Average Cost to Build a Shed: $2,500 and $12,000
The average cost to build a shed in Canada typically ranges between $2,500 and $12,000. This can, however, extend higher for custom designs.
Shed construction in Canada is an easy and viable way that homeowners use in order to increase the storage space they have or as a way of constructing a structure that can serve a purpose in the backyard. With the potential to be in the form of a small shed to store your gardening equipment, a large garage to store your home projects or even a unique studio, prices can differ dramatically depending on a number of factors.
This informative cost guide will provide a breakdown of the exact cost of a shed construction in Canada. We will discuss the costs of materials, the sizes, permits, type of foundation, labour costs and other upgrades. By the end, you will have an idea of what to expect in the financial aspect of planning your shed.
The cost greatly depends on the size of the shed, the material, foundation, roof, labour and finishing materials.
Site preparation prior to construction of your shed may include levelling the land, clearing the area of trees or bushes and in some cases, a gravel base or concrete slab. Site preparation typically costs $500 to $2,000, depending on terrain difficulty and accessibility.
Landscaping around the shed after installation might include walkways, flower beds, or garden borders, which can add another $300 to $1,000, depending on your preferences.
Each concrete shed begins with a solid base. The kind of base that you settle on will have an immense impact on the overall cost of the project.
Gravel Base
Concrete Slab
Wooden Deck Foundation
All types of foundations cost differently, and this is based on the slope of the site and condition of its soil, together with the accessibility of the site.
These affect the stability of the sheds as well as aesthetics.
Roofing Options
Your roof selection influences long-term performance and the resistance of your shed towards snow and rain.
Siding Options
Vinyl is maintenance-free, in contrast to wood, which is classic. Siding can be matched with your exterior home to be consistent.
By paying to have it put up by professionals, the right materials will be used, and the construction will be completed up to code, taking into consideration the Canadian weather. Regional labour costs fluctuate, as do the costs of the project and the contractor.
General Labour
Full Shed Installed
The labour required in the use of custom-built sheds will be higher than that of prefabricated sheds. In places such as Toronto, Vancouver, or Calgary, rates can be as high because the demand and cost of living are better.
In most regions in Canada, a shed of a particular size and above must have a building permit. The proposals vary in accordance with your municipality.
One should not miss getting the correct license since the consequences are fines or forced eviction. Construction should always be verified with the local planning department.
In case you own a shed that will be used year-round (particularly in a cooler province), insulation and electricity are of the essence.
Insulation
Electrical Installation
Electrical work tends to have to follow the provincial building codes, and you will also have a pretty good chance of needing a licensed electrician to perform the work.
Sheds having natural light and ventilation are convenient and usable. The prices are dependent on quality and features.
The installation of windows and doors will increase the usability of the shed at the expense of the cost.
Providing finishing to your interior (assuming your shed is to be converted into a gym, office or studio) can get thousands of dollars added to your budget.
Drywall, Painting, and Flooring
To make rooms habitable, insulated walls, insulated flooring and climate control are necessary.
In case of wooden sheds, it is not only advisable to paint or stain the exterior of the shed to enhance their appearance, but it also helps them ward off the weathering effects. Painting a small to medium shed can cost $200 to $700, depending on the paint quality and number of coats needed. Staining is slightly cheaper, at around $150 to $500, but needs to be reapplied more frequently.
If you hire a professional for the job, labour alone can range from $1 to $2 per square foot, or roughly $300 to $800 for an average-sized shed.
In order to secure the items in your shed, and particularly in the event that you wish to put your high-value tools or equipment, it may be worth installing higher security. Installing a deadbolt lock, motion sensor lights, and a basic security camera can cost around $300 to $1,000.
Smart shed upgrades like remote lighting control, digital door locks, or environmental monitors (temperature, humidity) could add another $200 to $600, ideal for tech-savvy homeowners.
You need to understand that extra costs are likely to happen in the event of your desire to make a custom-made shed that will differ.
These features increase the labour and material costs, in addition to providing convenience and style.
One of the main cost drivers is the size of your shed. Larger sheds use up more materials and labour.
Smaller Sheds (less than 80 square foot)
They tend to go up easily, and most may not need a permit in most towns.
Medium Sheds (80 to 120 square foot)
Such sheds provide decent value for the given size and price.
Big Sheds (120+ square foot)
These may require larger foundations, electrical wiring and insulation, which further add to the costs of the structure.
The type of material that you use influences the look and the strength of your shed. This is what the most frequent kinds have on your budget:
Wooden Sheds
Wood is a customizable and conventional material. It provides good aesthetics and could be painted or stained to suit your home.
Though lovely, wood will need to be routinely maintained by being sealed or painted to combat moisture and rot.
Metal Sheds
Sheds made of Vinyl or Resin
Shed Kits
Prefab Sheds
Custom Sheds
Sheds are no exception to the notion that any outdoor structure must be maintained. The total lifetime cost of ownership may be further increased by the costs of maintenance.
Selecting low-maintenance materials and ensuring that it was built properly in the first place allows for saving future costs.
Converting a shed to a liveable space, e.g. a guest room, office or small studio, can be a lot more expensive.
Some sheds are merely seasonal, just like summer gardening or the storage of tools. These can be built cheaply without insulation, HVAC, or robust foundations, reducing the total cost to $2,000 to $6,000 for a simple setup.
All-season sheds, though, require insulation, heating, and in many cases, electrical wiring. The cost of these can climb to $8,000 to $20,000, depending on whether it is intended for work, storage, or leisure.
A shed can be built on a plot of land and serve as an investment that can be useful and a great addition as extra storage space or an area to utilize. The cost of constructing a new shed is usually dependent on the size, materials, design of the shed and the location of the building. However, strategic planning and budgeting will ensure that you manage your expenditure. Regardless of the type of shed you invest in, a prefabricated design or a fully custom-built shed, quality materials and quality workmanship may help your shed withstand the years. The trick is to consider the alternatives and develop something genuinely useful to your home and family.
Costs of various services and materials in this cost guide should be taken as estimates. These depend on location, preference and demands in the market.