is it CHEAPER to buy a SHED or to take the DIY route?

I’m about to build 5 sheds in my home backyard and compare the price of DIYing it, or buying a prefabricated shed, or to hire a professional contractor to build them for me. I got quotes from contractors, and did comparative pricing on prefab sheds. In the end, I decided to build them myself and I’m going to break down for you the cost and timeframe.
Templates ⬇️
designsbydonnie.com/templates/
Concrete mixer: mudmixer.com/Donnie

[@cjwright1960]

I watched you pour concrete directly on grass and immediately knew, “this guy is a pro, and this is the way”. All that natural fiber will help keep the “foundation” solid for centuries!!

[@brianallen140]

Zero base prep. Lol. Cmon

[@keytothegate68]

yea right ha-ha

[@PeacefulCountryLife]

Probably the customer will only buy the shed (and the seller will reuse the base to build more sheds and sell them)

[@MrAndreybond]

lol, I hope it’s a sarcasm)) all this “natural fiber” will durn into dust and a bunch of holes that would cause a major fail. I met this a Mexican contractor that pours it directly onto grass with the same “natural fiber” bs.. 6mo fail rate 100%, but he can no longer be found once he takes the money.

[@tanstaafl5695]

@@brianallen140 It is a SHED. I have poured a slab with little if any prep and it lasted at least 10 years (when I moved away). I don't understand the attitude.

[@evetsdn]

An $8600 hundred dollar medical bill for a splinter is nuts. I flew my wife to Nigeria for brain surgery and only paid $12.00. Now she never complains to me about anything, and she just sits in the corner and smiles.

[@inspiringbuilds]

If you have the skill set I always recommend DIY. I would just have built larger and fewer sheds as well as prepped the base for the concrete. Thanks for your wife’s service. 👍

[@Klatubarada1979]

Man those doors turned out amazing!

[@michaelthanksheroes2975]

They look great. Great job. The color mustard isn’t that bad. Much applause 👏

[@shawwoodworkingdiy]

These are definitely awesome, great build Donnie, keep it up!

[@pincermovement72]

In the uk I wanted a belt and braces shed 16 x 9 foot shed in 3 x 2 inch framing with one inch tongue and groove floor and roof , with a 3/4 inch shiplap outside finish . All the timber was to be tanalised and the shed was wrapped in roofing membrane with three anti uv polymer windows . Only one company seemed to do this and was called beast sheds who had a website where you could design the shed you wanted . The total price was £3500 which I thought was expensive but I was going to take it as this design was the one I wanted . Then Covid hit and I was furloughed for 4 months so I decided to build my own , there was the odd thing I would have done differently but I was very pleased with the result and I saved myself £2000 less the cost of a nail gun which I now have for other projects like an arbour I built for £130 which was stronger , bigger and much more pleasing to the eye than the one I saw at a garden centre for three times the cost . It has put me on a journey where I have just completed some alcove cupboards in birch ply that are bespoke to my own design that I was quoted £4500 but even though I bought a £500 track saw and pocket hole jig , I did the job for £2000 . When I have used tradesmen in the past I find them expensive and no better end product and often worse than what I can do myself. My next project is fitted wardrobes in birch ply quoted £5500 but now I have a track saw with my gained knowledge of building the alcove cupboards I believe I can bring them in around £1500. The one big saving is labour but also care because it is you doing it for yourself so the job has to be right. Give it a go if you think you can do it and KZbin is a great teacher.

[@jp6975]

Similar for me, also in the UK. Wanted a garden room but from blocks, not timber, and a warm roof. There were extensive groundworks to do (footings for 3 retaining walls, lowering ground level by 1m across a 15m x 6m area, and footings and pouring of a 9m x 4m raft slab) ... but that's just digging, barrowing, dumping and gruntwork. None of the quotes I got were less than 44k GBP (!!!) so decided to have a go myself... with my only DIY experience being the changing of light bulbs. So far, I've done it all (buy I did get a few concrete lorries and pumps for the footings and slab) and have got it to a point of being ready for 1st fix inside and cladding on the outside. I reckon my total build cost will come in at just under 18k and that includes a lot of (quite nice and resealable cordless tools, including a nail gun like you, that aren't really for DIY use). I tell people who ask that it shows that if someone like me can do it then pretty much anyone can. Saves a lot of money but, for me, and more importantly, it keeps my mind occupied and it's good fun... especially choosing and buying a new power tool!

