Updated May 15, 2023
If you've got an old storage shed on your property and you're not quite sure what to do with it, the good news is: There are multiple options to choose from.
Depending on a few different factors, like your goals for the shed, the condition of it, your budget and preferred timeline, etc., you will have various options:
- Demolish and remove the shed to make room for something else
- Demolish the shed and rebuild
- Renovate the shed
The choice is entirely up to you, but if you need help determining which method is your best option, we can help!
Demolish and Remove the Shed
Shed demolition is easily the quickest option, taking less than an hour or two to complete with the help of heavy machinery.
If you're sick of looking at your old shed and just want it gone, having it demolished is the quickest way to get rid of it. Plus, the cost of shed demolition, as far as structural demolition is concerned, is relatively inexpensive at $600-$2,000.
Several factors influence the total cost, such as whether the demolition is done with heavy machinery or by hand, whether or not the shed has a concrete foundation that needs to be removed, the location of the shed, who you hire to do the work, etc.
Once your shed is removed, you'll have more space in your yard for something else, like a playscape, hot tub, gazebo, or other outdoor living space.
Keep reading:
- Demo's Done...Now What?: The Benefits of an Outdoor Living Space & Ideas to Fill It
- Demo 1-2-3: How to Remove Your Shed
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Demolish and Rebuild Your Shed from Scratch
If you need a functioning shed or simply don't like the shed you have now, another option is demolishing your old shed and building a new one from scratch. This allows you the most freedom, giving you a clean slate to work with and allowing you to build the shed you really want.
You can use materials that are as inexpensive or high-quality as you like, and depending on the complexity of the project and your skill level, you may even be able to build the new shed yourself.
Here's a look at the shed construction process:
- Walls are built
- Roof is constructed in stages
- Walls are erected
- Roof panels are lifted into position
- Door is attached
- Windows are installed
- Exterior trim is attached
- Shingles or metal roofing are installed
- Shed is stained and/or painted
Of course, not everyone is capable of building their own shed, and most certainly, not everyone wants to build their own shed.
Building a new shed costs $2,000-$3,000 on average. Of course, this depends on a number of factors, like the size, style, and materials of the shed being built, along with where you live, who you hire, etc.
The average total cost to demolish the shed and build a new one is $2,500-$5,000.
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Renovate the Storage Shed into Something New
If the shed isn't in total disrepair, you can likely get away with simply upgrading the one you have in order to better suit your needs.
For example, upgrading a shed's exterior is a fast way to give it a whole new look. Paint the walls, repair or replace the siding and/or roof, add new trim—all of this can give your shed a serious facelift.
If the interior of your shed is what's in need of the work, clean the entire shed out and assess what the space needs and how you can best utilize it to fit its future purpose. For example, do you want to have a storage shed, garden shed, or a place to just hang out? Whatever your intentions for the shed, renovate it to better cater to those needs.
Are some of the beams in need of replacement? Are you interested in switching up the layout? Reach out to a local demolition contractor to determine the best course of action.
Working from What You Already Have Without Demo
If you're not looking to do any demolishing or major replacements, there are still a number of things you can do to revamp your shed.
Add more storage, like shelves and hooks, new lighting or a ceiling fan, and a fresh stain or coat of paint, and your old shed will feel like a brand new space.
This is easily the least expensive approach to an old shed, costing $100-$300 on average, but isn't an option for sheds that are not in decent shape.
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