Do you have basic carpentry skills and a weekend or two to spare? Building sheds can be a high-demand and profitable side hustle that blends craftsmanship with cash flow. Whether you’re offering custom-built storage solutions or assembling pre-fab kits, there’s good money in helping people reclaim space in their yards.
Finding a great deal on a shed isn’t hard, but most homeowners don’t have the time and/or energy to build the things. Some of them are a real pain in the a** to build!
💼 What Is Shed Building as a Side Hustle?
Shed building as a side hustle involves designing, constructing, and installing outdoor storage structures—either from scratch or from pre-fabricated kits—for residential or small business clients. The work ranges from simple tool sheds to fully insulated workshops or “she-sheds.”
You can offer this service independently, advertise locally (via Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist), or even contract through home improvement retailers.
✅ Pros of Shed Building for Extra Income
- High Demand: Homeowners often need extra storage or want a backyard workspace.
- Solid Payouts: Even a basic shed can fetch $1,000–$3,000 in labor, depending on size and features.
- Skill Building: You sharpen your carpentry, design, and customer service skills.
- Low Overhead: Most tools needed (e.g., saws, drills, levels) are basic and reusable.
- Niche Expansion: Once trusted, clients may ask you to build decks, pergolas, or offer landscaping add-ons.
❌ Cons to Consider
- Physical Labor: Shed building is hard, sweaty work—especially in summer.
- Tools & Storage: You’ll need space to store tools and materials.
- Weather Delays: Projects can stall during rain or snow.
- Permits & Zoning: Some areas require permits or have HOA restrictions.
- Client Variability: Every job is different; challenging clients can cause stress.
🧠 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I need a license to build sheds?
A: It depends on your location. Small sheds often don’t require a license, but anything over 200 sq. ft. may need permits. Check your local building codes.
Q: How much can I charge?
A: Labor can range from $20–$50/hour, or a flat fee of $1,000–$5,000 depending on shed complexity and size.
Q: What’s the best way to find clients?
A: Start with Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, Craigslist, or local classifieds. Word of mouth also goes a long way once you have a few happy customers. Also, be sure to contact shed sellers such as Home Depot, Lowe’s Ace Hardware, and any local stores to see if you can join their contractor networks – the pay will vary, but this is another way to boost your income.
Q: Do I need insurance?
A: It’s a good idea to carry liability insurance in case something goes wrong during construction or installation.
Q: Can I build sheds part-time?
A: Absolutely. Many side hustlers take weekend or after-hours jobs while working a 9-to-5.
📊 Side Hustle Scorecard
| Category | Score (1–5) |
|---|---|
| Startup Costs | 3 |
| Flexibility | 3 |
| Profit Potential | 5 |
| Skill Level Needed | 4 |
| Scalability | 4 |
| Overall | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5) |
Tips
Here are some tips if you haven’t done this before:
- Research the shed model before taking on a job. Read the reviews – is it hard to build? Are there common issues? A little research can go a long way.
- Watch videos – if you haven’t done this sort of work before, check out few videos SPECIFIC to the model of shed that you will build.
- Create a backup plan – until you are 100% comfortable with building sheds, create a backup plan in the event that you get stuck. Whether it is calling the shed manufacturer for troubleshooting or outsourcing the finishing of the project, you should have a backup plan just in case.
- Like working with your hands? Check out our article about TaskRabbit!
Final Thoughts
If you’re handy with tools and enjoy working outdoors, building sheds can be an incredibly rewarding way to earn extra income. With a modest investment in tools and some weekend hustle, you could build your way to thousands in side income—one shed at a time.