[@lw2411]

Amen!

[@Anythingcoolguy]

I don't think I would have ever considered doing different doors like that… But I love it!!! These look awesome!

[@vhomukwevho]

You make building a shed look like a kindergarten activity. I feel like I can make one myself after watching your video 😊. Brilliant stuff 👌

[@vladstad8102]

those barns you made look amazing man.

[@MCsCreations]

Awesome work, Donnie! They look great! 😃 And you could probably use one of them to keep bikes! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@DesignsbyDonnie]

Thank you and you’re right, one of them is holding our bikes 🚲

[@fathogwoodworking]

Great work. Those doors look amazing. Doing it yourself is always the best option.

[@DesignsbyDonnie]

Thanks! I love DIYing and this project was really fun. Slightly challenging but fun

[@royalprince10]

Those are so beautiful

[@greggordon6215]

The doors look awesome! Great all around. Curious as to why you built 5 vs one or two longer ones?

[@maxslomoff]

I’m building my own shed right now - saw a plastic one for 400 at Costco, figured I could make my own for that but bigger and better fit for my space- I’m a teensy over budget because I went for beefier siding. It’s been good practice too.

[@guillaumepare9651]

If I may (I'm anything but a pro): Depends what you plan to do put inside and I know it's not as sturdy but, for the roof, I prefer ondulated plastic. Cheaper, easier to install and, more importantly, gives you light inside during the day... Also, I prefer the slope of the roof to have the upper part in the front. That way rain goes on the back and it gives you a better opening in the front.

[@BeeTreeGuy]

I’m no construction expert, but I’m pretty sure pouring concrete onto the grass surface isn’t a good idea. Won’t the slab sink without crushed stone base?

[@PeacefulCountryLife]

Probably the customer will only buy the shed (and the seller will reuse the base to build more sheds and sell them)

[@BeeTreeGuy]

@@PeacefulCountryLife No, the concrete slab he poured is the base for the shed. The concrete slab needs a base of crushed stone so it doesn’t sink into the soil.

[@PeacefulCountryLife]

@@BeeTreeGuy I know this - I've done construction myself - what I'm saying is that maybe he intends to sell those sheds and he's not that bothered about the concrete base; and maybe he'll use those bases in the future to construct more sheds... I don't know.. :)

[@BeeTreeGuy]

@@PeacefulCountryLife Oh, I thought he built them for his own use. Either way, it’s his time and money.

[@est8793]

I've heard people argue either way

[@apowell389]

Awesome work. Love the finished product but the average guy will have difficulty just building 1 of those sheds. You inspired me to build 1 but your skill level is much higher than mine.

[@djfrancis1870]

It's interesting that you chose to build 5 small sheds rather than one big one. Is there a reason other than filling the space? Wouldn't your cost come down quite a bit if you built one shed? I could barely fit my mower in any one of them. Do you not have zoning laws in your city? In most suburbs you're only allowed one out building and there are very specific rules about how far from the house and fence they must be. The quality of your work is very good but I'm curious about the utility of such small sheds (seem short too).

[@sonnydong3726]

It could very well be permitting issues. Where I live I can only build up to 120sq ft, anything bigger requires a permit. It doesn’t say anywhere how many shed I am limited too. So I built two. Planning to build another one.

[@lightfusegetaway]

I would bet he has an HOA that says you can't have a shed taller than your wall/fence.

[@wxdeen]

I was billed over $12k for a kidney stone they didn’t do anything for other than a shot of morphine. Those sheds turned out badass!

