5 Reasons Why Cheap Shed Kits are a BAD Investment

The idea of building your own backyard shed can be pretty exciting. You see those cheap shed kits online or at big box stores and think, “Hey, I can save some money and do it myself!” Sounds like a win, right?

Not so fast. Shed kits are often marketed as a budget-friendly way to get extra storage – but what you actually get is usually a headache in a box. While the kit may come with some materials, a vague set of instructions, and a floor plan, what it doesn’t come with is spare time, skills, and the tools you’ll need to complete it successfully.

Before you drop cash on a build your own shed kit, keep reading to see why custom-built sheds from real pros offer a better return – and way less stress. Or, if you’re ready to ditch the DIY cheap shed kit drama, reach out to us at Sunrise Structures and let’s talk about your perfect shed!

modern backyard shed with asphalt shingle roof

5 Disadvantages of Build Your Own Shed Kits

Here are five big drawbacks to keep in mind before purchasing a build your own shed kit:

  1. The Build Takes More Time (and Tools) Than You Expect: Putting together a build your own shed kit isn’t like assembling a bookshelf. These projects often require a full weekend (or several) and can quickly become overwhelming if you’re not handy with tools. Missteps during the build can set you back even further.
  2. You’re Paying More Than You Think: While these packages are marketed as “cheap shed kits”, the materials are often priced higher than if you sourced them yourself. Add in the cost of extra tools, hardware, or fasteners the kit doesn’t include, and the savings start to disappear fast.
  3. The Price Difference Isn’t That Significant: Many people assume they’re getting a bargain, but the actual price difference between a build your own shed kit and a professionally built shed is usually minimal. For just a bit more, you could have a custom shed built by experts without the hassle. Yes, you get the experts to build it but you also get their warranty if something were to break! If you build it yourself you’re on the fence for all future expenses (which with a cheap kit, could be a lot).
  4. The Finished Product Just Doesn’t Compare: Even if you follow the instructions perfectly, a cheap shed kit rarely looks or feels as solid as a professionally built one. Gaps, uneven doors, and misaligned trim are common issues, and the materials often aren’t designed to stand up to the elements long-term. View our professionally built shed collection!
  5. Lots of Kits Never Get Finished: We’ve heard it time and again – someone buys a build your own shed kit with the best of intentions, only to leave it half-built because life gets in the way. What starts as a money-saving idea turns into a frustrating project that clutters the yard and drains your time.

Discover our shed and garage inventory that features diagrams and a variety of additional features that will make your structure truly custom!

man wearing eyeglasses holding up sticky note saying "worth it?"

So, Are Shed Kits Worth It?

When homeowners ask us, “Are shed kits worth it?”- our honest answer is no. While they may look like a good deal upfront, build your own shed kits often fall short where it matters most.

The better and smarter alternative is working with a professional builder who will deliver you a durable, well-crafted shed that’s built to suit your exact needs.

 Discover the benefits of working with a professional shed builder:

Say No To Cheap Shed Kits & Contact Our Professional Builders!

We hope this helped clear up the question, “Are shed kits really worth it?” Based on years of hands-on experience, our answer leans heavily toward custom-built sheds being the better investment. Even our most budget-conscious models offer long-lasting, weather-resistant storage that outperforms typical cheap shed kits.

Explore shed styles built around your needs. Contact Sunrise Structures to find the perfect shed for your space and budget!

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