There are basically three kinds of sheds: metal, wood or vinyl. If you have the proper tools and the time to do it, you can build your own using a kit available at a lot of big box stores.
"Prefabricated sheds could be a good alternative if you are looking for a smaller shed say up to like 10 by 14 in size. They can be less expensive, but also they may be not as durable as one built on site," said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List.
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A 120 square-foot custom shed will run you around 1,500 dollars. An experienced pro will ensure your shed is on a sturdy foundation and built to last in just a matter of hours.
"You start with a good floor because if the floor rots out the rest of the shed is no good. I mean, I've replaced floors before, but that's a whole big process. So the best thing to do is to start with the floor; get a good solid foundation, level and then, build up from there," said shed builder John D'Amico.
Make sure your builder uses treated lumber, galvanized nails and 25-year shingles. If you plan to add a heat source, you'll need tar paper on the roof.
"You want pre-primed siding or pre-primed boards. When I make the doors, I pre-prime ‘em even before I put ‘em together, before they're hinged and everything. I paint all the parts to ‘em, so it's all a pre-primed building and this way if water does, uh, moisture gets in there, it's protected," D'Amico explained.
A well-built shed wood shed will add beauty, functionality and value to your home. And experts tell Angie's List that stepping up to a vinyl shed for a couple thousand dollars more will offer an ever better return on investment.
Before adding any kind of shed to your property, Angie's List says to get approval from your home owners association. You may also need to get a building permit from your local township, city or county. Extras like interior lighting, windows or painting will cost you more, so ask about that before you hire. A well-built shed should easily last 50 years or more.