Probably you are now convinced that your shed needs a foundation. Perhaps, you are in the phase of choosing a budget-friendly one. Good for you, there are many options in the market, but the challenge is you have to assess which is the real cheapest shed base.
Define a cheap shed base
What comes first for most customers is to contact shed suppliers or builders when they think of a cheap shed base. Indeed, it’s a step, but as an owner-builder, discern what a cheap shed base is for you.
Talk with a building officer. Maybe, you are lucky to construct an inexpensive base. However, if it is not what your local authority approves, you need to replace it. You know the drill when there is unnecessary replacement or alteration; it is spending more money.
Asking an officer saves you from unnecessary expenses and effort, especially penalties. One can advise on safety guidelines, which based on the terrain, climate, community, or laws in your area.
Consult your homeowners’ association. Remember that whatever cheap or expensive base you have will be placed on top of a property. Thus, check with your HOA officer if some disputes or agreements can affect your shed. Avoid a legal verdict that favors you have to remove or reduce your foundation, it’s expensive and stressful.
Size and term of use. Your temporary or permanent shed size can dictate the best inexpensive base for it. If it is large and heavy, you can’t opt for just any foundation. Also, if it is a permanent structure, a cheap price base for a temporary shed is a no-no. So, for instance, a concrete slab is a bit more expensive than a concrete pier. However, the slab is cost-effective for it takes years before you make any renovation to it.
Surface type. The surface type in your area is an excellent basis too. If its terrain is a steep slope, focus on a low-cost base suit for that type. This leads you to perfect materials to buy or work to do. If you have level ground, you can make many choices. Furthermore, it is easy to build a shed on top of the level surface.
The cheapest base is?
Finding the low-cost shed base can’t be easy as ABC. Some foundations are cheap, but not always available, unfit for the weight of your shed, or take much effort to construct. These explain why there are possible economical shed bases for you.
For example, a gravel base is good enough if you have a small plastic or wood-made shed. On the other side, a shed base made of wood is also fine with versatility for sloping terrain. It doesn’t require deep excavation either. However, a paver foundation is also cheap, versatile, quick to do, and best for lightweight sheds.
A skid foundation is also considered the cheapest base. It’s ideal for a temporary shed which you possibly move soon. In a sense, it lowers your expenses if you tend to move your shed from one place to another. One more thing, some local authorities don’t consider a shed with a skid foundation as permanent. It is a reason they can free you from getting a permit.
