Building a farm implement shed costs $3,000 to $40,000. The price you’ll pay depends on the purpose of your farm shed. If you need it for equipment storage or to serve as a new home for your animals, your actual price will be on the higher end of the spectrum. But if you’re okay with just building an open-ended shed, homeowners typically spend less on these types.
Storage Shed
Storage sheds help keep your tools, machinery, bikes, or anything you need to be protected stored away. Depending on what purpose you want it to solve, the size, material, and add-ons can total the cost of a storage shed to $800 to $2,300.
Garage Shed
When you need a garage shed, the price can fluctuate greatly, depending on if you need it to serve as a one- or two-car garage, size, and the material used. You’re looking at spending $7,000 to $10,400 on these sheds.
Garden Shed and Greenhouse Combination
If you’re looking for a shed to house your green thumb projects, a garden and greenhouse shed combo will cost $600 to $10,000. A small, simple shed with a steel tubing frame would be on the lower end, while a larger, more custom model is on the opposite end of the pricing spectrum.
American Barn Style
American barn-style sheds (with a “gambrel” roof) are what they sound like—a shed with the classic barn design. On average, these sheds cost $3,000 to $7,000 based on their size, material, and features.
Hoop Shed
Hoop sheds—identified by their half-circle structure—are made from steel arches with a durable fabric covering. Size plays a role in total cost, but for hoop sheds designed to hold vehicles, you’re looking at $2,000 on average.
Pole Shed
Pole sheds use vertical poles to keep them upright instead of a foundation. These sheds cost $4,000 to $11,000.
Commercial Shed
Commercial sheds, constructed from steel, can cost $25,000 to $80,000. While these structures’ primary use is for businesses, homeowners with large equipment, such as tractors or boats, can also benefit from them.
Custom
If you’re looking for a custom shed, it’ll cost $800 to $5,000. However, if you’re using premium material and multiple add-ons for an overall larger shed, expect to pay much more.
Price to Build a Shed by Material
Each material used for shed assembly comes with benefits that attract homeowners or downsides that’ll have them looking elsewhere. Below, we’ll cover what prices you’re looking at based on the material you want.
Wood Shed
Wood sheds are beautiful and timeless. These traditional structures are easy to customize but need continuous painting, staining, and treating to protect them from the weather. Wood sheds cost $1,000 to $4,300 on average.
Prefab Metal Shed
Metal sheds—commonly galvanized steel or aluminum—typically cost $500 to $7,000. These sheds don’t rot or decay and are insect-resistant. But they’re not sturdy enough for areas of high wind or snow.
Steel-Framed Shed
Sheds with a steel frame will cost $3,000 or more for only the building. While costly, these sheds are sturdy and rot-resistant.
Brick Shed
Brick sheds are a durable, versatile, and safe type of outbuilding that averages around $24,000.
Plastic Shed
Vinyl, also known as plastic sheds, cost $1,000 to assemble. They’re low maintenance, versatile, and come in multiple styles but aren’t ideal for areas of high winds or extreme temperatures.
Common Shed Add-Ons
There are multiple features you can add to spruce up your shed. For example, skylights, windows, roof upgrades, shed solar panels, or gutters can increase the assembly price.
You may also want to upgrade the area just outside the shed with custom landscaping, walkways, or patios. Here are some of the most common additions made to sheds and how much they will cost on average.
Windows
Let in natural lights and increase airflow in a workspace or animal-friendly shed. The cost to install a new window will range from $300 to $1,500, depending on its material and placement.
Skylight
Catch the best sunrays of the morning as you work away in your shed by placing the window overhead. The cost to install a skylight ranges from $500 to $5,000.
Roofing
A tin, stone, or slate roof can replace the traditional asphalt shingle option on custom sheds. If you're looking to upgrade the roof of your shed for appearance and longevity, you'll pay an extra $4.35 to $11 per square foot for the cost of roof replacement.
Gutters
Gutters are ideal for protecting any structure from rain and snow damage, including your shed. The cost of new gutters typically ranges from $4 to $30 per linear foot.
Solar Panels
If you're dreaming of building an eco-conscious or off-the-grid shed, consider the impact of installing solar panels on your shed. DIY installation kits will cost between $100 and $3,000 on average or between $2.50 and $3.50 per watt for professional installation.
Landscaping
After clearing and leveling the land around your shed, the area could use a little TLC to look its best. Call a local landscaper to add a garden outside your shed, reseed the lawn, or simply spruce up the surrounding land. You'll pay between $4 and $10 per square foot on average for the cost of a professional landscaper.
Walkway
Weave your way through your backyard right to your shed door by installing a concrete walkway. The project will cost about $9 per square foot with the help of a professional.
Patio
If your shed is simply an extension of a new outdoor living space—perhaps to store your BBQ accessories or even set up an outdoor bar—include a patio in your project for between $10 and $50 per square foot.
Cost to Build a Shed Yourself
Prefabricated sheds tend to come with everything you need outside of a few staple household tools, like a drill or screwdriver, making it a DIY-friendly project for those moderately skilled homeowners.
The cost to assemble your shed yourself will depend on what tools you need to buy. But if you need to pour a concrete slab, install plumbing or wiring, or add insulation, you’ll need to contact a pro to help with this project. Also, if you’re looking for a more custom shed that’ll require building your shed from scratch, contact a professional shed builder near you to complete the job.
How to Save Money on the Cost to Assemble a Shed
If you’re looking to build a shed while keeping it budget-friendly, find a balance between function and style. The best way to save money when assembling a shed is through the material used to build it. Unless you have to follow local codes, community guidelines, and weather restraints, pick the material that’ll satisfy your needs for a shed without breaking the bank.
For example, if you live in an area that experiences high winds, you might need to build a concrete foundation with aluminum frames. While it’ll cost more, it’ll comply with your local climate. On the other hand, if harsh winds aren’t commonplace where you live, a simple vinyl shed might satisfy your needs.
“Sheds are expensive and have value that you might not recoup when you sell your house,” says Bob Tschudi. “That’s why we recommend a skid foundation, which enables the shed to be easily moved. So, before you put your house up for sale, you can sell your shed, putting several thousands of dollars in your pocket. But you have to sell it before you list it or the buyer will want it as part of the sale. Shed movers charge between $350 and $1,000, depending on the size and distance.”
Frequently Asked Questions
While it depends on the size, the average time it’ll take to assemble a shed is four to eight hours.
To hire the perfect pro to build your shed, contact three contractors and get a quote from each one to see who’s licensed, bonded, and insured. Also, see if they offer any customization options and additional services.
Whether you buy a prefabricated shed or build one depends on why you need it and where you stay. For instance, if a simple garden shed is what you’re after, it’ll be less expensive to buy one already built. But if you want a shed with windows, plumbing, and electric work, a custom-built unit might be more suited to your needs.