What is the Cost to Build 2-Story Tuff-Shed Yourself? | TR1600 Sundance | DIY Shed to Home

This two-story shed is featured in the thumbnails of many different videos on KZbin. Unfortunately, most of the videos don't have much information on the shed, and some of the videos that use this shed in the thumbnail don't even feature the shed in the actual video!
Josh tours a two-story TR-1600 Sundance Tuff Shed available for sale at the Home Depot located in Corsicana, Texas. During the walk through, Josh breaks down what material is being used along with the cost to build the shed yourself instead of buying it from Tuff Shed.
This 2-story shed has 4 skids, 16 on center 2x4 framed walls, 2x6 floor joist foundation and 2x10 second story floor joists spanning 2 feet apart.
From the Website:
"This building is way more than just another shed. The TR-1600 boasts the most usable floor space and cubic square feet of any TUFF SHED Sundance Series® building other than a really large garage. Standard features include 8′ first floor walls, a full second floor, 36″ stairs with railing and baluster, a 3′ x 6’8″ entry door with lockset and boxed eaves on all walls. Add an optional front porch with deck (as shown), and you just may want to spend all your free time in this building.
Standard features include 8′ first floor walls, a full second floor, 36″ stairs with railing and baluster, a 3′ x 6’8″ entry door with lockset and boxed eaves on all walls."

[@Brian-cb9io]

Love that you did the breakdown on cost to build versus purchasing assembled. Very informative.

[@Our-Life-Trip]

Thank you!

[@jago5300]

This is a really funny video to you. The reason why, is your absolutely right. You have all these newbies out there they're talk about ordering a shed, and they just don't realize what they're spending. If anyone has any brains you should listen to this guy.

[@robinjohnrosales]

You provide an excellent video and cost breakdowns on building one's own two story shed. Id love to see a video of how to convert the shed to a house!

[@Our-Life-Trip]

We'll be posting videos of us building a "shed to home" from the ground up, including finishing it into a home. Stay tuned!

[@f1s2hg3]

If you do side jobs and the materials cost $100 and you charge $100 labor that’s standard practice for many side jobs so $6700 for materials new and $12000 built on site is a great price!!!!

[@Rysdad1]

Thank you, this is exactly what I was looking for. Me and my gf as a helper are about to take this on

[@yuriorlov47]

Post a video on how it goes!

[@huntercampbell7074]

You are amazing dude. As a 21 year old and having no idea where to start on building my first house this helped alot! Thank you!

[@LisaSoulLevelHealing]

I like this breakdown. My time is worth value, especially as a new person who may hire some help, but at least I know exactly what I'm valuing.

[@dayop.6345]

Thank you for this, it is super helpful!

[@backtoasimplelife]

Thanks for this! It's great to have a base number to start with! My daughter and her boyfriend are doing this. I told them I would recommend swapping in 2x6s for all exterior walls and plywood for the roof. They are setting it on a concrete pad.

[@MsPrecious61]

Awesome! My son is 23 and lives in Austin area now. This would be a great way to own! Wondering where to put a bathroom?

[@TheAlexErnstShow]

Great video!

[@GrIndTImE953]

You the Truth, great video we all who been thinking about getting 1 been wondering the numbers lol.

[@caffeinatedflyer3933]

This is such an awesome video!!

[@reconstructingleslie4597]

Thanks for this video!

[@eclipse2fast4u]

Thanks for the info.

[@cricket-dg5gl]

Been looking at ideas. This looks like something I'd want to do! It's moved to #1 on my like most. I have a park model about to gut or get rid of and build a little home just myself and 2 dogs. I can save myself $ by using my metal roof I just had put on 2 yrs ago replaced shingles. So I have metal roof, I can use my windows apply in new building, im sure other things I can reuse! Thank you so much for this video! I appreciate you alot!

[@Matt-rz9fh]

Awesome that you made this video! I've been wanting a shed like this for sometime now. But I'll wait till the prices drop.

[@LaVidaLocaHomie]

Don't hold your breath.

[@riccamp1]

BOOM! Great job!

[@Our-Life-Trip]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@seansolina7249]

What isn't listed is the cost of skilled labor to actually build it. Most people don't have the skillset to frame, nor do they initially own the tools to frame with. The cost that Lowe's or HD (Tuff Shed) is showing includes the cost of on-site builds (man-power, tools, materials). It's much like anything else; if you know how to do it, then you can do it and not have to pay full price for someone to do it for you (e.g. swapping out a transmission, building a computer network, etc.)

