Garden Shed - Pre-Fabbed or onsite built?

[wrench409]

Time to get an 8x10 or 8x12 garden shed. I can't decide on a pre-fabbed unit or have it built onsite.

I'm 62 and don't have the time or energy to build one myself. I did view a 15 part Youtube series on doing one. I just need the storage space for the wife's garden stuff.

Any pitfalls or recommendations? Companies to shy away from? I'm in the DFW area Texas.



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[Rudyjr]

Time to get an 8x10 or 8x12 garden shed. I can't decide on a pre-fabbed unit or have it built onsite.

I'm 62 and don't have the time or energy to build one myself. I did view a 15 part Youtube series on doing one. I just need the storage space for the wife's garden stuff.

Any pitfalls or recommendations? Companies to shy away from? I'm in the DFW area Texas.



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Don't know anything about the DFW area but in central Ohio we an Amish family that will damn near build one for what the materials cost from a lumber yard. They buy heavier roof sheeting than what is carried locally and all the other materials in such volume that they get incredible pricing. So you pretty much end up with a better built building for slightly more than you could do it for with free labor.

 

[graymond]

We bought one from Costco, plastic type shed, that has held up pretty well over the last five years. Had to make sure there was a firm foundation, cement blocks, for the floor. I think it is a 10x12. No maintenance of which I am very grateful.

ray

 

[Aejk]

I just had an 8x10 built by a shed company. Took 4 guys the better part of 2 days. I had some custom add one like siding and roof pitch. Whole cost was 3k.I'm sure I could have gotten away for closer to 2k. I also have a couple of prefab big box sheds. There is no comparison in the quality you get from a shed builder.

 

[malibu101]

I just had an 8x10 built by a shed company. Took 4 guys the better part of 2 days. I had some custom add one like siding and roof pitch. Whole cost was 3k.I'm sure I could have gotten away for closer to 2k. I also have a couple of prefab big box sheds. There is no comparison in the quality you get from a shed builder.

Yeah, I put up an 8x12 shed kit from Lowes 2 summers ago.
It is functioning perfectly fine and went together very easy but it's "framing" leaves a whole lot to be desired.
I actually built extra framing into it.

I personally would not go this route again. I'd stick build.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

I just had an 8x10 built by a shed company. Took 4 guys the better part of 2 days. Whole cost was 3k.I'm sure I could have gotten away for closer to 2k. There is no comparison in the quality you get from a shed builder.

X2. Sounds a lot like mine. 8x10, vinyl siding, vinyl windows, fiberglass doors,30 year shingles. Solid as a rock. Ended up right around $2500.00.

Wrench, IDK your location, but in my town, you need a permit for anything larger than 100 square feet. I'm sure I'm not telling you anything you don't already know, but make sure it's built on treated lumber, studs 16" OC instead of 18" or 20". 3/4" exterior grade plywood. Soffit vents if it has a ridge vent.

Tommy

 

[IMXCITD]

bought 2 "kit" sheds from Lowes on sale a few years ago. Although they went together easy...the quality and strenght is not there...esp not compared to a hand built shed. Not to say a company that builds them and then delivers them is not as good as built on site. Start researching craigs list and talk to people...maybe even take out an ad and interview people. I have found many contractors for projects this way.

 

[glider]

My vote would be to check out craigslist. My best seller is 10x12 at $2,500 delivered.

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[wrench409]

I still haven't taken the plunge on a shed. I'm still exploring options.

There are a multitude of websites out there selling shed plans. I'd like to find one would include two options. One of course is a full materials list so I could run a cost analysis and the second would be modifications/changes to the layout.

Any good recommendations?
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[Beemer533]

I designed mine in Sketchup and I was able to figure down to the stud what I needed... And it is free..

Mine was 12x12, but it can easily be modified. If you are looking for a similar style, I would be glad to send you the original file to play with..

 

[PanelDeland]

I've been doing some research on them and this is what I found.
Economy sheds are 24 oc usually sixteen floor joist and 24 rafters. Less quality in shingles, usually a thinner floor sheathing and maybe roof sheathing.
The standard shed is 12 in joists, sixteen studs and sixteen rafters.3/4 floor (usually ply while econo is OSB) Most I have seen have nicer trim and may have a window or two.
The premiums seem to be upscale models with windows and better doors and maybe a lifetime roof.
Most I have looked at have choices on roofs,either metal or composite shingles with lifetime warranties. Pricing here in NC seems better on the Pre built as compared to the on site.Delivery is usually included in price up to a certain distance. Quality seems to be pretty equal as is price. Economy savings seem to be only in materials cost. In other words you only save what the difference in materials is and not the labor when buying an econo over a standard.Most companies will add doors, windows and upgrades for a price. I've found no less than eight companies within free delivery distance and pricing has been comparable. T111 seems to be the standard siding but Vinyl and steel are avail at an upcharge. I haven't looked at econo's much but most standards have a light or two and a window or two depending on size with more avail for more $$$.
Of ourse all of this info is in my market and you'll have to shop your locals but at least some of the things I've looked for are listed here and may help you determine what your needs are. Hope some of my research has helped.

