How Much Does It Cost to Build a Shed? [2025 Data]
The cost to have a professional assemble your shed averages around $3,500, but prices can range from $375 up to $100,000 depending on the complexity and your location.
The cost to build a shed largely depends on the size, material, and type.
Prefab sheds cost $10 to $40 per square foot, while custom sheds cost $30 to $150 per square foot.
Plastic and wood are the most affordable shed materials, with concrete and brick costing much more.
Add-ons like windows and custom features can increase the price.
Don’t forget to budget for a building permit, which can add hundreds to your total.
The cost to build a shed can be as little as $375 if you buy a DIY kit or more than $100,000 if you fancy a large commercial shed. The average price is $3,500, but it varies based on the size, type, materials, and whether you select a prefab option or custom build. Overall, you can expect to pay between $10 and $160 per square foot. This guide covers the cost to hire someone to assemble a shed, factors that impact its price, and how to save money along the way.
Cost to Build Prefab Sheds vs. Custom Sheds
Opting for a prefabricated shed is one of the easiest ways to lower project costs. You will find pre-made models and DIY kits for as low as $350 and all the way up to $4,000+ for larger, more equipped models. Expect to spend an average of $10 to $40 per square foot on prefab sheds.
On the other hand, custom sheds cost between $30 and $150 per square foot, or a total of $800 to $15,000 on average for materials and labor. Both prefab and custom sheds have pros and cons, and there are clear cost differences as well, which we outlined below:
| Prefab Sheds | Custom Sheds |
|---|---|
| Cost-effective | More expensive |
| Life span of up to 10 years | Life span of up to 30 years |
| Limited customizable options | Highly customizable |
| Built on-site | Built off-site and moved onto property |
| Installed in 4 to 8 hours | Takes 2 to 5 days to build |
Cost to Build a Shed by Size
Whether you’re building or buying a shed, it goes without saying that the larger the shed, the more material and time it’ll require and the more it’ll cost. It’s also important to consider the cost of a prefab shed versus a custom-built shed in relation to the size, as that will dramatically impact the price you pay for shed installation costs.
Here’s how different shed sizes will impact the price:
| Shed Size, in Feet | Average Cost of Prefab Sheds | Average Cost of Custom Sheds |
|---|---|---|
| 4x6 | $240–$960 | $720–$3,800 |
| 6x6 | $360–$1,400 | $1,100–$5,800 |
| 8x8 | $640–$2,600 | $1,900–$10,200 |
| 8x10 | $800–$3,200 | $2,400–$12,800 |
| 10x10 | $1,000–$4,000 | $3,000–$16,000 |
| 12x12 | $1,400–$5,800 | $4,300–$23,000 |
| 12x16 | $1,900–$7,700 | $5,800–$30,700 |
| 12x20 | $2,400–$9,600 | $7,200–$38,400 |
| 16x16 | $2,600–$10,200 | $7,700–$41,000 |
| 16x20 | $3,200–$12,800 | $9,600–$51,200 |
| 20x20 | $4,000–$16,000 | $12,000–$64,000 |
| 20x24 | $4,800–$19,200 | $14,400–$76,800 |
Cost to Build a Shed by Type
In the past, sheds served one purpose. But the changing tides have brought along sheds that fit various needs. Here’s how much a shed is based on the type:
| Type of Shed | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Modern shed | $5,000–$16,000 |
| Farm implement shed | $3,000–$40,000 |
| Storage shed | $800–$2,300 |
| Garage shed | $7,000–$10,400 |
| Garden shed and greenhouse combination | $600–$10,000 |
| American barn style | $3,000–$7,000 |
| Hoop shed | $2,000 |
| Pole shed | $4,000–$11,000 |
| Commercial shed | $25,000–$80,000 |
| Custom | $800–$5,000 |
Cost to Build a Shed by Material
Each material used for shed assembly comes with benefits that attract homeowners or downsides that’ll have them looking elsewhere. Below, we cover the cost of sheds based on the material you want:
| Shed Material | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Wood | $1,000–$4,300 |
| Prefab Metal | $500–$7,000 |
| Concrete | $10,000–$28,000 |
| Brick | $15,000–$30,000 |
| Plastic | $750–$4,000 |
Additional Cost Factors for Building a Shed
Whether you’re running short on space or want a home for all your yard tools, a shed is the perfect outdoor storage solution. Because there are so many cost factors to consider, speaking with a shed builder near you is the best way to understand the choices you have when building a shed.
Prep
Whether you choose a lightweight prefab shed or a hefty metal shed with a slab foundation, you can't just plop it down on any piece of land. Your property needs to be cleared, leveled, and supported for proper drainage.
Clearing land costs $250 to $2,800 per half-acre, and leveling your yard will cost as little as $500 for a small piece of land.
Roofing
You’ll need a roof to protect your shed, just like the one on your home. The roof you choose will impact your total shed installation cost because, like the shed, there are different materials available.