[@Our-Life-Trip]

what one person can do, so can another My grandfather William built a plane in his garage because he wanted to fly but couldn't afford to buy a plane. He later got it certified and flew it legally for decades after. The newspaper in Hollister, California did a front-page article about it at the time. He didn't have any experience, nor the knowledge, but refused to limit himself with a can't do mindset. Don't discount your ability to accomplish anything you set your mind to.

[@buisnessclass9520]

@@Our-Life-Trip true but what's also true is that most people don't have the skills and the time. Most people have 2 jobs. Carpenters are expensive. Mechanics are expensive. Even if I do want to learn, I don't have the time coz of work

[@felipecervantes7881]

Finally !! Someone answers the question... what’s the material costs!

[@Sam-ny9tz]

Thank you so much!

[@Our-Life-Trip]

Your welcome! Lumber prices are coming down and the more they do, the cheaper this gets to build yourself!

[@castanedagus]

Wow thank you for tus info. It sure helps. HD and all retailer hike up they profits quite a bit

[@kennys3985]

I'm shocked that you estimated the materials list. Did you write everything down to calculate it? You should do more estimates such as 2x6 wood, r13 insulation and sheetrock. Maybe another estimate for a typical 24x30 one story house. Also do you have a .materials list for this tr1600 shed so I can print out and get estimates

[@josephmoodie4970]

As a flooring guy buying plywood was cheap pre Covid and years before it was like $11 per but now it’s unreal. Thanks China Covid has been a real blessing. I have one chance per year to build something like this and it’s over fiddlehead season which is a natural growing vegetable that grows next to the rivers here in Vermont and it’s 4 weeks per spring of work and if your the best picker in the United States like me and one other guy you make upwards to 15k which is not bad but land is the hard part. Land in Vermont right now is 10x what it was pre Covid and the hardest part. Building is the easy part if you don’t have a case of the downs. It is a half price doing it yourself which is just what I have been wanting to know and makes it possible to do it over buying one outright and letting it sit for a year until I get enough to finish. Good video,just what I needed to know.

[@PatrickKniesler]

subbed.

[@ColeTurner-sr8mc]

I was a commercial drywall contractor and built my house out of heavy ga. steel studs. Covered the entire outside with 3/4" plywood and covered with hardi-board. 1800 Sq. Ft home on 5 acres for $40,000 in 2000. I used materials left over from my jobs. Price included everything but the septic system @ $4,600. It's interior is sheetrocked with 5/8" fireproof gypsum. Termites don't ear steel.

[@alexisrivera7650]

Exactly what I wanted to know. Thank you. Great breakdown in pricing.

[@Our-Life-Trip]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Stomping_Incubus]

you're dope. thank you.

[@susanlee9532]

What would be the snow load on one of these? And would it need to be reinforced as well as the second floor if you wanted a home?

[@mikeanonymous669]

I didnt realize there was that much of a difference between prebuilt and Do it all DIY. Im leaning more to DIY now. Some prints would be nice for this model in 16x24. Anyone know where any are?

[@yuriorlov47]

If you buy these materials in bulk from HD or any other place, a lot of times money, 1/5 at least can be saved. If you have military ID, home depot, lowes and a few other places give discounts.

[@jex8046]

Do you have a build sheet you can upload?? Also what about hardware needed to fasten everything?? Love love love!!!

[@bhamjoe]

Do you have everything in a spreadsheet or other format? I just suffered a shed fire and need to replace mine asap. Thank you.

[@roser2889]

It's great if you know what you're doing. I'm by myself and I'd have to pay someone to do it for me. Id probably be charged more than it being pre-made just for the labor. Plus aren't theses things warranted? So if it rotted out they'd have to fix it right? Yes it's awesome for a do it yourself job. To bad I don't have the skills. Unfortunately I'd have to go pre-made. Good breakdown and can't wait to see what else you do with it.

[@MrCartoonCritic]

You could cut cost significantly by salvaging good lumber from old houses. That's how my dad built onto our trailer house.

[@greenghost6416]

People ain't giving that stuff away hardly anymore.

[@LWLillie1]

I want to do this. Does the sq ft from the 2nd floor adds to the total sq ft of the house? I need a minimum of 480 sq ft total. If so, I don't have to make it that big. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@jesustorres6428]

Hi, how sturdy is the 2nd floor? Do you think a small bedroom could be done upstairs with some furnishings?

