Home Gym Shed: Build or Buy? A Cost Comparison Guide
When considering a home gym shed for your property, one of the biggest decisions you'll face is whether to build it yourself or purchase a pre-made structure. This choice comes with significant cost implications that could impact your fitness journey.
The most critical factor in this decision is undoubtedly the price difference between DIY construction and purchasing a ready-made shed. Using a standard 12×20 footprint as our comparison baseline reveals some eye-opening cost disparities.
The DIY Approach
Building a home gym shed yourself using quality plans can be surprisingly cost-effective. A sturdy, well-constructed 12×20 home gym shed typically costs between $7,500-$8,000 in materials. This price point will fluctuate somewhat depending on your location and current material costs, but represents a solid estimate for a properly built structure designed specifically for home gym use.
The Pre-Built Option
By comparison, purchasing a similar-sized shed from a nationally recognized brand like CupShed comes with a significantly higher price tag. For a comparable 12×20 footprint with a similar design to custom plans, expect to pay approximately $15,000 – nearly double the DIY approach.
Making Your Decision
While the cost savings of building your own gym shed are substantial, the right choice ultimately depends on your specific circumstances. Consider factors beyond just price:
- Your construction experience and comfort with DIY projects
- Available time to commit to building
- Tools you already own versus those you'd need to purchase or rent
- Local building code requirements and permits
- Timeline for completing your home gym
For those with some basic construction skills and the time to invest, the DIY route offers considerable savings that could be redirected toward purchasing quality gym equipment for your new space.