[@DesignsbyDonnie]

Thank you. It was a crazy fun project. I really enjoyed this one. But your kidney stone, wow! They charged a ton for meds!

[@tedlitz7266]

Good Job !

[@x1mattix684]

what paint gun did you use i want to buy one thank you

[@sb608557]

I really love these sheds, I want to build one just like this in my backyard, but maybe a little shorter in height…do you have a video step by step how to???

[@santosjk]

Great results! I would DIY it, but I don't have the skillset and the patience 😅

[@FuturisticPast1515]

I have a question what about those sheds that are already built do you need a lease for those or something or is that a variable

[@patmash]

DIY absolutely. And tell wife, Thank you for her service!

[@DesignsbyDonnie]

Yes!! Thank you and I’ll tell her! 🙌🙌

[@newbie101]

Nice, but only a skilled construction guy like you can do it so beautifully, a diy homeowner like me with no construction knowledge will have a hard time 😂. Btw, may I know what paint sprayer tools are you using. Thanks for sharing your video.

[@Alex-ug2vm]

i didn't understand.. the prefab cost 850 diy 940 the pro 6000 each ?

[@davidmperez512]

Awesome

[@alanmatthews9260]

Those looks awesome! I was curious if rain gets inside or not without a roof above the door or not.

[@DesignsbyDonnie]

Thank you so much, and no water goes inside… we’ve had 4 heavy rain storms since the completion of the project and they remain fully dry inside. Now I may add a shed gutter to the front though. The rain comes off the roof and hits the dirt in front and splatters mud back onto the doors which is frustrating though.

[@gaylordgredel9360]

Those turned out very nice....like other asked...why build 5 small sheds instead of 1 bigger shed?

[@DonDomel]

6:26 what is the name of a paint gun ?

[@johnsradios484]

So I have a garbage bin made out of wood which was old tried and decided to buy a plastic one. $800 with delivery! Holy cow, plan B. Got a 4 x 8 pressure treated 5/8 plywood. Had the associate at Home Depot cut it for me to size. $45 plus tip $10 and purchased at $16 worth of hardware. Brought paint at HD which was in the return bin $9 . Used some scrap wood I had in total about $75 !

[@leonardoquang6418]

Do you need to have permit to build many shed?

[@guybowers9094]

Not only would I do it, but I have built my own barn style shed, which is much bigger than those. I would do it again if needed too

[@DesignsbyDonnie]

Now that sounds like a fun build 👍👍

[@holdengilbert5126]

What paint gun is that?

[@julietphillips1991]

The best sheds I've seen! This was an expensive video...$$$ up the wazoo! You 100% did the right thing! I think your wife could have removed that splinter...did you say $8k??

[@DesignsbyDonnie]

Thank you for the kind words and it was a really fun build too! Oh and she did, we tried everything and couldn’t get it out.

[@stonedragon30]

I have to ask. If you bought all that material, then why not make one big shed? Won't it be a lot harder to mow around 5 rather than one?

[@carlosrios9031]

Great content big fan if your work how I need to build one like that but a little bigger just a tab bigger Han u build but great work keep it up 👍

[@hectorguillen3511]

In California, the material is so expensive I realized building a tall 10x8 shed with an existing concrete slab would cost more than just buying a plastic shed that's already waterproof I guess I would have to anchor it down but wind speeds don't even reach 40mph

[@snead1]

Serious question. Whats wrong with those $150- $300 sheds on Amazon?

[@phoebesdailyvlog]

Do you sell the template for this build?

[@jbro6659]

Modern medicine: You’re paying shareholders who’ve never worked a day in their life and their kids won’t either. Thanks for listening to my Ted talk.

[@myronfeiock6434]

I built a 12"'x7' shed w/slopeing roof.all materials are pallets 😂or free.bolts from big box roofing flashing habitual fo humanity. Foundation is leveled packed found with brick support. Tolal cost $ 300 USD.

[@user-zr4yh6il2s]

Solid build....

