Rebuild or Replace
This large shed, 10 x 20 feet, was just about demolished when a very large tree limb fell about 25 feet and crashed down on the length of the peaked roof structure. As you can see, the near side was obliterated when the roof was suddenly flattened. The force pushed the sides walls out, but 2 of the walls. front and far side, were intact. The shed needed extensive carpentry repairs.
The question was whether to rebuild it or replace it. The homeowner first got a price to have a new shed constructed on the same spot. The present shed would have been removed by demolition and thrown into a large 15-yard trash container parked in the driveway. That contractor specialized in shed construction. But then the homeowner also wanted a price to rebuild the shed so he’d have options.
Cost of Rebuilding
He said if we could rebuild it for $3000 we could do the work, but the price ended up about $4000. I didn’t ask how much the new shed would have cost, but I know how much I spent on materials. All the materials added up to $1200. Framing for the roof and 1 side, sheathing on 2 sides, roofing plywood and shingles, and finally paint and a new dusk-to-dawn light fixture in the front.
The Shed Carpentry Repairs
We started by cleaning out the debris and tossing it into the on-site 10 yard dumpster. Then we propped up the walls to get them plum. After that we built all the trusses in a mass production fashion on a makeshift table. With the trusses completed it was time for assembly.
As you can see, we nailed down the pre-assembled trusses one at a time, all on 16-inch centers. After that came the plywood for the roof and then the roofing shingles and trim. Also, we cut and nailed up the new siding on 2 sides and then built the soffits in the front and back. Also see my Carpentry page.
Why Rebuilding Was Better
The customer was happy because the shed had been there many years ago when they bought the house and they were glad to restore it. But not just as before, now with new framing, siding and roof the structure is ready for the next 20 years.
