A shed can be a game-changer for any home, providing extra storage, a workshop, or even a creative retreat. But when it comes to adding a shed to your property, one major decision stands in your way: Should you hire a professional shed company or build it yourself?
Both options come with advantages and drawbacks. A DIY approach can be cost-effective and rewarding, but it requires time, skill, and effort. Hiring a shed company, on the other hand, provides convenience and quality assurance but at a higher cost.
To help you decide, let’s break down the pros and cons of hiring a shed company vs. building your own shed.
Hiring a Shed Company: Pros and Cons
Hiring a professional shed company means having experts design, build, and install the structure for you. This option is ideal for homeowners who value convenience and want a high-quality, long-lasting shed without the hassle of construction.
Pros of Hiring a Shed Company
1. Professional Quality and Durability
A shed company has skilled builders who ensure the structure is built to last for decades. They use high-quality materials and advanced techniques to make the shed weather-resistant, sturdy, and aesthetically pleasing.
2. Saves Time and Effort
Constructing a shed from scratch can take weeks or even months, depending on your experience and availability. A professional team can complete the job in a few days, allowing you to enjoy your shed sooner.
3. Customisation Options
Many shed companies offer custom-built designs tailored to your needs. Whether you want additional windows, built-in storage, insulation, or a specific roof style, professionals can bring your vision to life without the hassle of DIY modifications.
4. Permits and Regulations Handled
Local councils often have strict regulations regarding shed size, placement, and materials. A shed company typically handles all the necessary permits, ensuring your structure is legally compliant.
5. Warranty and After-Sales Support
Most professional shed builders provide warranties on materials and workmanship, giving you peace of mind in case of defects or structural issues. DIY builds do not come with such guarantees.
Cons of Hiring a Shed Company
1. Higher Cost
One of the biggest drawbacks of hiring a shed company is the higher price tag. Prefabricated or custom-built sheds can cost thousands of dollars, depending on size, materials, and features.
2. Limited Hands-On Involvement
If you enjoy DIY projects, hiring a company means missing out on the satisfaction of building something yourself. For some, the experience of constructing a shed is just as valuable as the finished product.
3. Less Flexibility in Materials and Design
While shed companies offer a range of customisation options, you may be limited to their available materials and styles. If you have a highly specific vision, a DIY approach may allow for more creative control.
Building Your Own Shed: Pros and Cons
A DIY shed build is perfect for homeowners who love hands-on projects and want to save money. However, it requires careful planning, tools, and construction skills.
Pros of Building Your Own Shed
1. More Cost-Effective
Building a shed yourself can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars, especially if you already own the necessary tools. You can also choose budget-friendly materials and repurpose salvaged wood or metal.
2. Full Creative Control
A DIY shed allows you to customise every aspect—from the dimensions to the materials and finishing touches. You’re not restricted by a company’s pre-made designs.
3. A Rewarding DIY Experience
For those who enjoy building, a DIY shed can be an extremely satisfying project. Completing it yourself gives you a sense of achievement, knowing you built something functional and valuable for your home.
4. Ability to Spread Out Costs
When working with a shed company, you often need to pay upfront or in large instalments. A DIY shed lets you spread the cost over time, buying materials gradually as your budget allows.
Cons of Building Your Own Shed
1. Requires Time and Effort
A DIY shed build is not a weekend project—it can take weeks or months, especially if you’re balancing it with work and family commitments. If you need a shed urgently, this might not be the best option.
2. Requires Tools and Skills
Constructing a shed from scratch requires power tools, measuring instruments, and carpentry skills. If you’re inexperienced, you might struggle with framing, roofing, and making the shed level.
3. Risk of Mistakes and Structural Issues
Unlike professional builders, DIYers are more prone to errors. Mistakes in measurement, alignment, or material choice can lead to weak structures, leaks, or uneven walls, reducing the shed’s lifespan.
4. No Warranty or Professional Support
If something goes wrong with a DIY shed—such as warping, leaks, or structural failure—you won’t have a warranty or professional support. Fixing mistakes may cost more in the long run than hiring a shed company from the start.
5. Permits and Regulations Can Be a Hassle
Many homeowners don’t realise that sheds over a certain size require permits. Handling these regulations yourself can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially if you don’t understand local building codes.
Making the Right Choice: Shed Company vs. DIY
Choose a Shed Company If:
✔ You want a high-quality, professionally built shed.
✔ You don’t have time or experience to build one yourself.
✔ You need a custom, fully insulated, or permanent structure.
✔ You prefer a hassle-free experience, with permits and installation handled for you.
Choose DIY If:
✔ You’re on a tight budget and want to save money.
✔ You enjoy hands-on projects and have basic construction skills.
✔ You want full creative control over materials and design.
✔ You have the time and patience to complete a large-scale build.
Final Thoughts
Deciding whether to hire a shed company or build your own depends on your budget, skill level, and available time. If you want a quick, professional, and durable shed with minimal effort, hiring a shed company is the best option. However, if you enjoy DIY projects and want to save money while learning new skills, a DIY shed build can be a rewarding challenge.
Before making a final decision, consider factors like cost, time, and long-term durability. No matter which option you choose, a well-planned shed will enhance your property and provide valuable storage and workspace for years to come.
Would you like a cost comparison table or specific shed design ideas to go with this? Let me know!