[@AngrySkipperGC]

My only question is, why are they all so short?

[@noh06]

My guess is the HOA rules. Something about higher than the fence.

[@MatthewHallesq]

I’m watching this to build a replacement shed for my dad. He’s had his for fifty years. What color is it? Mustard yellow! 😆 he’s the only one who would want that.

[@bsfatboy]

The way designed your sheds is top dollar.

[@maranathayall]

You did an awesome job even though I am slightly offended as a lover of the color mustard yellow...just not Hardie board yellow 😂

[@DesignsbyDonnie]

Thank you so much and lol 😂 about the color yellow. Geez you would have loved our previous house 🏠 it was yellow.

[@nathanmccormick914]

Loved this! We need these plaaaans!!! 😎😎☺️☺️

[@DesignsbyDonnie]

Thanks man! I’m working on making the plans digital as we speak 👍 I had a lot of fun on this project!

[@slapshotreggata2580]

What did you end up storing in those, they don't look like they would store to much stuff? They look awesome though, nice way to use wasted space on the side of a house.

[@PrincipalDBA]

0:28 Ammo 0:51 Its his mud mixer, seen it in several videos and no mention of renting it. 1:52, I have some of those left over--I best use them. 2:16 If I can work and pay someone, I would go that route, but, I have to save for retirement, and school fees, and so on, an I am debt averse and so on. 4:22 Ouch, so you pain is physical and then mental. I would go to urgent care. 5:31 Oh, you wife was the soldier, though it was you. Made a comment on the previous video, oops... 5:58 $940 is cool. The quality is way better. 7:07 I would DIY it but less sheds, taller and each bigger. I have different storage needs than yourself and the layout is different. I have trees and a mess area.

[@battletillvictory]

Nice chicken coops

[@steelsunpi]

Your math is a little off. For the store bought sheds, you still would have had to build pads for them and anchor them. So that added expense would have made them more expensive that your DIYs. Also your DIYs are way more rugged than the cheap plastic monstrosities. Built my own one during Covid. Didn't track costs, but it's an 8x12 in a custom design (with lots of screw ups, I mean bonus features). But it has to have cost less than what the big box stores were charging.

[@Klatubarada1979]

If you have the tools and know how DEFINITELY build.

[@608pinkgirl]

Why five sheds he should’ve just did on big one

[@sdsrfr831]

Great job! Just one thing: did I hear you wrong? I swear you said that there is nothing wrong with this new generation of tradesmen who charge an arm and a leg for shit work. I’m pretty sure I heard you wrong, because yes, there is something very wrong with that. Again, great job on the sheds. They look amazing.

[@joshuaworkman3549]

I do not see a answer for everyone asking why are the sheds are so short. Looks like he made them the same height as the fence. In some HOAs you can't have your shed showing, because it's a "eye sore".

[@Leostan]

Who goes to de Dr. for a splinter?? And on top of that he charged you that ridiculous amount of money. C'mon man. Great work with the sheds by the way

[@gpdoyon]

Great job! I'd DIY it. I've never built a shed before so I'd have to do a lot of YouTubing to learn how to build it.

[@DesignsbyDonnie]

Nice 👍 and you could definitely do it. KZbin has a lot of videos on framing too

[@lordalmighty322]

7:01 that's what she said

[@FictionalPersonality]

Wow, why do you have so many sheds?

[@Beholderoffate]

Only thing I see you did wrong was not using treated lumber on the bottom row that attached to concrete. Concrete can hold water for years even if it's hard.

[@DesignsbyDonnie]

Thank you so much but I actually did you pressure treated lumber but only for the bottom board. It was just hard to tell though. In retrospect, I probably should have framed the entire shed with PT wood though.

[@ajsorensen2585]

$8600 for a splinter?!! Did it include 3 ounces of gold or something? 🤑

[@vicmon9869]

20 years experience huh

[@allancruz8115]

Why not line up the wood for your door, and cut 1 time??? Lol

[@profoundoldman303]

They look great and wives be right sometimes. 🤷‍♂️

[@Beholderoffate]

Building it yourself is way cheaper. I build a shed that cost me $3000, would of cost $15000.

