Shed, build vs buy

[X1 Mike]

So it's time to get a shed in the back yard.

I plan to start a little bit of a restoration business vapor blasting, Cerakoting, and hydrodipping. My primary area will be motorcycles jobs like blasting and Cerakoting cases and rebuilding wheels etc. but I have people asking me for gun stuff so I'm sure I will be doing a lot of that and keeping my options open for that side taking over the bulk of the work. This is starting out as just something to do to recoup some of the money I spend on equipment that I want anyway and no actual income will be taken. My garage is pretty full so I plan on adding a shed to the property to work in. If the business never makes a penny at least I have a property value upgrade.

I found a 10 x 12 Tuff Shed at Home Depot for $3300 that would be more than sufficient. It sits longways has a double door and a window on each end. It has really good door hinges, door handles and a heavy duty hydraulic door closer. All I have to do is have it delivered, run electrical, put some insulation up and a pop a window air conditioner in the back wall before summer comes in April.

My other option is to build from scratch. I'm half assed decent building and have built a shed before. I have most tools required except maybe a nail gun which is an arrow I wouldn't mind adding to the quiver.

Scratch built I get exactly what I want but it would take me longer obviously plus I'm sure permitting would be tougher as I live in hurricane area. I also hate roofing. The price of the Tuff Shed doesn't seem bad, what are the chances that I can save enough money to make it worthwhile to build my own?

If I do make my own does anyone sell rafters or is it better to just get a bracket kit? If I do build should I consider metal 2x4's or just stick with wood? Any good places to look for plans? If I did build it myself I'd probably add a dormer to the front for windows and natural light or large skylights for same.

Any and all shed opinions or ideas are welcome.

 

[X1 Mike]

Here are a couple pics of the shed I found. I should note that the wife’s preference is to buy premade and be done with it.




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[Catfishdan]

Tuff shed quality seems to depend a lot on the crew that puts it together. If you’re happy with that floor model I’d say go for it. Lumber is pretty pricey right now and time is precious. On the other hand, if you would enjoy building a shed...

 

[LeeG]

I built my 10x12, but only because I had some specific HOA height requirements that would have been difficult to achieve otherwise. I didn't save any money vs buying a Toughshed, but I did put in a concrete floor, which is a huge plus.

If you are OK with the floor, and unless you want to build one for the sake of building it, I'd lean toward getting the Toughshed.

 

[Moosefire]

I built a 12x24 5ish years ago for about 3000 bucks I think... with a much bigger and stronger foundation than was needed. Lumber prices now and days are much higher than what I paid, so keep that in mind.

My neighbor bought a shed kit from costco I think, and the back wall consisted of 3 vertical 2x4s. The rest of the rigidity came from the side walls, and shelves that helped to lock everything together, so keep an eye out that you're getting a decent kit.

Fyi, I know you didn't ask but if you work on guns you need to have an FFL. Even if its just "painting" it with ceracote. Something to think about if you didn't already know

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[Higgins]

With the prices of building materials going out of sight as late! You may find that you purchase the required material for what TB is selling their sheds! And a lot quicker !!!

AL

 

[couch67]

Definitely a loaded question and you will get the full spectrum of responses I'm sure. I would suggest if you are happy with the quality and fit of the prebuilt and the price is reasonable then that seems to be the right decision.

 

[readhead]

As a former Tough Shed dealer I can assure you that you can buy a better shed for less money from an independent shed outfit. Look around for other shed companies in the area.

 

[Skiff Builder]

Sheds are fun to build but you got to want to do it

 

[justanengineer]

I’d check the local Craig’s/FB/other classifieds under “free” first. I’ve given away one and have seen many really nice sheds free for removal. I also see ads for free garages and barns occasionally that are great sources of free materials.


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[Dodgepu360]

Only you can answer this question: do you want to work on the shed or in the shed?

Personally I would build it myself, more fun that way

 

[dandan111]

It would be nice to have it done now. Look for a Amish builder. They build
them cheap,heavy and fast.

 

[nadogail]

If it were up to me, and obviously it isn't , I would want to build my own she'd rather than settle for somebody else's low bidder special.

I would want to weld together a frame from repurposed pallet beams and old bed frames.

I know that I am a minority voice in the wilderness of 21st century America.

 

[Greenlawnracing]

Following as I’m in the same situation. I was very happy with the one I bought in the past, but am open to buy or build this time.

Let me know how material pricing ends up on build vs buy.

