DIY Sheds: Pros And Cons

Posted By Cathy Scholes On 13-11-2015

Sheds are a great storage space options that can hold both big or small yard items year-round. If you’re handy around the house you might consider buying and building your own shed, but before you decide not to hire a professional, you should educate yourself on the pros and cons.

We want you to help you make a well-informed choice before you try DIY, so let’s get to it!

Pros to DIY:

Since you are building the shed, you have ultimate creative control over the design of it. This might be a top priority in your books, since you want to build a shed that serves your needs and serves them well.
It could be a bit cheaper to build a shed, since you don’t have to pay for labour – you just pay for the materials, tools and equipment that you need to construct it.
If you have a set timeline in mind, building your shed could be the better option as you can work to your specific timeline and not have to rely on someone else. Depending on the company you go with, some professionals may not be able to dedicate all of their time to your project.

Cons to DIY:

Due to the fact that you have ultimate creative control, you will need to dedicate a lot of time and effort into the project, especially if this is your first time. An easy way around this is to simply enlist the help of a shed company who has a wide array of styles to choose from, or who are willing to work with you to design the shed you’re looking for.
You have to be prepared to do a thorough and complete job – this requires planning, organization, and likely purchasing several expensive tools you may not have had otherwise.
If it’s built and you don’t like the way it looks or the job isn’t completed correctly, there are no guarantees or warranties. What you have is what you’re stuck with!
It will save your money, but the time that you will need to put into it might be extensive. This depends on you, your skill level, and your experience in building, but overall time is money and this may end up costing you more than expected.

Materials: The Good and The Bad

Metal sheds are usually cheaper than wood sheds, but they damage easily. They are not as appealing as other types of sheds, but if this fits in your budget, it might have to work for you.
Wood makes the best looking shed, but it also tends to be pricier. You’ll need a sturdy foundation to hold the weight of the shed and it’s contents which can be time consuming, and you’ll need additional protective measures (like wood sealants) to ensure it will last over time.
Plastic is the cheapest option and it actually is more resilient and lighter than wood. It’s pretty low maintenance, but it doesn’t offer the decorative or design options that some homeowners want.
Vinyl is a good option, but can sometimes be more expensive than wood. However, since it has the ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, the investment is almost always worth it!

If you decide to have a shed installed by a professional, speak with a specialist at In The Back Yard to discuss your new shed today!

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