Every buyer hits this fork. There is a building sitting on a lot right now that is close to what you want, and there is a building we could build that is exactly what you want. Here is how to decide, honestly.
The real difference is time
A stock building typically moves in 1 to 12 business days. A custom build usually runs 3 to 6 weeks. Either way, somebody from our team calls you to verify the details roughly 7 to 14 business days ahead of the delivery. If you need storage before a move, before winter, or before a closing date, that gap is the deciding factor and nothing else matters much.
Buy stock when the differences are cosmetic
If the building on the lot is the right size, the right style and the door is on the wall you want it on, buy it. Paint color, shutters and flower boxes are not worth a four week wait. Shelving can be added later. So can a ramp, though ordering it with the building gets you a better angle.
You can walk our inventory at any of our locations 24 hours a day and look at what is on the ground on your own schedule. Staffed hours vary by location, so call ahead if you want to talk to someone or get inside a locked model.
Order custom when the difference is structural
Four things are worth waiting for. Size, if the standard sizes do not fit your spot or your equipment; we build anywhere from 6×8 up to 16×60. Door width and placement, because a 6 foot door on a building meant to hold a tractor is a permanent mistake. Interior layout, including loft, bench height and shelf depth, which is far cheaper built in than retrofitted. And insulation or finish-out, since spray foam plus an electrical, flooring and wall covering package is dramatically easier to have built than to add.
Price is closer than you think
Custom does not carry a huge premium with us because we build everything in our own shop in Harrisburg rather than ordering it in. Pricing starts at $1,900 for a C+ Utility 6×8 and $2,762 for a Cardinal Utility 8×8, and moves with size, siding, roof, doors, windows and options either way. Build both versions in the 3D Shed Builder and compare the numbers before you assume custom is out of reach.
Payment is the same either way
Rent-to-own applies to both: no credit check, 24 to 60 month terms, from $75.44 a month, first two months as the deposit, no early payoff fee. Cash custom orders take 20% down. Financing with no money down is available with approved credit.
And the warranty is the same either way
Stock or custom, every Cardinal building carries our 10 year guarantee covering acts of nature such as storm damage and settling plus our craftsmanship, along with a 50 year LP SmartSide siding warranty and a lifetime AdvanTech floor warranty. If a claim comes up, we handle it rather than sending you to the manufacturer.
Get Started on Your Chester Building
You do not have to drive to a lot to get moving. Use our 3D Shed Builder to pick your size, siding, colors, doors, windows and add-ons and see the building take shape on screen. When it looks right, send it to us and we will confirm pricing and a delivery date for Chester.
Prefer to talk it through? Call our main office at 618-518-5578. We will walk you through building styles, custom options and rent-to-own and financing, and answer anything on our FAQ page. You can also see what we serve nearby on our location page.
