Once you have decided on the type of shed, where you are going to build it and whether you need electricity and water to the shed, you must decide whether you are going to build the shed yourself or hire someone to build it for you. If you have decided to build a 10 x 12 saltbox shed from plans, with electricity and water located under the old oak tree, then there are now some new considerations. How much time do you have for building a shed, and how much of the construction are you able or willing to do? Some, all or none?

If your carpentry skills and available time are up to the task, then go for it! You will save money in the process and have the bragging rights to say “I built that!”. Also, you choose the quality of lumber and other materials you can afford, you insure the shed is built to your satisfaction, plus you can modify the shed plans if you desire. Most homeowners do build a shed from plans with great success and thoroughly enjoy it

If your building skills are not the best, or if you don’t have much time available then you may want to hire a contractor for building a shed. Your local hardware shop may be able to recommend several tradesmen, or you can even look in the phone book but be sure to get more than three quotes to compare. You may even be able to trade off some skills with a neighbor, or have a “do it yourself shed building party”!

No matter if you build the shed yourself or hire someone, a set of professionally designed shed plans will offer the best value for the money in the long run. A good set of build your own shed plans takes most, if not all, of the guesswork out planning, designing, getting a permit (if needed), buying supplies, and building your shed step-
by-step.

At My Shed Plans there are free garden shed plans and over 12,000 shed plans.