Can’t decide between buying or building a shed? Both options have advantages and disadvantages. Depending on your preference, skill set, and needs, you may prefer one option over the other. In this article, we’ll take a look at both buying and building a shed, outline the pros and cons, and feature various shed types to help you make the right choice! Contact the experts at Dutch Country Sheds to find out more about high-quality, wooden prefab sheds!
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Buying or Building a Shed – Comparison Infographic
Check out the infographic below to see the biggest pros and cons of buying or building a shed! You can also click on the infographic to view a larger version.
Buying or Building a Shed – Advantages and Disadvantages
Whether you choose to buy or build a shed is completely up to you! Both options can help you save space in your home and create a safe outdoor storage space for you and your family. This section will provide more in-depth detail about the pros and cons of each option so you can make an informed choice.
Building A Shed – Advantages & Disadvantages
Pros:
- Enjoying the building process
- Complete control over the creative process
- Custom-built just for you
One of the reasons why homeowners choose to build a shed is simply because they enjoy the building process! Do-it-yourself (DIY) projects are becoming more and more popular. Many homeowners and handymen alike enjoy the hands-on process of building something from scratch.
When you build a shed, you have complete control over the entire creative process. You can choose to add customized options such as shelves, benches, hooks, lofts, extra windows, and more! You can build your shed to be the perfect space custom-built for you and your needs. Many people find the entire process fun! To see a time-lapse of a shed being built, watch part 1 of Building a 12×16 Shed video below.
- Requires significant construction know-how
- Requires tools and materials
- No warranty if you make a mistake
However, building your own shed may not be fun for everyone. Like any big home project, building a shed from scratch requires a great deal of know-how when it comes to construction, materials, and tools. If you aren’t sure what you’re doing, you may end up with a flimsy shed. A poorly built shed may not withstand extreme weather and can even collapse, costing you significant amounts of money and could potentially harm you or someone else.
When building a shed, you only have yourself to blame if something goes wrong. All costs fall on you if you need to replace materials or if something goes wrong and you have to start the project all over again. There is no warranty when you build – you must assume all responsibility for your new shed. If you are in need of significant storage space, it is also more difficult to build a larger shed.
When building yourself, you’ll have to figure out all of the building codes and bylaws in your area before you begin. If you do not, you could end up with an illegal building not covered by insurance. You may even have to tear it down!
Buying A Shed – Advantages & Disadvantages
Pros:
- Nearly endless options, styles, and sizes to choose from
- Relaxing process – peace of mind
- High-quality materials and warranty
Many homeowners prefer the ease of buying a prebuilt shed. When you buy a shed, there are almost unlimited options to choose from. You can choose a wood, vinyl, or metal shed. You can choose a tiny shed or a shed bigger than most garages! You can choose to add custom options (often for an additional fee) and pick a style that best suits your home and preferences.
When you buy a shed, you can sit back and relax. Your shed manufacturer will likely offer a warranty on the product, so if something goes you won’t have to worry about extra fees or repair costs. Many shed builders even offer delivery services. Once you’ve picked out your shed, all you have to do is wait for it to arrive and you can use it right away! See the video below by Classic Buildings to watch how simple a shed delivery can be!
- Costs more upfront
- Not as much creative control over project
- May not have as many custom features as DIY shed
Of course, when you choose to buy a shed over building one, you will be paying more upfront. This cost often covers the higher-quality materials used as well as quality workmanship and delivery. If you buy your building, you won’t have as much creative control over your project. You won’t get that hands-on experience DIYers find when they build their shed, and you may lose out on some custom features. You can still customize your shed, but the options are more limited when you buy over build.
How To Choose Buying Or Building
If you still aren’t sure if buying or building a shed is the best choice for you, ask yourself the following questions to help narrow down your choice.
- What’ my budget? – It’s important to take your budget into consideration. If you have a small budget, what type and size of shed can you afford to buy? Can you afford high-quality materials to build your shed? If you have a small budget and can only afford to build a shed but would prefer to buy, there’s no harm waiting until you can afford the shed that works best for you.
- What are my skills? – Do you have the skills required to build a shed? If not, are you willing to put the time and effort required to learn these skills? Do you have tools and materials, or will you need to buy or rent tools?
- What do I need my shed for? – If you need a simple tool or garden shed, it may not be too hard to build yourself one! But if you’re looking for a multi-purpose outdoor building, large storage shed, or at-home office, you may want to work with the professionals instead unless you have significant construction knowledge.
Sheds By Dutch Country Sheds
If you’re looking to buy a prebuilt, high-quality wooden shed, Dutch Country Sheds offers a wide variety of styles in different sizes and colors to suit your needs! Learn more about each shed below. If you’re ready to buy a shed, you can shop online from the comfort of your own home! Click here to shop, or click here to learn how to shop online!
Interested In An Outdoor Shed Of Your Own?
Utility Shed
The Utility Shed is a very practical storage shed that does not have the look of a barn. It is also one of our most economical choices and can easily be used to store whatever you have in mind!
- Sidewalls – 6′ 4″
- Double Doors
- Smallest Size: 8’x8′
- Largest Size: 14’x40′
Mini Barn
The Mini Barn is a great choice if you simply need extra storage space or want to organize and store all of your tools or gardening equipment. It can also be a great storage building to keep your seasonal equipment. The Mini Barn features:
- 7′ Inside Clearance
- Single Door & more!
- Smallest Size: 8’x8′
- Largest Size: 12’x16′
Lofted Barn
The Lofted Barn is a great storage building for recreational items. It includes additional storage space in the loft area, allowing you to easily store items not frequently used or smaller and more fragile items. The Lofted Barn features:
- Sidewalls – 6′ 4″
- Double Doors & more!
- Smallest Size: 8’x12′
- Largest Size: 14’x40′
Garden Shed
The Garden Shed is a classic portable building and will look amazing in any yard! It can be easily converted into a workshop for the family handyman or a gorgeous gardener’s dream space! The Garden Shed features:
- Sidewalls – 6′ 4″
- Double Doors & more!
- Smallest Size: 8’x8′
- Largest Size: 14’x40′
Lofted Garden Barn
The Lofted Garden Barn includes a unique U-shaped loft that allows for greater versatility and storage room. The Lofted Garden Barn is perfect for those needing ample storage space. The Lofted Garden Barn features:
- Sidewalls – 6′ 4″
- Double Doors & more!
- Smallest Size: 8’x12′
- Largest Size: 14’x40′
Ready For Your Own Storage Shed?
If you are ready to purchase a premium portable storage building, or have any questions about finding the right building for you, contact Dutch Country Sheds now to learn more! A storage shed can be the solution you’ve been looking for.
We even have a Rent-To-Own option to make it easy for you to own your very own shed today! Dutch Country Sheds is committed to both affordability and high-quality structures.
We take the time to listen to our customers and help them choose the best design for their particular needs and budget. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have.
We are so confident in the high quality of our product that we offer a 5-year blanket warranty.
Our 5-year blanket warranty covers any defect in workmanship, lumber, and products, including the function of the product. Dutch Country Sheds are made to last – we guarantee it with our 5-year warranty!
“I appreciate being treated as if I were your only customer,
allowing as much time as needed to reach a decision.”
– Russell J. Murrary, a Classic Buildings Customer – More Testimonials Here!