Should I build a 10 x 12 shed from scratch?

Question

I did most of the finish work on our house. I can be a very handy guy, but I've never framed anything before. I am one who can study a new project and figure it out almost always albeit with lots of frustration much of the time. I need advice:

1. Is is more cost effective to build one from scratch or just buy a pre-built plastic one (I have the time as I'm a teacher off this summer)? It appears that we can find a plastic one for around $1,100. My preliminary estimates have the cost of building one at around $600. This could work IF I don't come close to suicide in the process doing it alone!

2. Should I go with a treated wood or concrete foundation? Could a simple gravel floor do the trick?

3. How can I make sure the shed won't fly away in a windstorm? (even if I get a pre-built one!)

4. We want one that's low maintenance. So, what kind of roof and siding should I use?

5. How can I get enough light without electricity? Are skylights too difficult to include?

Answer 1

a plastic shed is nice but the foundation must be absolutely perfectly flat and level to start with or the parts will not fit correctly. There is no wiggle room.

A metal shed is good also and there is room for wiggle if you use a drill bit now and then.

A homemade wooden shed is a nice summer project for you. And the wiggle room is limitless.

dont put down a concrete foundation --it increases your taxes.

use treated lumber for the floor-- the shed does not need it.

use 2x3s not 2x4s and save money

use pine (or white wood) and not fir and save money

use msd not plywood and save money--1/2 inch is fine

wall studs are 24 on center and not 16 save money

ETC.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I built a 12 x 12 from scratch.   it wasn't very hard and was actually fun.  mine ended up around $1,100 but it has a wood floor and wood clapboard siding.  

1. you have to figure the cost effectiveness for yourself.  you you really want a plastic shed?

2. I would go for a treated joisted floor. use 2x10's 16" on center inside a perimiter of 2 layers of 2x10's  then put the whole thing up on cinder blocks to keep it off the ground and away from moisture.  make sure the blocks are level and placed in the orners amd the middle of the 12' span, and one in the center.  then use 3/4" plywood for the floor.

3. a timber framed shed will be very heavy.  and once there's stuff in it, even more so.  if you get tornados then i would worry.

4. asphalt shingle roof will last a long time.  vinyl siding will too,  another option is hardy plank siding.

5. skylights are expensive, and another maintenance point.  they make solar powered shed lights that are pretty cool.  or some cheap windows would work.