[@allanstephenson9336]

Spot on. Thanks. Plus. PLAN AHEAD. You can find CHEAP and free stuff on something like market place and save a LOT. LOT OF MONEY !!!!!!! Under the floor. Use rolls of the stuff that's got foil and bubble wrap. GOOD STUFF !! also put down thick plastic on ground before u build as a vapor barrier. The 2 things work to keep floor WARM

[@jonathanolsen7254]

Been trying to talk to you about that TB-800 shed, Jon

[@maxlasater]

I plan I building it alittle bigger so I can make 2 rooms up stairs

[@kendalsaulsberry2180]

could you build this out of ICF or a sip system

[@tnasituning8173]

The 18X36X21.6" is what im interested in since its over 1200ft

[@cavaleiro95]

Do they still sell these? And do they sell them like this? Or is this built on site?

[@ljpphel826]

What are the wall heights inside

[@Melody_On_Pawz1]

Unfortunately prices are very different all across the US and even this shed is priced differently depending on where you are

[@SueLeigh]

If you have the tools, the knowledge, the physical ability, a piece of land with easy access and a lumber yard closer than 2 hours away, sure build it yourself. Being as none of these things appy to me, I will gladly pay double, (of the high estimation), to have someone else deliver and build it.

[@robertquigley5869]

There is $6,000 in labor for 3 experienced carpenter's to build this two story building. That is a very fair price to pay.

[@scottpatrick8352]

Measurements would have been nice, since we don't have any of these where I live

[@ravenlorans]

I say this stuff all time. That you can save Close to Half building it yourself and even If you paid someone to build it for you, it would still come out less... BUT I keep getting told I am talking out My Ass. Specially on channels that Bought them and Convert them. And Never talk about Building it yourself... Also, You can put the Stairs where and How YOU want them to give More room. You could have U Shaped. You could put them as soon as you open the door. You can give yourself a Attic. Even a 16x24 Will get you 2 Bedrooms and 3/4 to Full Bath Up Stairs by putting the Stairs in the middle as soon as you enter and are U Shaped and a 1/2 bath Under them. Or leave it the way it is and have a Full Bath, a Small Hallway and 2, 7.5x12 Bedrooms... my bedroom is 7x8.. Enough for a Double Bed and Dressers with a 30in Door... Good Enough. But I get called a Liar and told I am full of shit when I say you can build them for Close to Half... EDIT: IF You can find them in your area or on the Site.. They have Almost Doubled In Price!

[@rodsdiy9631]

HOW many MAN HOURS do you estimate this to take? 40 is a weeks work for one man At 40$ and hour that is $1600 for one man to wotk one week to build it. Do you estimate it would take you that long to build it 5 8hour Days? What rate do you charge as a carpenter? 40 seems square to me. A 2 X 10 actual dimensions is 1'1/2" x 9'1/4 a 2 x 12 is 1' 1/2" x 11' 1/4", That looks closer to 11'1/4 than 9' 1/4" especially when you account for the thickness of the drawn line.

[@Our-Life-Trip]

I think you may be right. I just went and looked at another one of these sheds at a different location and it had 2x12s.

[@rodsdiy9631]

@@Our-Life-Trip Thanks for the Response. Do you think my calculations on the labor are correct and in the ball park. I could see 1 man building that in 1 week , 2 doing it in 3ish days. $40 to $60 and hour for labor seems square if I buy and transport all the materials. All they have to do is how up with tools and work.

[@Rysdad1]

I charge 60/hr in NC

[@rodsdiy9631]

@@Rysdad1 could you do this build in a week by yourself and in 3 days with 2 people? If you charged $60/hr for you I'd go $105 and hour for 3 days if you say you and one other could get it done in that time frame. Also do more carpenters take this type of work commonly where the materials are bought for them?

[@queenpea1332]

So building versus buying but where would we get the plans to build ?

[@scottlaughlin8713]

That’s something I’d like to know also.

[@glenarroyo3688]

Isn’t cheaper to build it out of metal studs.? Thanks in advance.

[@Viper3048]

I think they stopped making this shed. I havent been able to find it for a while

[@ducatirottie]

💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@billballoo7881]

Do the cost of finishing.

[@jarenjackson7139]

You'd have to shop at THE RESTORE OR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY STORE

[@ray6808]

Could i build a two story shed with out having a permit like in the city of Dallas, Tx.

