Shed construction: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What shed construction is

Shed construction builds or assembles a backyard storage shed on a level base, with a floor, framing, siding, a roof, a door and optional windows, electricity or shelving. People choose a shed for tool and equipment storage, and the choice between a kit and a custom build depends on the size, the base and the local rules.

Signs you need it

  • Your garage or basement is full, and you need a dry place for mowers, bikes and garden tools
  • The ground in your yard slopes or stays wet, and the old shed is sinking or leaking
  • You want a shed with a workbench, shelves and power, and the building needs wiring and proper ventilation
  • A kit shed has arrived and needs a level base and a professional assembly crew
  • You need a shed in a specific spot that must meet the setback and height rules for your lot

What the pro does

  • The builder checks the site for level, drainage and the setbacks, and clears the area for the base
  • They build the base with a gravel bed, pressure-treated skids or a concrete pad, depending on the size and the soil
  • They frame the floor and walls, set the rafters or trusses and install the roof sheathing and roofing
  • They add the siding, the door hardware and the windows, and check that the door swings and latches
  • If the shed will have power, a licensed electrician runs the service and the outlets, and the work is inspected
  • They finish with trim, a drip edge and a final check for square and level before handing over the building

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Size and roof style, since a larger shed with a gable or a higher wall needs more framing and roofing
  • Base type, such as gravel, skids or a poured pad, and any excavation or grading needed
  • Kit versus custom build, and whether the crew assembles a prefabricated kit or frames from lumber
  • Door and window count, including double doors and insulated panels
  • Electrical scope, such as outlets, lights and a subpanel, which often calls for a licensed electrician
  • Site access and the distance from the truck to the shed site
  • Siding and roofing material, from metal panels to shingles or cedar

What a written quote should spell out

  • Shed size, wall height and roof pitch, with the floor framing and the joist spacing
  • Base type and the materials for the gravel, skids or pad, and any grading included
  • Siding, roofing and trim materials and their finish
  • Door, window and hardware scope, including the lock type
  • Electrical scope listed separately, with the licensed electrician named if it is included
  • Who pulls any permit needed for the shed, and whether the setback is confirmed

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What base will you build, and how do you keep the floor from rotting from the ground up?
  • Is this a kit or a custom build, and what parts come from the kit manufacturer?
  • Does the shed need a permit at this size and in this spot, and who handles it?
  • How high can the roof and the walls go before the setback or height rule applies?
  • If the shed has power, who runs the wiring and is it inspected?
  • How will you anchor the shed against wind, and what tie-down do you use?
  • What warranty covers the floor, the roof and the door hardware?

Red flags

  • They set the shed on bare soil with no base or drainage plan
  • They say no permit is needed without checking the size, the height and the setback
  • They will run electrical wiring themselves instead of using a licensed electrician
  • They use untreated lumber on the floor or the skids that sit on the ground

What you can do yourself

A homeowner can often assemble a shed kit on a level base, with a second person and the manufacturer's instructions. Choose a level site, build a gravel or pressure-treated base, and check the local setback and height rules before the kit arrives. Do not run electrical service to the shed yourself, and do not pour a concrete pad or set a shed on a steep or wet site without a professional's check.

Licenses and permits

Small sheds are often exempt from permits under local rules, but larger sheds, sheds with electricity and sheds near property lines often need a permit. Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician in most places. Check with your local building department and your state or local licensing agency for the size and trade rules that apply to your shed.

Shed construction questions

Does a shed need a foundation?

Most sheds need a level, well-drained base such as gravel, pressure-treated skids or a pad. The right base depends on the size, the weight and the soil. Ask the builder which base suits your site and why.

Can I put electricity in my shed?

Yes, but in most places the wiring must be done by a licensed electrician, and the work often needs a permit and an inspection. Tell the electrician how you plan to use the shed so the circuits and the outlets are sized correctly.

How do I keep a shed from blowing over?

Anchor the frame to the base with approved hardware and use wind-rated straps or tie-downs at the corners and the roof. Ask the builder what anchoring they use for your location and roof style.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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