 

[thammel]

Id depends on how much time you have! I bought a 12x16 custom shed for 5K$. I know I could have built it for less than that but simply did not have the time to do it.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

Easiest question ever....build it yourself. I have built some killer sheds for customers over the years. Each new one becomes a challenge to out do my last one.

This one is actually a mancave complete with bar, hardwood floors , tv, couches, and a serving window to the outside. Best part is it’s on the ocean in RI and is a great gathering spot for the neighborhood.

 

[Lightning rod]

I think you can build it cheaper than $3300
but like SkiffBuilder stated, not difficult to price out

like others have said, do you have the time, enjoy doing these things?

either way , you will get a good shed

 

[driftpin]

I’d check the local Craig’s/FB/other classifieds under “free” first. I’ve given away one and have seen many really nice sheds free for removal. I also see ads for free garages and barns occasionally that are great sources of free materials.

Chances of doing this legally in most of Florida are nil. We have one of the strictest building codes in the nation.

If it were up to me, and obviously it isn't , I would want to build my own she'd rather than settle for somebody else's low bidder special.

I would want to weld together a frame from repurposed pallet beams and old bed frames.

I know that I am a minority voice in the wilderness of 21st century America.

Another 'no' by the AHJ. See both above and below.

You're in Flagler Co. so where is that on the HVHZ ratings?

http://www.flaglercounty.org/document_center/growth management/WindZoneLines Map.PDF

https://www.clopaydoor.com/residential/windcode-residential-information/florida-windcode

You should look at these, https://www.larkbuilders.com/models/ there are different options. The one I got has a galvanized steel frame, house-wrap, plywood under Hardi-Board, and it sits on a concrete slab, the slab is the floor.

I'm including a link to my prior thread, lots of info, pics, and the process. I looked at the Lowe's and Home Depot stuff, and Superior Sheds. Then I went to the local Lark Sheds dealer, he had a variety of different sheds and methods of construction. I chose the steel frame/Hardi-Board siding, w/steel roof, OH door in one gable end, and a framed-out opening for an Impact Rated door I installed myself. It came with two windows whose locations I spec'ed for cross-flow ventilation and placement of tool storage stacks and workbenches. It's not cheap. However, I fully-expect this will last 25 years and by-then, the next decade will be three digits, so I consider this to-be a good investment.

Mine is 10 ft. X 20 ft. I would have bought something bigger but the zoning regs don't allow anything larger without a variance, and I'm not spending four figures for a variance application/costs only to be turned-down.

I have LED floodlights and a front concrete apron, tied-into an existing concrete driveway. I had an electrician wire it for a 100 amp service (buried feed). I have 120 V and 240 V outlets on all the walls, for a 240 V 60 gal upright compressor and a multi-process 240 V welder 220 A MIG/175 A TIG. I bought a new mini-split for it (240 V) but I haven't installed it yet.

I had a lighter-design shed, legally-permitted, it made it through 25 years of south Florida hurricanes, but The ***** Wilma in '05 threw it around the neighborhood.

Looking at the competition, then looking at this, I felt it was no comparison. I am a licensed plans examiner and a lifesafety inspector in Florida.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=376826&highlight=lark

 

[X1 Mike]

It would be nice to have it done now. Look for a Amish builder. They build
them cheap,heavy and fast.

I wish I could find some Amish down here in Florida.

Id depends on how much time you have! I bought a 12x16 custom shed for 5K$. I know I could have built it for less than that but simply did not have the time to do it.

That's about where I am. I know I can do it, I can probably do it cheaper but it will cut into the purpose of the shed.

Then I went to the local lark Sheds dealer, he had a variety of different sheds and methods of construction. I chose the steel frame/Hardi-Board siding, w/steel roof, OH door in one gable end, and a framed-out opening for an Impact Rated door I installed myself. It came with two windows whose locations I spec'ed for cross-flow ventilation and placement of tool storage stacks and workbenches. It's not cheap. However, I fully-expect this will last 25 years and by-then, the next decade will be three digits, so I consider this to-be a good investment.

Mine is 10 ft. X 20 ft. I would have bought something bigger but the zoning regs don't allow anything larger without a variance, and I'm not spending four figures for a variance application/costs only to be turned-down.

I have LED floodlights and a front concrete apron, tied-into an existing concrete driveway. I had an electrician wire it for a 100 amp service (buried feed). I have 120 V and 240 V outlets on all the walls, for a 240 V 60 gal upright compressor and a multi-process 240 V welder 220 A MIG/175 A TIG. I bought a new mini-split for it (240 V) but I haven't installed it yet.

