How Much Does it Cost to Build a 12×12 Shed?
Do you know something about the shed? If not, you are at the right place. The shed is the best thing to install if you want something new in your house. It will increase the value of your home. However, does it cost to build a 12 x 12 shed? That will let you know by reading this blog. You need premium pre-built structures at affordable costs that are certain to last and look well. Let’s look at pricing, customization, and the benefits of hiring a professional builder vs. doing it yourself as we break down the cost of a 12-by-12 utility shed.
What Is The Average Price To Build A Shed?
| Type of Masonry Work | $3,634 |
| Typical Range | $1,767 to $9,567 (or $20 to $175 per square foot) |
| Low End | $363 |
| High End | $30,000 |
All of the prices listed above are the national averages for shed construction. Building a shed typically costs between $1,767 and $9,567 (or $20 to $175 per square foot), with the majority of homeowners spending $3,634 on the project.
Keep in mind that a lot of things will influence your final bill. Compared to purchasing a kit from the neighborhood home improvement store, hiring a professional to construct a custom garden shed will be far more expensive. Even a bad site can affect the budget, and large sheds can increase the cost.
The Cost of a 12×12 Shed
We found that the materials alone cost between $2,600 and $3,500 to build a 12 by 12 shed. You need around $4,443.00 to build a 12 by 12 shed after adding all the important prices. Labor is another crucial component. Building a shed takes time. It will occasionally take longer than you anticipated. A 40-hour shift will cost $800 of your effort if you typically earn $20 per hour; at $25 per hour, it will be worth $1000.
Factors Influencing Shed Prices
There are numerous additional cost considerations, but size is a major determinant of your shed’s total cost. For example, the size of the shed and whether insulation or power is required will depend on how you want to use it. Your chosen building material will affect your budget as well. Let’s examine how your project budget may be subject to the following factors:
Also Read : How Much Does Masonry Work Cost Per Hour?
1. Prefabricated Kits Vs. Custom Design
Do you desire a simple installation process and are on a tight budget? Prefabricated shed kits cost homeowners, on average, between $1,500 and $5,000. It can be a better option.
For homeowners who desire a unique shed or one with a complex design, a custom-built shed is a great choice. Because you must pay for all the labor, raw materials, and shed blueprints, custom sheds can be costly.
2. Foundation Costs
A strong foundation keeps your shed level and stable. The type of foundation you pick makes a big difference in the total price. A gravel pad is the cheaper option. It works well and helps drain water, but it may not last as long. A concrete slab is more expensive, but it gives long-term support and keeps the shed from shifting. Some areas require a certain type of foundation by code. That can raise costs, too. Foundation work also depends on the slope and soil in your yard. If extra work is needed to build the base, you’ll see that in the price.
3. Site Preparation
Before your shed goes up, the land needs to be ready. That means clearing out grass, rocks, or anything in the way. The ground has to be flat and level so the shed can sit properly. If your yard is on a slope, it may take extra time and tools to fix that. Sometimes, trees or old structures need to be removed, and that adds cost. If the ground is soft or wet, it might need to be reinforced or dried out. All this prep work happens before the shed is even delivered, but it plays a big part in the total cost.
4. Material
You will learn that there are numerous types of shed materials as you plan your project. Brick, wood, vinyl, and metal are the four most popular materials for sheds.
Depending on the quality of the material, cost estimates change. The most costly of the four materials is usually brick.
5. Purpose Of The Shed
What will you do with your shed? The overall cost of your shed will depend on its intended use. It’s simple to scale down the project and save money if you require a storage shed for your lawn and garden supplies.
Are you storing old family photos, bicycles, or furniture in the shed? It may then be necessary to enlarge the area and make an investment in a building material that is resistant to water damage.
If you want to convert your shed into a woman’s shed, budget extra money for electrical, plumbing, and insulation. The type of insulation you install will affect the cost.
What Is Less Expensive: Building Or Purchasing A Shed?
Building a 12 by 12 shed is typically less expensive, though this varies from person to person. Having the requisite construction skills, time, and tools will determine whether building or buying is more advantageous.
Think about these three crucial elements:
1. Building Skills
To construct high-quality, durable sheds, one must possess sufficient abilities. To construct it effectively, extreme care to detail is necessary. If you are a beginner, you are likely to make a lot of little blunders. These include errors in door and window installation, roofing, leveling, and cutting. It seems acceptable to create your own if you are skilled at creating veterans.
2. Time Investment
Do you already have a full schedule? Or do you have a lot of weekend activities with your family? Then, it can make sense to buy it from nearby shed builders or have someone build it for you. In this manner, you can immediately obtain a shed at a reasonable cost. Remember that money is time.
3. Tools
Are you aware of the tools required to construct a 12 x 12 shed? Building a 12-by-12 storage shed requires five key tools.
There are:
- Safety goggles
- Hammers
- Levels
- Tape measures
- Saws (crosscut, circular, and miter).
To begin your do-it-yourself 12×12 shed project, you will need to purchase these tools.
Which Is Better 12×12 Shed: Metal Vs. Wood?
