Site-Built Shed vs Kit or Prefab: How to Decide in Wilmington

If you're shopping for a shed around Wilmington, you're probably comparing three things: a kit from a big-box store, a prefab shed delivered on a truck, or a shed built on your property. They're not the same product, and the right one depends on your yard, what you want to spend, and how long you want it to last.

I'm Anthony with Port City Sheds. We build on site, so I'll say that up front. I'll also tell you where the other options can make sense.

The short answer

• Kit: You're handy, the shed is small, and you're fine being the builder.
• Delivered prefab: You want something fast, and your yard has wide, firm access for a truck to back in and drop a finished building.
• Built on site: Access is tight, you want it laid out for your yard, and you want the people who built it to stand behind it.

Kits

What's good: The lowest price for the materials. You set your own schedule.

What to watch:

• You're the builder and the inspector.
• Lower-end kits often use thinner framing and floors.
• Leveling, flashing, and weatherproofing are usually up to you.
• One weekend can turn into three.

A kit can be fine for small, light storage. Just be honest with yourself about the time and tools.

Delivered prefab

What's good: It's built in a factory or lot and shows up finished. Lots of standard sizes.

What to watch:

• It needs a clear path for a truck and trailer, or equipment, to set it in place. Fences, trees, soft ground, and side yards can block it.
• Sizes and layouts are mostly standard.
• Ask who you call after it's delivered, and what's actually covered.

How we do it: prebuilt in our shop, assembled on your site

Our approach sits between the two. We pre-build about 90% of your shed in our shop. Walls are framed square with house-framing methods. Then we load it, haul it, and assemble it on your property.

Because the panels are carried in, we can get into yards that a delivered building can't. And because most of the work is done before we arrive, build day is short. Most of our sheds go up in one day, usually about 5–6 hours on site.

You're not getting a rotating crew. Every shed is built by me and Jamie Policz, a licensed North Carolina General Contractor (GC LIC #63008) with over 40 years in residential and commercial construction. We're a veteran-owned local business.

Want to see it? Watch our build video, Meet the Builders.

What's in a Port City shed

Our standard line is the Premium Gable in 10x10, 10x12 and 12x12, plus custom builds. Here's what's included in the base price:

• Your choice of a single 36-inch door or 4- or 5-foot double doors
• Two screened windows
• Paint included, with custom paint colors available
• Pressure-treated 2x6 floor frame, 16 inches on center, with 3/4-inch AdvanTech flooring
• TuffBlock footings
• 30-year architectural shingles in your choice of color
• LP SmartSide wall panels
• Low-maintenance white PVC trim and a white drip edge
• Custom-built roof rafters, with Simpson Strong-Tie structural screws at every rafter-to-wall connection, and 5-inch lag bolts tying the walls to the foundation
• A 16-gauge aluminum diamond plate threshold at the door

Every Premium Gable is painted and built on site. That's the shed you're comparing a kit or prefab against.

Questions to ask any shed seller

Whatever you pick, ask these before you pay:

1. Who builds it? A crew, a subcontractor, or you?
2. What's in the base price? Doors, windows, paint, threshold. Or are those add-ons?
3. What's the floor made of? Joist size and decking matter.
4. What siding and roof? Ask for the brand and grade. Ours is LP SmartSide siding and architectural shingles.
5. How does it get to my yard? Will it fit through my gate and side yard?
6. Who do I call if something needs attention later?

For us: Jamie and I build it, the door, two windows and paint are included, and you call us directly.

Price: compare the whole job

A kit's sticker price is only the materials. Add your time, tools, paint, trips to the store, and whatever it takes to get it level and weathertight.

A prefab price might not include delivery, site work, or the options you want.

Our prices are listed on our pricing page and in our online store. When you order online, no payment is taken. We follow up, go over the details, and give you a formal quote before any money changes hands.

Getting on the schedule

We only take 1–2 site builds a week. That keeps the work right, but slots fill fast. Right now we're sequencing builds between the holidays, so if you want a shed up before spring, now is the time to get in line.

See your shed before you decide

The easiest way to compare is to see what you'd actually get. Open the 3D designer, pick a gable, set your colors and door and window placement, and hit "Get a Quote." I'll review your design and get back to you with a quote.

Thanks!