Greenhouses, Sheds and Sun Rooms - Cost for building a 12x12 shed and other questions..!! Please help...

I have a big debate whether to buy a shed or build myself, hoping I can build myself to cut down on costs.

I went to HD and the computer generated a quote for about $1,500 for materials but I don't see plywood for the floor and other things. Whereas another lumber place quoted me around $2,500....:eek: :eek:

I am not a big handy man but can try things, I checked sheds at HD and it doesn't seem like a complicated construction....
(I did some framing of 2x4 in my basement)

The owner of a shed place here in CT tells me that a base with crushed stone is enough, code doesn't require anything else for a sq. footage of this 12x12 shed.


1. Roughly, how much in materials would I need?
2. How difficult to build?
3. Debating whether to build a concrete slab ($$), dig 4 holes and fill with concrete or just put crushed stone.
4. if I use just crushed stone for the base do I need to anchor the shed to the firm ground, how?

Make a detailed material list including size and quantity of each.

Foundation materials.
Floor framing including rim joists and floor joists.
Floor covering material such as treated plywood.
Wall framing
Extra framing for door(s).
Door hardware.
Wall covering
Roof framing
Roof sheathing such as OSB or plywood.
Roof covering such as shingles.
Material for trim.
Nails and screws.

Go to your supplier and price each item and multiply times the quantity for that item. Add the amounts and remember to include the tax. Then add labor.

Hope this will help you with your decision.

Buy one. I am a contractor and I have looked into building another shed for storage. For less than the price of the materials I can have a shed delivered completely finished. You don't get exactly the same construction but it is a shed not an addition.

Buy one. I am a contractor and I have looked into building another shed for storage. For less than the price of the materials I can have a shed delivered completely finished. You don't get exactly the same construction but it is a shed not an addition.

you're not referencing a wood shed delivered, right?
I assume you're talking aluminum or vinyl....

otherwise can you tell me where or what place you're talking about, links would be really helpful, need to make decision pronto by tomorrow night..!!

Unless you really want the carpentry experience, I think you're better off buying one.

you're not referencing a wood shed delivered, right?
I assume you're talking aluminum or vinyl....

otherwise can you tell me where or what place you're talking about, links would be really helpful, need to make decision pronto by tomorrow night..!!

I agree with Bill62.
I had the same experience. My PRE-made WOOD shed delivered, was less than a Home Depot steel shed that I would have to assemble. Watch out for the necessary "extras" especially with Arrow sheds:
3 sheets of plywood flooring - add about $100
"Floor Kit" - add $115
"Anchor system" - add $49

Your best bet would be to check out local lumber stores in your area that make these. Here in Mpls., Mayer Lumber was absolutely wonderful. They were even able to match my house shingles.

this place online (from PA) is quoting me $2,300 delivered in CT, total. This for a 12x12 'Maxibarn', which is basically the roof is not a straight 90 degree angle, has 3 angles, I think some places call it "Gambrel' roof style. Also, it's a T1-11 construction (no vinyl siding)

Spoke to the guy and the thing is that the runners are 4x4 pressure treated, however the 2x4 joists and plywood floor is NOT pressure treated, if I want PT that would be an additional $144.

is this high $$ ??

Geek,

Before you do EITHER, check with your local bldg. dept.

Where I'm at a shed of 120 square feet or less (10 X 12) doesn't require a permit. Anything larger does. And if a permit is required, that's probably going to open a small can of worms for you as to how it's built, the footing required, etc.

Our local highschool has a building class that puts together two or three sheds per year and sells them at cost of lumber. Great value and pretty well put together.

I just finished erecting a 12' x 12' shed that came as a complete kit. The floor system (2"x6" 16" o/c with 3/4 fir plywood) sits on 3 12' 4"x4" treated beams that I placed on 9 24"x24" patio blocks. The shed is a maintenance free metal exterior with 1" square steel ribbing that has 2"x4" placed horizontially for support (and for fastening the metal siding). I ordered the kit with a 36" man door and a 9'x7' overhead door to make enter/exit with the snowmobile easy in winter. The total cost including curbside delivery to Northern Canada was just over $2200.00. I would imagine that a similar unit in American dollars would run abot $1600.00 to $1700.00.

Good luck with your shed.