I am considering building a storage shed in my backyard. I have looked at the home improvement retailers, the pre-built and delivered and buying a plan off the internet. Any advice?
Storage Shed Advice
- Thread starter CycloneNick
- Start date
How big? Like a small 6x8 or a 40x60 machine shed? I need to do something and I'm getting a bid for adding onto my garage. Will bump my house value about 6-7k in the end whereas a shed will pretty much do nothing for it and may hurt it if too large.
If you set it on a concrete slab, it is considered a permanent part of the property and you will need a building permit. If it is just set on the ground (or on treated wood runners), then it's portable and no permit needed.
Not sure about the property tax angle though. You'd want to ask the assessor.
Not sure about the property tax angle though. You'd want to ask the assessor.
I built a 10’ x 12’ a few years ago on a concrete slab. I was told by a city inspector (Ames) that a shed of that size or smaller did not require a permit.
Also, you don’t really need a specific set of plans unless you’ve never framed anything before. Sheds aren’t generally complicated, but I realize they can be. I just framed a 10x12 box with an entry door, roll up door, and two windows, and ordered the trusses from Menards. Super easy.
I put up a 10'x14' steel shed from Menards last year, cost under $500, took a weekend to put it up with help. Dad has a 12'x16' we built years ago with 10' walls that has decent storage above to, all wood framed and sided, probably cost about $1,200 to redo it a few years ago, but fits the riding mower, 2 atvs, and a motorcycle in it easily.
I agree you if you have any experience framing you can easily put something together. At the same time if what you want falls into a kit from Menards it’s a really easy way to go and you aren’t charged more for the kit vs just buying the material.
I’ve done sheds both ways. My house prior to this I built a 30x40 shed that I planned out myself. This house I put up a 10x20 shed I bought from a kit. I’m a carpenters son so can handle either way. Personally if it’s in the range of 10x20 or below I’d just get a kit because it’s not like you are going to make elaborate modifications to a shed that size. If it’s something larger then it’s worth planning on your own.
I went with this group. I was able to customize it the way I wanted and I absolutely love it. They dropped it right where I wanted. I ran electrical to it and had spray insulation put in. Next is dry wall.this is 12x24.
https://www.backyardportablebldgs.com/backyard-dealerships
https://www.backyardportablebldgs.com/backyard-dealerships
Not necessarily true. Some turns go by the size of the building, not the foundation.
Cyclonepride
Thought Police
Yeah, I got one that was too small. Put some of my run-over stuff from my garage in it, and it was packed. Haven't really touched it since. It's like a holding area for **** I should have thrown away rather than purchased a shed for.
I semi-regret getting a giant shed. My kids’ crap is still taking up all the garage space and now we don’t have a reason to get rid of ANYTHING. “Oh, just put it in the shed.”
OP, both times I’ve priced out sheds (of wildly different sizes), the cost of buying a kit (or having an assembled one delivered) was less than my material costs would have been to build.
I've had two different types. The resin sheds are nice and inexpensive, but two years after I put it up a storm came through and tore it to shreds (somehow my new riding lawn mower was untouched.)
I had it replaced with a frame-built shed on a cement foundation. It was more expensive, of course, but imo totally worth it. Was also a big selling point when we later sold the home.
I had it replaced with a frame-built shed on a cement foundation. It was more expensive, of course, but imo totally worth it. Was also a big selling point when we later sold the home.
I’m contemplating building a 10x14 or 12x14 shed in my backyard. Thinking I would like a concrete slab for the base. Anybody have a rough ballpark $/sf for concrete slabs in the Des Moines area? The concrete would likely need to be hauled via buggy since access in the backyard is limited.
Rough numbers.....Probably looking at $100-$125 a yard for the concrete and about $4-$6 / sq ft to finish. Perhaps $1500 on the high side. Sometimes there are some fees that are tacked on due to small loads, etc.
