Build Your Own Shed: The Benefits of DIY Over Buying

Deciding whether to build your own shed or buy one off the shelf can be a bit daunting. Whether you want a functional storage space or a custom-designed retreat, the choice is up to you. But building your own shed comes with several benefits that buying one just canrsquo;t match.

The Skill-Building Journey

Building a structure such as a shed, a garage, or even a house requires a certain level of skill and knowledge. However, if you decide to build what and the way you want by yourself, you can develop these skills and learn a great deal in the process. The shed building process can be a valuable part of your education, teaching you about construction, design, and problem-solving.

A Customized Space Tailored to Your Needs

Another major advantage of building your own shed is the opportunity to design it to your specifications. Unlike factory-made sheds, you can create a unique and functional space that caters to your specific requirements. For example, I designed a 120-deck with large gaps between the deck boards and built a 110 shed on top, with a potting and tool storage area beside it. This setup offers a convenient layout that perfectly suits my needs and preferences. You canrsquo;t find such a customized solution in a store.

Avoiding Cheating and Exploitation

One of the drawbacks of commissioning someone else to build a shed for you is the potential for being taken advantage of. This experience taught me the importance of doing things myself. I had faced a situation where a contractor was not as honest as they should have been, and I was determined to rectify the situation by building a shed that would meet my expectations. My shed turned out better than I had hoped, and now I have a functional and customized space that fits my needs perfectly.

Personal Growth and Independence

Building a shed is not just about getting a cheaper and better quality product. It is also a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. For me, I had no experience in woodworking, having relied on my brothers to handle construction projects. However, living the single life as an independent woman, I found this shed building tutorial to be incredibly helpful. Not only did it provide me with a functional shed, but it also gave me the confidence to take on other construction projects in the future.

Comparing DIY and Buying

I have experience with both building and buying sheds. One of our workshops was constructed ourselves using post and beam construction, and we managed to get a 36ft x 18ft building for around $800. When we replaced our small garden shed, we considered a prefab option, thinking it might be quicker to install. While the prefab was indeed faster to set up once the slab was in place, it was prohibitively expensive - over $1,000 for a 10ft x 10ft shed that wasnrsquo;t strong enough to withstand strong winds. If I were to do it again, I would definitely build the garden shed myself, as it would be a better and more cost-effective solution.

In conclusion, building a shed yourself offers numerous advantages, whether you seek a custom, reliable, and cost-effective solution. While it may require some time and effort, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. So, if you have the skills, time, and inclination, give building your own shed a try. Yoursquo;ll be glad you did!