What do sheds built on site cost in Wilmington?
Short answer: about $4,200 to $6,500 for 8x10 to 12x12 base sheds; bigger sheds run higher.
| Size | Published base price range |
|---|---|
| 8x10 | $4,223 to $4,240 |
| 8x12 | $4,738 to $4,790 |
| 10x10 | $5,000 to $5,240 |
| 10x12 | $5,300 to $5,390 |
| 12x12 | $6,000 to $6,490 |
Base prices from the published 2026 price lists of two Wilmington-area builders who build sheds on site, checked November 1, 2026. Prices change; your quote sets the real number.
We only publish prices we can source. These are base prices; they don't include every option.
What changes the price of a shed?
- Size: going from 10x12 to 12x12 adds roughly $700 to $1,100 on the two lists.
- Doors and windows: extra windows run about $150 each and extra doors about $200 to $400 on one local list.
- Wall height: 7 ft or 8 ft walls cost extra.
- Ramps, lofts and workbenches: priced per item or per linear foot.
- Hurricane anchors: priced per anchor or per set.
- Old shed removal: about $8.50 to $9 per square foot of the old shed.
- Permit handling: for sheds over 12x12, ask whether the builder handles the building permit and what they charge for drawings and paperwork.
Which permit does a shed need in Wilmington?
Short answer: a zoning permit for every shed; a building permit too once any side is over 12 feet.
- New Hanover County (Wilmington and the unincorporated county): 12x12 or less only requires a zoning permit; larger needs a building permit with a dimensioned site plan showing property lines and setbacks, framing details, elevations, and a tie-down or foundation plan if required. Engineered plans are required for prefab metal buildings1.
- City of Wilmington: check your zoning district and the City's zoning permit process3.
- Leland: zoning permit required; no building permit if no dimension is over 12 feet2.
- Pender County (Hampstead): a zoning permit is always required. Accessory structures of 50 to 599 sq. ft. are set back 10 feet from all property lines, access easements and other structures4.
- Flood zones: New Hanover County requires an elevation certificate when the property is in a flood zone1.
Rules change. Confirm with your permit office before the build.
What are the common questions about shed prices and permits?
How much is a 10x12 shed in Wilmington?
About $5,300 to $5,390 as a base price, built on site, in the published 2026 price lists of two Wilmington-area builders. Options, anchors and custom paint are extra.
How much is a 12x12 shed?
About $6,000 to $6,490 as a base price in the same two published 2026 price lists.
Do I need a permit for a 12x12 shed?
In New Hanover County, a structure 12x12 or less only requires a zoning permit1. In Leland, a shed up to 12 feet in every dimension needs no building permit but still needs a zoning permit2.
Do I need a permit for a 12x16 shed?
Yes. Over 12 feet in any dimension means a building permit in New Hanover County, plus zoning1.
Does wiring a shed need a permit?
Yes. Electrical, plumbing and other trade work needs its own permits even when the shed is small enough to skip a building permit2.
Can I finance a shed?
Some local on-site builders offer financing; ask on the quote call. Deposit terms vary: one local builder takes 50% to start, another publishes no deposit and payment on completion.
Ready to price a shed for your yard?
Call (910) 763-7991 or send the short form. A local shed builder calls you back to talk through size, site and price for your Wilmington shed.
Where does this information come from?
- New Hanover County, Residential Build: Shed/Detached Garage (permit checklist PDF). Accessed November 1, 2026.
- Town of Leland, Permitting & Inspections FAQ: Is a permit required for a residential accessory structure?. Accessed November 1, 2026.
- City of Wilmington, Build structure or addition (zoning and building permits). Accessed November 1, 2026.
- Pender County, Planning FAQs (zoning permits and accessory structure setbacks). Accessed November 1, 2026.