How To Build A Storage Shed On A Budget

Want to know how to build a storage shed on a budget? This article is packed with cost saving tips to help you create a beautiful shed without parting with too much of your hard earned cash.

If you are anything at all like me, you are always interested in doing all you can to save extra pennies and pick up the best deal for your hard earned cash. With the current economic climate shed manufacturers are feeling the pinch and they're doing everything they can to increase sales and keep customers happy. So there's never been a more ideal time to pick up a bargain and build the perfect shed for your backyard.

Here are some tips you just can't afford to miss out on:

Reuse and recycle

If you've decided you want to build your own storage shed from scratch, either using your own design or ready-made plans, you can really save on the materials by recycling from salvage yards. This really only applies if you're building a shed using wood but you'll be surprised at what you can pick up if you keep your eyes open. In recycling yards you will find everything from window frames to wood panelling, as well as all the hardware you'll need to build your shed.

The beauty of salvaged materials is the character of what you buy, alongside the cheaper price tag. Salvage is great for wooden flooring and siding and you'll be able to pick the pieces of wood that appeal to you, checking out the grain, colour and style to help you create a shed that's unique and stylish.

You'll also find a good choice of hardware to complement your shed, with ornate features such as hinges, door handles and locks.

Don't forget, reusing and recycling salvaged materials is more than just building a storage shed on a budget. It's also a way to help reduce your carbon footprint and protect the planet.

Shop around on the internet

I am always amazed at the variety of prices on the internet. Whether you're looking for shed plans, siding or a pre-fabricated shed kit, if you go to a number of different sites and compare prices, even for exactly the same brand item, you'll be able to pick up a really good bargain.

You can try going direct to the manufacturers or a retail hardware outlet such as Home Depot or Lowes. Another place to look for a bargain are the huge online retailers such as Amazon or e-bay, where sellers are often slashing their prices to get rid of their stock.

Contact a local carpenter

Another tip for how to build a storage shed on a budget is to contact carpenters and tradesmen in your local area. Unfortunately the global recession has hit everyone and many highly skilled tradesmen are struggling to pick up work. Often they'll gladly construct a custom-made shed at a really good price because they're going through a particularly slow period.

Local shed builders also tend to reduce their prices during late summer and throughout the winter when sales inevitably drop.

Shop for a second-hand shed

Buying a second hand shed can be a really good way of building a shed on a budget. Sometimes people move home and just cannot take their shed with them. You'll find plenty of bargains advertised in your local newspaper, on the internet or sites such as e-bay.

You'll need to be careful of what you're buying and make sure you really check out the quality of the materials and whether they're still in good condition. Be picky here either ask for a large discount or don't make the purchase if any of the wood is rotten or the metal rusting. Also ask the vendor if the shed still has any guarantee left to run – often manufacturers put a 10 or 15 year guarantee on good quality sheds so you might get lucky.

Ex display sheds

The final tip on how to build a storage shed on a budget is to go to your local hardware depots. At the end of season they often have sales of this season's stock and you might find a really good bargain. Often they sell off ex-display sheds at 50% discount, even more in some places, giving you a storage shed at an extremely discounted price. Ask the staff if they have anything on offer and keep in touch and ask them to give you a call when they do.