 

[wrench409]

I'm checking locally (DFW area of TX) and the onsite builds for an 8x10 are $2500 and up.

If I can get a handle on the materials pricing, I can get a clearer idea of whether I make the time and find the energy to attempt the task or hire it out. The only tool I don't own is a nail gun.

BTW, thanks Beemer!



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[Zippercat]

If you have a compressor, or can borrow one for a couple days, consider renting a nail gun.

 

[Beemer533]

I'm checking locally (DFW area of TX) and the onsite builds for an 8x10 are $2500 and up.

If I can get a handle on the materials pricing, I can get a clearer idea of whether I make the time and find the energy to attempt the task or hire it out. The only tool I don't own is a nail gun.

BTW, thanks Beemer!

No problem at all...

I built basically what you see in the Sketchup about 4 years ago now, my total was just about $2900.

However, that included the one day rental of a Dingo and plate compactor, about 2 yards of runner crush delivered, a framing nailer and a palm nailer(this was worth the $60 just to do the Simpson plates for the rafters.

I'd say the actual cost of materials (excluding everything above) was about $2500.

I used 3 PT 4x6 runners, PT 2x6x12 for joists and PT 3/4" plywood for the floor. Everything was 16" OC, rafters were 2x6. Basically I built it like a house, I even put in soffit and Ridge vents. I also used plywood for the roof deck instead of OSB.

I could have probably saved a few hundred $$, but I didn't feel like having to do it again!

That same price would have gotten me a 12x12 pre-built with 7' walls, 2x3 framing and non PT flooring.. I just couldn't do it. Plus I had a lot more fun building it and got a couple new tools out of it!
Here is what I ended up with prior to painting and installing the ramp...

 

[vovka]

No problem at all...



I built basically what you see in the Sketchup about 4 years ago now, my total was just about $2900.



However, that included the one day rental of a Dingo and plate compactor, about 2 yards of runner crush delivered, a framing nailer and a palm nailer(this was worth the $60 just to do the Simpson plates for the rafters.



I'd say the actual cost of materials (excluding everything above) was about $2500.



I used 3 PT 4x6 runners, PT 2x6x12 for joists and PT 3/4" plywood for the floor. Everything was 16" OC, rafters were 2x6. Basically I built it like a house, I even put in soffit and Ridge vents. I also used plywood for the roof deck instead of OSB.



I could have probably saved a few hundred $$, but I didn't feel like having to do it again!



That same price would have gotten me a 12x12 pre-built with 7' walls, 2x3 framing and non PT flooring.. I just couldn't do it. Plus I had a lot more fun building it and got a couple new tools out of it!

Here is what I ended up with prior to painting and installing the ramp...

Looks great.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[wrench409]

The reasons I will probably do my own build:

1. I want it to match the current garage on the other corner of the lot.
2. None of the ones offered locally remotely match the garage (I did find one - the grey one, but $3200????. The Leland is all OSB and 2x4's.
3. PreFabbed ones may not fit through my narrow driveway/gate setup.
4. I really don't like OSB and particle board in buildings. I prefer plywood.
5. The wife wants the entrance to face the raised bed garden plots. And I agree with her.
6. The price seems kinda high to me at $2500 plus.
7. I want design control to modify as I see fit and to meet the wife's desires.

Here's a few shots. The fence was built this way because the neighbors fence is old grey white (which we both dislike). The lower gap will be lined with blocks/ledges for small flower pots.


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[dhubbard422]

I recently purchased "Build a Shed" (a magazine) from the publishers of Fine Homebuilding. It covers the basics and walks the reader through 4 different plans, each of which is nicer than your typical shed. It's a Summer 2014 publication and I found it at the local Barnes and Nobles. You might (or might not) find that it is worth the $13.

If you want an over the top shed, check out this build online (also from Fine Homebuilding):
http://www.finehomebuilding.com/how-to/articles/build-an-heirloom-garden-shed.aspx

Lastly, not all pre-fabbed sheds are ugly and built poorly. There's a builder in Waco that you might want to check out online:
http://kangaroomsystems.com/kanga-prefab-shed-kit/