How Much Are Average Shed Prices?

Prefab vs. Original Construction 

Original construction of a shed typically costs more than buying a prefab shed since they require from-scratch plans and more labor to design and construct.

Prefabricated Kit Prices

Most 10-by-12-foot prefab sheds cost between $1,500 and $4,000. If you hire a pro to assemble it for you, you'll likely pay an additional $10 to $20 per square foot. Prefabricated sheds are built in a factory before someone purchases them. You can often find them on display at hardware stores. 

Original Construction Prices

These sheds usually cost $40 to $75 per square foot, so a 10-by-12-foot shed costs between $4,800 and $9,000. Original construction sheds are designed, built, and constructed after someone purchases them. Due to the extra work involved compared to prefab sheds, original construction sheds are typically more expensive. However, original construction sheds cost significantly less than the cost to build a garage for both car and additional materials storage.

Whether you choose a prefab or custom construction, be sure to consider water runoff. "When planning your shed location, don't forget to evaluate water drainage,” says Andy Kilborn, owner of Andy's Handyman Service in Des Moines, IA. “Ensure your shed roof won't be creating a water issue near your home."

Shed Cost Factors

Several factors determine how much you’ll pay for your shed.

Size

Size is among the biggest factors affecting shed cost. Square footage often determines your shed’s cost; the larger your shed, the more you can expect to pay. 

Materials

The material your shed comprises is another significant cost factor. For instance, plastic sheds usually cost much less than wood and steel-framed sheds. A small plastic shed usually costs between $300 and $1,500, while a small wood shed ranges from $600 to $3,000 or more. 

Purpose

The purpose of your shed often influences the cost. If you plan to only use the shed for storage, you likely don't need added features, like windows and electricity. However, if you plan to use the shed as an additional workspace, home office, or playroom, you might want to add electrical systems, insulation, windows, and more. These additional features significantly drive up costs.

If you plan on a multipurpose space, plan to spend more. If you need space for your plants, for example, you should factor in the construction specifics and the cost to build a greenhouse. Or, if you’d like space for the kids, make sure you budget for the cost to build a playhouse. 

Location Preparation

If the ground where you plan to add a shed isn't flat, you'll want to prepare the site to ensure a safe shed installation. Most pros charge between $1 and $10 per square foot to grade land, depending on the project’s complexity. 

Labor

If you hire someone to build or assemble your shed, you can expect to pay between $50 and $100 per hour in labor costs. A simple assembly of a prefabricated shed might only take a few hours, while original construction can take several days or more. 

Additional Costs

Insulation

Insulation costs $0.30 to $3 per board foot, depending on the type of insulation you choose. Common insulation types include spray foam, rigid, and batting. 

Electrical

If you want electricity in your shed, be sure to factor in the cost to install electrical wiring, such as for indoor or outdoor lighting. Electrical wiring installation is not a DIY-friendly job; you should hire a local electrician to wire it. Electricians usually charge between $40 and $100 per hour. Installing a single outdoor light might only take an hour, while wiring the shed for interior electricity can take several hours or more. 

Plumbing

You can expect to pay a local plumber between $45 and $150 per hour to add plumbing to your shed. This project can take as little as one hour or as much as a day or more, depending on the extent of the plumbing. 

Deck or Patio

In some cases, homeowners want to add a deck or patio to their shed. The cost to build a deck usually ranges from $30 to $60 per square foot, including labor and materials. 

Landscaping

You can beautify your deck by adding landscaping around it. Professional landscaping costs $50 to $100 per hour for a crew of two people. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Building a shed yourself can save you money on labor costs. However, building a shed from scratch requires a fair bit of construction know-how, so we only recommend it for folks with construction expertise under their belt. However, assembling a prefabricated shed is a much more straightforward project that many savvy DIYers can complete on their own with the help of one or two other people. Still, it’s always best to hire a pro for ensured success.

Custom Pro

Hiring a pro to build an original construction shed usually costs $40 to $75 per square foot or $50 to $100 per hour in labor, depending on how your contractor charges. 

Prefab Pro

Assembling a prefab shed doesn't require as much time and expertise as building a custom shed, so it's typically much cheaper. Prefab shed assembly usually costs between $10 and $20 per square foot.