[@DesignsbyDonnie]

That’s awesome and you had a huge savings.

[@thefrankperspective4247]

$30,000… I’m in the wrong business lol

[@allancruz8115]

😂😂😂 maybe use bigger washers, not almost same size as your hole on the 2x4.

[@davesamess9897]

Your assement on inflation is wrong if you look at the data.

[@HPerrin]

Socialized medicine would have made that $8,000 splinter into a $0 splinter. And fun fact: on average, countries with socialized medicine pay less in taxes for it than we do in premiums for medical insurance. So not only do we pay more, we also get less for it. Oof.

[@jvarblaze7495]

The MAga lovers ….love to complain …. If we had socialized medicine they would complain about that. When they pay 8k for a doctors visit they complain about that. No winning.

[@TrueReject]

Ya the fact that you think 6k is a reasonable price for a oversized dog house says alot about you. The 800.00 one was larger and you could have simply anchored it in your back yard. Why are you making them so small this whole video makes no sense.

[@datfdesbrtho7711]

these are actually pretty nice, for a couple of reasons. Many ppl live in HOA neighborhoods where big sheds that stick out past the fence are not allowed .. so these that sit right below it where you can store tools like big mittersaws , lawn mowers , etc are nice

[@lizardman1303]

@@datfdesbrtho7711his prices just seem so off. And the sheds are nice but I’m not sure what he could even store in em with how short they are

[@datfdesbrtho7711]

@@lizardman1303 yeah i been thinking of building one of these , except I wouldn’t pour concrete .. I would do wooden base .. I estimated the cost to be like 300 bucks .. I plan on storing all my big power equipment … and lawns stuff ..

[@lizardman1303]

@@datfdesbrtho7711 they just seem to short and not big enough to put anything in . Regular lawn mower will take up all the space and having to duck in every time to get in is not good . Think 2-3 longer ones would average been better

[@sdsrfr831]

Might be an HOA rule that said they can’t be taller than the fence line.

[@Zachjones45314]

Prepare for the tax man when the county sees your concrete

[@spencerjoplin2885]

I’m calculating a rent of $3.75 per square foot per month at a 2% rent:price ratio and 32 square feet each. Perhaps you value your shed-junk more than me.

[@ajgd]

🤣😂🤣 Cuando calculas el costo del cobertizo prefabricado le sumas el costo de la mano de obra de un contratista............. Pero cuando calculas el costo de hacerlo tu mismo no le sumas el costo de la mano de obra 🤣.......... eso es hacer trampa, o calculas cuanto cuesta el cobertizo prefabricado instalándolo tu mismo, o sumas tu mano de obra a los que tu construiste, pero sumar la mano de obra a uno y no al otro es hacer trampa............ la comparación real es que el cobertizo prefabricado costaba 850$ y el cobertizo que tu construiste costó 950$ y si le quieres sumar el costo de la mano de obra se la tienes que sumar a los dos o tienes que asumir que los dos los instalaras tu, la mano de obra del DIY siempre es mas costosa que la pre fabricada, pre cortada, pre medida, pre diseñada ....... así que no, no te salió mas barato

[@becks23mt]

I STOPPED LISTENING WHEN HE SAID 6k for a shed! Lol he must be in medication or something. I get that you want to make a point but don’t exaggerate things… 🙄🙄🙄

[@DesignsbyDonnie]

Maybe you need to re listen. I didn’t say 8k for a shed. I actually said the premade shed was over $800 and my custom made shed was slightly over $900 for a shed. lol 😂 I’m actually thinking maybe you need to get off medication before exaggerating. I mean, you exaggerated $800 to $8000 😂

[@becks23mt]

There, fixed. Now stop exaggerating your shit.

[@brandonsmith666]

no to diy. can’t do that type of work.