These both options have their own good and bad sides. There is no perfect choice for everyone. It depends on what you need and what you prefer. A wooden shed looks more natural and can match your home. It is also easier to paint or change later. But it may need more care over time. Let’s see in detail which one will suit you:
The Benefits and Drawbacks of a Wood Shed
If you have additional wooden elements on your property, a 12 x 12 wood shed will blend in nicely. Wooden patios, flower boxes, and fences would all look great with a traditional wooden shed. You have to protect it from water and bugs. If not, it can rot or get damaged. Still, it’s not hard to take care of. You can use a sealant or wood protector. That helps your shed last longer and keeps it looking good. Your shed can be protected from harm by applying a sealer and protection.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of a Metal Shed
Metal sheds are strong and last a long time. They don’t need as much care as wood. Rain and bugs don’t hurt them like they do with wood sheds. Metal sheds are also cheaper to fix if something goes wrong. But one downside is the look. It’s harder to change the color or design of a metal shed. If you like to change things often, that could be a problem. Still, many people choose metal sheds for their strength and low upkeep.
DIY Vs. Professional Build
An advanced home improvement job is building a shed yourself. Even with instructions included, the process can be difficult. In addition to installing the walls and windows and even adding shingles to the roof, you will also need to prepare the foundation.
Remember that building a custom shed is more difficult than building a premade one. Measured supplies and instructions are included with a prefabricated shed. When creating a bespoke design, you must start from zero, create all design drawings and measurements by yourself, and make sure your design complies with safety regulations. For their new shed, a lot of homeowners could work with a local expert.
Here is a table that will clear up some things:
| Build Option | Cost Range | What’s Included | Important Things |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY Build | $2,600 – $3,500 | Materials like wood, roofing, nails, screws, etc. | Tools may cost extra (buy or rent) Takes 20–50 hours, depending on skill |
| Professional Build | $2,000 – $25,000 | Labor + materials. Cost depends on shed design and extras | Faster build. Less stress. Costlier. Custom sheds with upgrades cost more. |
Is 12 x 12 A Suitable Size For A Shed?
Yes, that is the response. Almost everything you own can be stored in a 12-by-12 shed, which also provides space for a workstation. Lawnmowers, ATVs, wheelbarrows, long-handled tools, weed trimmers, shovels, leaf blowers, and garden supplies may all be stored in its 144-square-foot storage area. But you should think about how you’ll use your 12 x 12 shed. What is the amount of storage space required for work or storage?
Knowing the precise features you wish to add to it is also essential. Items such as transoms, a workstation, shelving, and other such modifications.
Does A 12×12 Shed Requires Permit?
Sometimes it does, sometimes it does not. It depends on where you live. In some towns, you can build a shed this size without any permit. In others, they want you to get one no matter what. If your shed is under 120 square feet and only one story, you might be fine without one. But don’t guess — call your local office and ask. It’s not worth the trouble if they make you move the shed later. It’s an easy call that can save you time and money.
Also Read : Cinder Block Walls vs. Concrete Walls: Which One is Best for Your Project?
Tips To Reduce The Building Cost Of A 12×12 Shed
Here are some tips you should follow to reduce the cost:
1. Make Use Of All Materials And Reduce Waste
Before establishing, thoroughly measure everything and make a detailed supplies inventory. This estimate helps you prevent overspending and wasting materials.
For example, if your shed design uses standard lumber proportions, you will eliminate scraps while saving money. Using leftover materials from prior projects or purchasing low-cost components from hardware stores might also help.
Choose An Affordable Base
Your shed needs a good base, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Gravel is cheap and works well for small sheds. Skids are also affordable and easy to install. Concrete is strong but costs more. Think about what you’ll use your shed for before picking the foundation.
Consider Prefabricated Shed Kits
Prefab shed kits function similarly to shed building sets. They include pre-cut parts and thorough instructions, making assembly faster and easier. Kits are frequently less expensive than acquiring all of the supplies separately, especially if you need to gain more experience with cutting and assembly.
They also reduce waste because everything is pre-measured. While prefab kits may limit personalization, they are an excellent way to save time and money.
Conclusion
If you need more room but don’t want to break the bank, consider a 12×12 storage shed. The price varies based on the cost of materials, labor costs, and whether you build it yourself or hire someone. A prefab kit can save you time and money, but with a custom shed, you can have it your way. Just be sure to plan well, keep to your budget, and consider how you’ll be using the shed in the long term. It can be helpful for many things. Please choose the option that best suits your needs, whether you choose to build it or purchase it. A bit of planning now can save you a lot later.
FAQs
Is a concrete slab required for the shed?
Many sheds have a concrete slab as their basis, but not all. There are various foundation possibilities, including gravel, pavers, and lumber.
Remember, not all shed kits come with a foundation, so study the fine print. Shed kits constructed of plastic walls and roofs frequently contain segments that come together to form a plastic floor.
Can you move an old shed?
Yes, you can move or relocate an old shed, depending on the material used. Moving a brick shed will be far more difficult than relocating a vinyl shed, for instance.
What 12×12 shed styles are available?
There are many shed styles available in the industry. Here are a few of them:
- The Lofted Barn Max
- Lean-to shed
- The Garden Shed Max
- A Frame Shed
- The Utility Shed
- Hip Roof-Style sheds