I had a lighter-design shed, legally-permitted, it made it through 25 years of south Florida hurricanes, but The ***** Wilma in '05 threw it around the neighborhood.

Looking at the competition, then looking at this, I felt it was no comparison. I am a licensed plans examiner and a lifesafety inspector in Florida.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=376826&highlight=lark

That's a helluva shed you have there. I really wish I had room for something like that. I'll have a look at them. With your expertise if I am not putting it on a slab is it better to anchor posts and build like a deck off the ground surface or just built on the ground and anchored with the hurricane anchors?

Note: I haven't even looked into my cities permitting requirements.

 

[haneyrm]

I just went through this. If you build, it will have to be engineered, signed & sealed, and permitted. If you buy pre-built, just make sure the shed manufacturer has a master approval from the state. I had to include this info with my permit application along with engineered drawings from the shed builder. It was easy because the shed builder already had the master approval. Approval just took a day or two with no comments. The shed has a metal plate on the interior above the door with the approval info, 180 MPH windload rating data, date of manufacturer, etc.

Mine is 14x28 and was built by South Country Sheds in Arcadia. It is very well built and with the prices of lumber, I could not figure out how to have it engineered and build it myself for much less than buying pre-built. I even own a structural consulting engineering firm and couldn’t justify building it myself. LOL. Florida is different than most other states. HVHZ requirements may not apply in Flagler. Typically applies in Dade and parts of Broward. FBC and ASCE-7 is what you would have to follow if you do this on your own for windloads. You will also have to provide the engineering data on the tie-downs as well to prove uplift is restrained.

 

[_Stang_]

It would be nice to have it done now. Look for a Amish builder. They build
them cheap,heavy and fast.

Had the Amish do our 12x16 Pavillion. They had the roof somewhat done in their shop beforehand (beautiful tongue & groove ceiling) but there was a lot of work on site to be done. They showed up with two men and two 12 year old boys around 10 am and were DONE before 2pm. I made a comment that I was expecting them earlier and they said sorry we already did one of these today and have another after you.

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[readhead]

The Mennonites are the drivers of the shed industry. Of course there are lots of others including the Amish. Look around and I bet you will find a builder that can build and deliver a top quality product. My sheds are built to my specs by Mennonite carpenters and my financing is through a Mennonite family company. My metal roofing and siding is supplied by a Mennonite company. I think you will get a lot more for your money.

 

[Deadsquiggles]

I built my 12x14 for about $2200 last year. 2x6 floor joists, 3/4” OSB for the floor, 2x4 walls 16” OC, 32” prehung door, vinyl siding that’s close to the color of my house, and Timberline shingles.

 

[PhantomEB]

I need to look at Home Depot's and the likes. I have a specific spot mines going into. I can shorten but not interested in modifying huge.

No issues building if they can’t provide one.

 

[niget2002]

As much as I love building things, I think my next shed will be a pre-built. I tend to over engineer, so I never really save money over a prebuilt. The only thing I do get by building is the exact dimensions, style I want.

Heck... my 6'x4' chicken coop ran me $1200 by the time I was finished with it.

 

[grissom]

My BIL just built a 10x12 and is into it for $4,000. Since he has been unemployed he had the time to build it himself and saved some money over a Tuff Shed

I on the other hand started a 8x10 shed project in early summer and have only the foundation and floor done with about $500 in costs and won't be able to work on it again until the spring at the soonest

Now I am wishing I would have just bit the bullet and purchased the Tuff Shed and be done with it.

Besides it going up in hours I REALLY like the Tuff Shed Doors and locking system

My .02

 

[lonestardiver]

My problem is unless I want to tear down a carport and some fencing or pay for a crane, it needs to be site built.

 

[Gummi Bear]

Is there a Mueller near you?

They have all steel shed kits that you can DIY. Not sure about being hurricane rating, you can ask them about that.


https://www.muellerinc.com/kits/backyard-building



I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...

Henry David Thoreau

 

[DeeKay]

Tuff sheds are nice, We've had one in the CO high plains for about 5 years now for parts storage. The only problem I've had was some soft ball sized hail which took out the skylight and poked a couple holes in the roof, threw a steel roof on it and it's been good ever since. We get 90mph straight line wind and lots of hail out there so I can't complain.

If you do go the Tuff shed route just keep an eye on the crew, sometimes they're great and sometimes they'll send a crew of crack heads out to throw a shed together.

 

[theoldwizard1]

That's about where I am. I know I can do it, I can probably do it cheaper but it will cut into the purpose of the shed.

