Well, according to Wikipedia, "A shed is typically a simple, single-story roofed structure that is used for storage, hobbies, or as a workshop in a back garden or on an allotment. Sheds vary considerably in their size and complexity of construction, from simple open-sided ones designed to cover bicycles or garden items to large wood-framed structures with shingled roofs, windows, and electrical outlets"

Now that we understand what a "shed" means (according to Wikipedia), it seems that people will call "sheds" differently, like Barn, poolhouses, workshops, workplaces, garden sheds, shacks, mancave, etc. To make this article simple, I will call all the above a "shed".
In the "How to build" I would like to address various options that you have in the execution phase. Let me take you through the options there are.
1) You can hire someone (mostly a specialized company) to design and build it for you;
2) Same as above except you do some things yourself;
3) You'll buy a kit where you receive the materials and put it together by yourself;
4) Or you'll design it, buy materials, and build it, all by yourself.
5) Or you'll buy a plan, buy the materials and build it. For plans, click here.
Depending on your situation (time, money, and building experience) I will give you some pros and cons of all the options. So you can make a good choice of how you want to approach building a shed.
Option 1:
Hiring someone to design and build.
If you have lots of money then this would be the best. You'll don't have to worry much about the building and you can also ask to install electricity for example. As long as you pay the options are endless.
Pros:
You pick a design and they build it for you.
You can select every option that you want.
Doesn't take up your time.
Professional end product.
Con's:
This is the most expensive way of building.
You'll probably have to redo your garden. Instalment goes mostly with machinery.
They will schedule the time and can be rescheduled.
Option 2:
Hiring someone to design and build but some things you'll do by yourself.
This is about the same as option 1. The only difference is that when you are handy yourself, you'll do parts yourself, like electricity for example. You'll get the same result but it will be cheaper because you did things yourself.
Pros:
You pick a design and they built it for you.
You can select every option that you want.
You'll do things yourself which would lower the total costs.
Professional end product.
You did things yourself which makes you feel good.
Con's:
This is still an expensive way of building.
You'll probably have to redo your garden. Instalment goes mostly with machinery. Depends on what you are doing.
They will schedule the time and can be rescheduled.
It will take up some of your time.
Option 3:
Buying a kit and building it yourself.
This is about the same as buying furniture from a manufacturer where you'll do the assembly. You'll buy the parts and instructions and let the fun begin.
Pros:
You pick a design and you'll have the joy of building it.
Mostly those are mass-produced and therefore low in cost.
The pride that you build it.
Con's:
It will take time to build.
The parts are not properly selected so some parts could be not straight or have holes.
Limited selection. To keep costs low, the manufacturer will promote only 10 of 20 of their best-selling designs.
Option 4:
You'll design it, buy materials and build it, all by yourself.
As a professional builder, you'll make some sketches, buy the parts that you need and make a nice end product. No need to worry. Just search the internet for ideas and off you go.
Pros:
It's your design and you'll have the joy of building it.
You'll do the selection of quality materials and therefore select the price.
The pride that you build it.
Con's:
It will take time to build.
You'll have to be a professional designer and builder and you have to know what you are doing.
Option 5:
You buy a plan, buy the materials and build it.
If you know how to use tools but not how to build (think about foundation or roofing). Then a building plan is a way to go. If you're looking for plans, then click here. And when you have access to plans, you'll just start your own business.
Pros:
You'll have the joy of building it.
You'll do the selection of quality materials and therefore select the price.
The pride that you build it.
Con's:
It will take time to build.
I'll hope that I have given you the advice that you need and that your dream "shed" (or what purpose you'll have in mind and how you will name it) will come to reality.
Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links and at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission.
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