How Much Do Shed or Barn Repairs Cost?

Shed and Barn Repair Costs

The average cost of a barn or shed repair is $1,205 according to HomeAdvisor members. This total usually falls between $531 and $1,960. Your total depends on the size of your shed or barn, the kind of damage it has, the extent of its repairs, and whether you DIY or hire a professional.

A shed or barn provides storage for lawn care and gardening items, farm equipment and more. Barns can house animals or large equipment. People use sheds for building, personal space, hobby houses and other projects. Outdoor playhouses are a favorite place for youngsters. Over time, exposure to the elements and overuse may mean repairs.

Common Shed and Barn Repair Costs

Barn and shed materials can range from $20 to $1,950. See the table below for more specific prices.

*To replace all of an average-sized structure of 120 square feet at 8 feet tall.

In addition to materials, repair labor can range from $65 to $85 per hour for electricians and plumbers, and averages $70 per hour for carpentry.

You or a contractor may need to correct leaning or sagging, rotted wood, leaks, loose foundation, repair doors, or damage from termites or the elements. Check out this list of typical barn repairs and their total costs:

• Wall straightening (jacking and bracing): up to $2,000 for materials and $10,000 in labor

• Siding damage: $1,050-$2,100

• Interior damage: $200-$700

• Foundation cracks or problems: $500-$1,000

• Permit costs: about $100 (varies by location)

Shed Roof Replacement Cost

The cost to replace a shed roof can be anywhere between $140 and $750, including labor (for a 120 square foot structure). Repairs might be as easy as swapping damaged shingles for new ones. But if you’re dealing with a collapsed roof, replacing it entirely means bracing and structural support. Contractors may charge more for this because of insurance paperwork and safety concerns.

Factors That Affect the Cost to Repair a Shed or Barn

Before starting repairs, you should consider factors like:

• Extent of damage

• Material choice

• Location on property/site conditions – Land grading/adjustment

• Weatherproofing – Waterproofing and insulation

• Interior finishes – Paint, shelving, hooks, etc.

• Size of structure

• DIY vs. professional labor

• Age of structure

There is a wide variety of materials available for windows, siding, and timber, all of which affect the cost of a project. Ultimately, the biggest cause of price variations come from the extent of damage and the size of the structure.

Repair vs. Removal of a Shed, Barn or Playhouse

If repair exceeds $5,000, the top-end cost to build a barn, you’re probably better off removing and rebuilding. Another option is building a lower cost pole barn in its place. But if you don't really need the storage, consider tearing it down for the extra lawn or garden space.

Many homeowners choose removal since sheds don’t add value to the home unless they’re in good shape and truly functional. If this is the route you want to go, hire a junk removal company who will haul away the debris and reuse, recycle or redistribute it to others. It could be used to make a beautiful kitchen complete with barn wood flooring!

Some people choose to convert the structure into a playhouse for their children. Need to repair a swing set, too? Check out the cost to repair playground equipment.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Contractor to Repair Your Barn or Shed

Repairing a shed, barn or playhouse is not an ideal DIY project for everyone. Along with the safety issues around roof replacement or structural fixes, such as fall risks and working near electrical lines, this work involves handling power and pneumatic tools that some homeowners may not have or know how to use.

If the foundation is concrete, you will need a professional to break apart the chunks and prepare the soil to pour a new foundation, while maintaining the integrity of the structure. A barn repair professional in your area can tell you if repair or replacement is necessary.

FAQs

How do I stop my shed from rotting?

To stop your shed from rotting, you can use pre-treated lumber or coat raw lumber in a water-resistant paint or stain. A leaky roof or loose windows may cause rot and holes, as well as damaged doors and walls. Be sure to use weather-stripping on doors and windows and properly seal the roof to prevent these problems in the future.

How do I restore a metal shed?

The restoration your metal shed requires depends on the problem(s) it has. You can remove rust with paint thinner and fill holes and cracks with caulking.

Should I treat the inside of my shed?

Treating the inside of your wood shed can help prevent moisture and insects from damaging the structure. Seal holes and cracks with caulking, and then seal with primer and paint. You can seal stone and metal as well, but these are not as susceptible to these types of damage.

Can I paint a metal shed?

Yes. To paint a metal shed:

1. Thoroughly clean the surface

2. Apply exterior latex bonding primer

3. Paint with exterior latex acrylic paint, following the instructions on the container.

How do I know if I should repair my shed or remove it?

Price out the cost of repairs to your shed. If the total is close to or more than the typical $3,000 average cost to install a barn, shed or playhouse, you would be better off starting from scratch.