Time is always an issue. Don't worry about the roof. Study how Tuff Shed builds them. You just need simple hurricane straps. (Simpson H1 are a bit more expensive, but you don't need a birds mouth notch !)

... I am not putting it on a slab is it better to anchor posts and build like a deck off the ground surface or just built on the ground and anchored with the hurricane anchors?

Note: I haven't even looked into my cities permitting requirements.

You had better start looking into local building codes ! They may REQUIRE a slab and hold downs like HDU2 connecting the walls to the slab.

 

[gagecalman]

When did a shed become so complicated?
I remember when everyone had an Arrow metal shed.

 

[D45]

Build it yourself for cheaper, using better materials

I built a 10 x 12 or under $1500.........has a gambrel roof, front and rear loft storage

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=244568&highlight=shed

 

[driftpin]

Build it yourself for cheaper, using better materials

I built a 10 x 12 or under $1500.........has a gambrel roof, front and rear loft storage

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=244568&highlight=shed

What was required in Indiana for the building permit? Florida's regulations are extensive. Open the link:
https://www.palmcoastgov.com/government/building/ownerdocumentdetails/107

Or, you can read this:

Shed
We have tried our best to provide all the information necessary on this page to help you understand the process for permitting your project from beginning to the end.

*A permit is required for any pre-manufactured shed over 49 square feet.

*All conventional built sheds of any size require a permit. You may use our pre-approved conventional built shed plans located in the links at the bottom of this page. These plans cannot be altered in any way.

Once you've made application, the permit is usually ready the same or next day. If any additional information is required, you will receive an email with the details.

Once you have received your permit, the job card will outline what inspections are necessary for your project. You may schedule the inspection by calling 386-986-4747 or through this website. All approved documents are required to be available for the inspector when he arrives. The inspector will sign your job card if the inspections passes.

You will need to be on the site to give the inspector access to the job if it is not accessible.

The permit will remain active for six months from the date of issuance, if the permit expires without the required inspections, a new permit will be required.

What is required to apply for a permit?

Permit application

Signed and sealed drawings for sheds built on-site

Manufactures specifications (booklet) for pre-fab sheds

Survey / site plan Check our files - http://records.palmcoastgov.com/

Proposed size, location, setbacks and dimensions

All existing structures

Colors and materials of the exterior and roof

Landscape plan

Shall be screened with a visual buffer planting, solid decorative fencing or wall

Plants used shall be native or shall be vegetation that conserves water, is adaptable to local conditions, and is drought tolerant

Proof of property ownership - recorded deed or property appraisers office printout

Owner builder affidavit

Tenant affidavit- if the property owner is not obtaining the permit.

Notice of commencement (certified copy) this is required for any improvements to your property greater than $2,500.The notice of commencement is to be filled out, and recorded with the Flagler County Clerks office in Bunnell.It is not required at the time of permit issuance, but will be required prior to any inspections.

The cost for the permit is $54.00

The following is recommended for anchoring your shed - http://docs.palmcoastgov.com/departments/building/shed anchoring system.pdf

You may make application using our online permit submittal - http://www.palmcoastgov.com/eplanreview

(A signed permit application or owner affidavit will not be required for upload if using the online submittal portal)

Document Links

Standard anchoring system [107.80 KB]
Download
Standard Plans for convential built storage buildings [4.69 MB]
Download
Notice of Commencement [393.33 KB]
Download
Tenant Affidavit [264.80 KB]
Download
Revision sheet [337.84 KB]
Download
Owner-Builder Affidavit [243.70 KB]
Download
Permit Application [492.56 KB]
Download

 

[haneyrm]

Build it yourself for cheaper, using better materials

I built a 10 x 12 or under $1500.........has a gambrel roof, front and rear loft storage

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=244568&highlight=shed

The engineering required to build a shed in Florida will cost more than your entire shed. It’s not complicated but is simply a requirement to ensure that it stays put and stays together when it gets breezy. My new shed is in SW FL (Boca Grande). If you are in a V flood zone, you may be out of luck. I’m lucky to be in an A flood zone so at least I was allowed to have a shed.

See post #20. I tried to make the DIY route work and it just didn’t make sense. In my case, the engineering would have been free. Also, if you decide to vary from the pre-approved plans, I would plan for a different experience with permit reviews and inspections. With the pre-approved plans, there is an administrative review only and a fly-by inspection.

 

[Busted Knucles]

Dress out a sea container. They are cheap.