Comparing Shed Prices: Handy Home vs Heartland

Around these parts, "how much should a shed cost?" is one of the most common questions we're asked. There's really is no set answer, and with so much in flux in the economy it's all the more difficult to nail down (if you'll excuse the bad pun). I'll go out on a limb and predict with soft lumber pricing and carpenters looking for work, there will be plenty of downward pressure on shed prices this year. Maybe I knocked my head on a rafter, but maybe not ...

A reader wrote:

I keep trying to just compare prices. What do you know about Handy Homes and Heartland storage buildings? I am looking for a 10 X 12 storage building. Heartland will build it for me for about 2200.00. Is this good?

Handy Home has been around for thirty years and bills itself as "North America's largest manufacturer of ready-to-assemble wooden storage and recreational building kits, " while Heartland boasts "over 30 years of experience and 1.5 million satisfied customers." The biggest difference between the two is that Handy Home sells a shed kit that you assemble and Heartland sells a finished shed that they "professionally install" on your site.

The first question you should ask is "do I really want to build a shed?" If you don't want to build it yourself, you can rule out Handy Home. If you do want to build it yourself, you can rule out Heartland.

$2200 for a completed shed on your site might not be a bad price ... it all depends on the design and features. Is it sheathed with plywood or a chip board? Is it sided with wood, vinyl, or Hardiboard? Is the roof asphalt shingles, cedar shakes, or metal? Are there windows? Do you love the design? Does your wife love the design?

If Heartland's lowest price on the shed is $2200, I'd reckon that you'd be able to build an identical shed from scratch for $1000 or less in materials. Of course, that thousand and change may or may not be worth a weekend or two of your time.

You may also be able to find a local carpenter who's looking for a few days of work. Going local might save you a bit ... or it might not ... it's always best to get plenty of references.

Regardless of which way you go, be sure to watch out for any increased costs that may be incurred with regard to permits and foundations. This can quickly run up your out of pocket expenses.