I'm thinking about putting a 10 x 18 shed in my backyard for my beauty business, which involves permanent makeup and eyelash extensions. Costco has a shed that they sell and assemble for about $7,000, but I also have a family member who's a contractor. Although they live far away and would need to fly in, they could help me wire electricity, insulate, and even add HVAC for a fully functional studio. Alternatively, I could have my family member build the shed from scratch, which would allow for a stronger foundation but would require renting tools and sourcing materials. I'm torn between which option is more cost-effective and efficient. Any insights?
3 Answers
For a solid build, I'd suggest going with 2x6s for the frame. You'll achieve better insulation and can set up a foundation too. I’ve seen neighbors get prefab sheds that were flimsy and not really worth it for the long run—so quality matters.
I recommend building it yourself if you can. You'll get much better quality construction for less money. Just make sure to go for good insulation and maybe use window units for HVAC. Keep in mind that using it as a business might mean you'll need permits and need to adhere to certain codes.
Definitely think about building it! I constructed a 12 x 16 shed a few years back, and while it wasn't super hard, having a framer helped a lot with the initial setup. Also, pay attention to your electrical layout—make sure you get enough outlets and switches where you need them. Check this helpful video I used: https://youtu.be/BLk_CAMmQPc?si=XxS6K0xfvjzwOQ6P.
Yeah, most sheds require permits no matter what, especially a structure that size. You'll probably need some kind of foundation as well.