Shed installation costs$2,723 - $3,805
National average fixed price
- Most common low price:$2,723
- Most common high price:$3,805
How much does it cost to build a shed?
By Thumbtack Staff
Last updated Tue, Sep 09
The national average cost to build a shed ranges from around $2,723-$3,805, and most people pay around $3,220, according to Thumbtack data. High-end costs range from $9,951-$12,953. Costs can vary based on whether you get original construction or purchase a prefab kit and hire a pro to build it for you.
Cost of building a shed
| National average cost | $3,220 |
|---|---|
| Average cost range | $2,723-$3,805 |
| Low-end cost range | $817-$1,056 |
| High-end cost range | $9,951-$12,953 |
Adding a shed is one way to expand a residential or commercial space. It’s a small home improvement project that can make a huge difference in how it feels to work and relax in your yard. Imagine having all your garden tools easily accessible in a small metal shed near the garden, or all the bicycles that clutter up your garage tucked into a large storage shed in the yard.
While many homeowners have basic carpentry skills for small DIY projects, even a basic wood shed or simple lean-to starts getting complicated. Use this guide to help determine whether you should build a new shed or use a kit, and learn how to calculate your project costs.
Backyard shed options
Sheds have traditionally been used to store items such as gardening tools, lawn mowing equipment, other tools, or bikes and outdoor toys, as well as for use as auxiliary home storage space. A small wood shed in the backyard or a large shed strategically placed on the property can be a very helpful outdoor storage space for all those belongings that don’t belong, or fit, in the garage or inside the house.
You can also build a shed to use as a workshop or private backyard office. Sheds can have wood, steel, aluminum or vinyl siding. A shed can be a simple bare wood structure, or it can have electrical wiring and plumbing so it feels like a tiny house. Added windows provide natural light, and drywall and insulation keep out the cold. A shed addition can even be designed to match the style of a house for a cohesive look.
How to calculate the cost of building a shed
Like many construction projects, the cost of shed construction is usually calculated by the square foot. Contractors calculate the labor costs and building materials needed, plus their business overhead and other factors such as travel, to determine the cost per square foot of the project. That figure is then multiplied by the square feet laid out in the shed plans to come up with the total cost.
It’s helpful to have an idea of the basic design and shed material you’re imagining when you ask for cost estimates. A variety of factors affect the amount and type of labor needed and the type of materials required. Special features like a custom door installation or gambrel roof (with two slopes on each side) will also affect your cost.
Here are some examples of how GFC Restoration in Charlotte, North Carolina, breaks down costs per square foot:
Here’s another project example of a shed built by Nathan Laurenson of Renovations Your Way in Slidell, Louisiana:
Should I consider prefab shed kit assembly?
Some homeowners prefer to buy a prefabricated shed kit instead of constructing a custom shed. These shed kits contain everything needed to put the shed together, including the roof, siding and framing.
In these cases, costs depend on the cost of the kit and the cost of labor for assembling the kit when you hire a pro. GFC Restoration shares an example of a shed built from a kit:
How to hire a pro
If you need a pro to either build you a new shed or help you assemble a shed kit, take these steps:
Step 1: Compare nearby pros online.
Look up top pros in your area to see what your options are. You might decide to work with a general contractor or a construction company, depending on the ratings you see.
Step 2: Look at past photos and reviews.
Spend some time reading the reviews for the top pros in your area. Look for signs that indicate the pros you're seriously considering are professional, they show up on time, they work quickly and their shed construction prices are fair.
You should also look at photos of sheds the pros have built in the past. If you can't find photos on the pros' profiles or in the customer reviews, ask the pro to send you photos so you can get a sense of their quality of work.
Step 3: Ask for free estimates.
Before you hire a pro, you need to know how much building a shed is going to cost you. Ask the pros to send you free estimates and quotes. But in order for them to do this, you need to give them as much information about your project as possible, including the size of the shed, the material you want and how quickly you need it built.
After you've gathered quotes from three to five different pros, choose the one that fits your budget but still has a solid reputation and good quality of work.
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