[@brianandrews7099]

I can guarantee that you cannot! Not only will you need a permit, you’ll need to submit plans to the building permit office. If the plans are pre drawn, bought online, or mail ordered you might be required to submit them to a local architect … at your cost … to review them and notate any changes required to meet local code. Next you will need to consider and submit where you are going to build within your lot or land. Most areas have minimal and maximum set backs distances you’ll have to adhere to. If you happen to live in a HOA or covenant restricted neighborhood, you may have an architectural review board that you will also need to secure approval from before building. Beyond applying for a permit, you are also going to be subject to inspection at every stage of construction (foundation, framing, windows, roofing, wiring, and plumbing/sewer, insulation and drywall) before being given a certificate of occupancy. If you fail anything, you’ll have to correct it before moving forward. In some places, things like minimal windows sizes on second floor windows have to be met so the windows can be used as escape routes in case of fire. If you live in a hurricane area, the structure will require extra bracing to withstand high winds. You’ll likely find fewer code restrictions in rural, less affluent areas. Inside a town and cities, you might find it impossible or very difficult getting a permit to convert a shed into living space. Some areas have minimum square foot restrictions for new home construction. Don’t try to skirt around permits and inspections. Most municipalities will heavily fine or even condemn construction built without a permit and others can even demolish them at the owner’s expense.

[@LaVidaLocaHomie]

@@brianandrews7099 Or just move to a county that has no codes or very few codes. Much easier and better for your peace of mind than living in the sardine can nightmare of Dallas.

[@timnese9402]

I called to order 1 thay said that they wouldn't sell it to me because I was going to use it for a tiny house..sooooo. I'm out home depot

[@nawfsideplay]

Lol how did they know what you was going to do with it? And even if you was going to do that they can’t deny you for that

[@timnese9402]

@@nawfsideplay thay asked and said that the codes didn't allow it. And wouldn't sell me 1. I couldn't believe it.. I even tried a second time. With the same result. I'm done with um

[@timnese9402]

you can build it for half the price if you pice it together

[@dal8963]

I'm guessing before watching at 6000 so your paying at lease 6000 for the labor it took to build. I'm guessing at tge beginning wonder if I'm close. ..we shall see.....well I was close but I'm not used to tge new cost of things so I would call it a good guess....thks for this video I've been wondering about this

[@LaVidaLocaHomie]

Paying for the skilled labor and also the profit the company is making.

[@susanpatin6684]

YOu forgot the cost of Divorce, since it would take 2-3 years of griping at my husband to finish the job he halfway started while we live somewhere else.

[@mountainman4410]

I bet there are 1000$ or more in fasteners, nails, Screws plates, straps, etc.

[@lizjay4119]

They don’t make it anymore

[@johnwhan7288]

So ? What's the final cost?

[@Our-Life-Trip]

Its in the video. Lumber prices have fluctuated a lot the past few years. I priced this shed out a couple years ago when lumber prices were down and the total cost was a fraction of what it is now. Imagine how expensive this shed would be if it was built when 2x4s were around $8 a stick and lumber was at its peak.

[@eddyzenizo4011]

5:24 5:25 5:34

[@carolinapichardo5311]

To build myself is no cost god built me

[@dewainpowell5263]

Hardy board!

[@EpicGamer-ny1fu]

Ironically plywood is more expensive than hardwood now

[@lizjay4119]

Help

[@sweeetonya37]

Can you please come build me one , I have my own window and doors

[@struckync]

And it doesn't even exist through home depot.

[@JackoffJosh]

I've seen them in Texas.

[@lizjay4119]

It’s not that difficult to farm it

[@buisnessclass9520]

3rd party Labor cost never underestimate

[@peterman8058]

90% of the population doesn't have the skills to build this

[@Our-Life-Trip]

so they're led to think... what one person can do, so can another. a limiting mindset keeps a person dependent.

[@LaVidaLocaHomie]

KZbin build videos are your friend.

[@Ukepa]

it's breathtaking how much some of these sheds, barns, garages, cost. it'll be interesting to see how cheap you can build it.

[@dal8963]

The cost of any home remodeling project or shed or build you can assume the materials will cost about half and the labor will cost the other half. If you diy then you only pay the materials and your time witch might cost more then hiring someone if you have some other set of skills as it will be done better and faster by someone who has thar set of skills. So really they are not over priced your just getting a finished product and the labor and scorcing that labor is all done for you. Depending on your diy skills and who you know that you could hire to do the labor it's acually much smarter for some people to purchase it after all that tgen to deal with it themselves.

[@justme-ti1rh]

Great video!!

[@cavaleiro95]

Do they still sell these? And do they sell them like this? Or is this built on site?