Storage Sheds

[AL_Josh]

I need a storage shed and was wondering if there were any good prefab units out there. I would like around a 12x12. I have drawn up a set of plans in AutoCad but have not priced materails yet but think it might be cheaper. I want to be able to store Baby stuff (crib, clothes in tubs and other stuff without worrying bout rodents and bugs. I know that it will not be 100% closed off but needs to keep stuff clean and dry.

Any suggestions or experiences would be appreciated.

 

[dave1949]

You could look at shedsusa.com for ideas or ask at your local lumber yard, they might have pre-cut kits.

I have noticed the Home Depot sheds and similar aren't always built of the best materials and they always seem expensive to me for what you actually get. I'm guessing you don't need to worry about snow loads, that helps.
Dave.

 

[Mousefield]

For a shed that size I would not buy a prefab. Think you would get much better value from buying better material and building it yourself. I have seen these prefabs at the lumber yard and they always look like they have been built out of poor material, not well built and pricey.

 

[schmism]

remember if your costs start pushing $1200-$1500 you should really start to consider a 20' shipping container. as they are the same price and MUCH more shed than some thin plywood and 2x4's

 

[EddieWalker]

I've always been surprised at how they build those sheds, and the corners they cut to get them done. If you were to do it yourself, I'm sure you wouldn't use those little nails they love so much, or the siding that isn't sealed, or doors that will fall apart. If a corner can be cut to save a penny, it will be.

If you have the time and ability to build it yourself, and know how to frame properly, you can easily build twice the building for half the price. Hiring it done by a guy like me is where it gets tricky as to what is better. I can build a much better shed, but my wages will cost alot more then the sheds you get already built.

What really drives up the cost when you do it yourself, or hire one built is that most people decide on a concrete floor instead of the plywood and wood floors that you get with those sheds. The expense is significant, but the difference is you get a permanent foudnation that will never rot on you. Besides the sloppy craftmanship, the small nails, the wide spacing of the studs, not using double plates on top of the walls, not using house wrap and quality siding and roofing materials, you also end up with a building that is restion of a floor that is sitting on blocks that will rot on you, move on you and become home to all sorts of bugs and rodents.

For quick and easy, they are OK. For permanent and secure, they are questionable.

I like metal sea containers too. I have one right now that I'm going to turn into a 24x72 storage barn with it being the enclosed, secure part of the barn. Like many of my projects, there is alot of "gonna do" to it before I actually get started. LOL

Good luck,
Eddie

 

[Pilot]

HD around here carries a brand called Tuffshed. Don't know if it's nationwide.

A renter had one installed on some property I help manage and left it when he moved--at 10 x 12' it was too expensive to move. He couldn't dismantle it because they used nail guns to assemble it and they drove the heads below the wood surface. Anyway, it looks like a really well built shed.

 

[DennisArrow]

Your local high school or vo tech will welcome building something like this for YOU.........Typically there is NO problem with you dropping by to check it out nor using your standards and specifications. Instructors are lining out next years projects NOW; but as I did this for MANY years I know you will be welcomed.......God bless......Dennis

 

[sld]

I absolutely hate to pay for something I can do myself but I did pay a local company to build a 10 x 12 shed for me. The cost was 1200.00 and was almost as cheap as I could've priced the materials.

It is very well made with concrete siding, shingles to match the house and cedar trim. The guy who made it was a model of efficiency and it only took about 6 hours. It is on 4x4 runners with a plywood floor but I made a gravel pad before he arrived.

It is going on 6 years now and still looks like new. Great place for all the lawn and garden stuff to get it out of the garage.

You might check for any local build on site guys. Just look at a few of their examples first.

 

[RickB]

I bought a factory-built unit from a local retailer several years ago. Built in Pennsylvania's Amish country, I couldn't have built one for what it cost. It is serving me well.

I bought it from these guys:

Gazebos | Vinyl Gazebos | Wood Gazebos

 

[CurlyDave]

I have always been impressed by the cost/performance of making a shed floor by just laying square concrete pavers on the ground.

Whatever you put on them will stay dry despite any ground water because of their thickness, and if you ever decide to move the shed they just pick up and come with you.