A shed roof costs anywhere from $0.05 to $15 per square foot. Asphalt shingles are a common choice, thanks to their wallet-friendly price tag (about $0.50 to $3 per square foot), ease of installation, and wide range of color options. A metal shed roof is extremely durable but requires hiring a roofer for the installation, and metal shingles cost around $2.50 and $15 per square foot.
Foundation
If you're planning to add a concrete slab foundation for your shed, expect to pay between $600 and $4,800, depending on the shed size and local labor costs. While some prefabricated sheds may not require a foundation, local building codes or HOA regulations might mandate one. Alternative foundation options include gravel pads, concrete blocks, skids, or pier-and-beam systems.
Electrical and Plumbing
Most homeowners use their shed as an outdoor storage system. But if the purpose of yours involves electrical, plumbing, or both, you’ll be paying extra toward the total price of a shed. The cost to hire an electrician is $50 to $100 per hour, and the average cost of hiring a plumber is $45 to $150 per hour.
Insulation
The cost to add insulation in your shed is often $0.35 to $3 per square foot, depending on the insulation type and thickness.
Permit
Not all sheds need a building permit, but it might be required for larger sheds or to satisfy your local building code. The cost to obtain a shed permit is approximately $250, but it can cost up to $2,000.
Labor
Hire a local handyperson to build a prefabricated shed for between $50 and $150 per hour, or for a flat rate based on the extent of the project. Keep in mind that some prefab sheds come with installation assistance built into the price.
On the other hand, custom sheds will have a slightly higher cost of labor. You'll need a local building contractor instead, who might charge a bit more. Ultimately, you should allow for $200 to $6,000 for labor costs to assemble a shed.
DIY Shed Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
Prefabricated sheds tend to come with everything you need besides a few staple household tools, like a drill or screwdriver, making it a DIY-friendly project for moderately skilled homeowners. The cost to assemble your shed yourself will depend on what tools you need to buy.
That said, if you want to pour a concrete slab, install plumbing or wiring, or add insulation, you’ll need to contact a pro to help with this project. You should also call a professional shed builder near you for a custom shed that requires starting from scratch.
Cost of Common Shed Add-Ons
There are multiple features you can add to spruce up your shed. For example, skylights, windows, roof upgrades, shed solar panels, or gutters can increase the assembly price.
You may also want to upgrade the area just outside the shed with custom landscaping, walkways, or patios. Here are some of the most common additions for sheds and how much they’ll cost on average.
Cost to install a new window: $300–$1,000
Cost to install a skylight: $500–$5,000
Cost of roof replacement: $4–$11 per square foot
Cost of new gutters: $4–$40 per linear foot
Cost to hire a professional landscaper: $4–$12 per square foot
Cost to install solar panels: $2.50–$3.50 per watt
Cost to install a concrete walkway: $10 per square foot
Cost to build a patio: $5–$50 per square foot
How to Save Money on the Cost to Build a Shed
If you’re looking to build a shed while keeping it budget-friendly, find a balance between function and style. The best way to save money is through materials. Unless you have to follow local codes, community guidelines, or weather restraints, pick a material that’ll satisfy your needs without breaking the bank.
Other ways to save money on the cost of building a shed include:
Consider a single-sloped roof, which needs less roofing material.
Keep your shed on the smaller size, versus going all-out.
Choose a simple layout with minimal additions.
If you’re opting for a prefab shed, consider building it yourself.
Use a simple gravel base or skid foundation instead of a costly concrete slab.
Install smaller or fewer windows.
Avoid complex shapes and angles that require more time, cutting, and material waste.
Rent specialized tools you only need for a short time.
Sheds are expensive and have value that you might not recoup when you sell your house. We recommend a skid foundation, which enables the shed to be easily moved. So, before you put your house up for sale, you can sell your shed, putting several thousands of dollars in your pocket. But you have to sell it before you list it or the buyer will want it as part of the sale.
The time it takes to build a shed heavily depends on the type of shed you buy. A prefab shed can be built in 4 to 8 hours, while a custom shed will be built off-site over the span of 2 to 5 days. It then takes a few hours, depending on the location, to move the finished shed to its final location.
The pro you need to hire to build your shed depends on the shed you purchase. A local handyman or general contractor can help build a prefab shed for you. However, if you’re looking for a custom shed, contacting a shed builder near you is the best option. Make sure you get quotes from 3 pros to decide on the best pro for your job.
Whether you buy a prefabricated shed or build one depends on why you need it and where you stay. For instance, if a simple garden shed is what you’re after, it’ll be less expensive to buy one already built. But if you want a shed with windows, plumbing, and electric work, a custom-built unit might be more suited to your needs.
While sheds are most certainly helpful for most homeowners, unfortunately, sheds do not add value to a home or property in the traditional sense. However, if the home has limited storage or garage space, having a shed to store things like decorations or lawn equipment can certainly be a positive if you want to sell.
