How our ranges are built
Cost ranges on this site combine three things: prices that manufacturers publish for specific models and scopes, installer and manufacturer guidance on what those prices include and exclude, and documented planning assumptions for site work, utilities, regional labor, and permits where no single published source covers them reliably. The assumptions are explained on the About page.
Guides and the Cost Planner name their sources in plain text. This page lists every source in full, with what it was used for, the date we last opened and checked it, and a link to the original page. Pricing was last reviewed in October 2026 (model 2026.10-1).
Listing a source is not an endorsement or partnership. We have no affiliation with, and are not paid by, any manufacturer, installer, or agency listed here. Published prices and rules change; confirm current figures with the publisher and your local building department.
Manufacturer pricing and scope
Published list prices and scope definitions used to calibrate shell-kit, installed-shell, and finished-studio ranges and the Cost Planner’s building-package and assembly allowances.
Kanga Room Systems
- Kanga Room Systems published pricing by model and scope (opens in a new tab)Used for: Separate shell-kit, installed-shell, and turnkey prices for the same models. Modern Kwik Room 10×12: $18,900 shell kit, $24,700 installed shell, $40,600 turnkey. Modern 12×16: $22,800, $33,800, and $51,100. Cottage 12×16: $27,600, $43,900, and $62,200. The installed-shell option is offered in Texas only.
- Kanga Room Systems definitions of shell kit, installed shell, and turnkey scope (opens in a new tab)Used for: Shell kit covers core structural components, siding, and trim. Installed shell adds delivery and shell installation with the interior unfinished. Turnkey adds a finished interior and exterior. The page cites an 8–12 week delivery-and-installation window.
Studio Home (formerly Studio Shed)
- Studio Home backyard studio models and starting prices (opens in a new tab)Used for: Signature model (80–240 sq ft) listed from $17,702 plus installation, and Portland model listed from $27,802 plus installation. The Signature is described as excluding assembly and site work.
- Studio Home Signature model specifications and inclusions (opens in a new tab)Used for: Sizes from 8×10 to 12×20. The finished-interior option is a separate selection with insulation, flooring, and an electrical package. Foundation, site work, and permit fees are the homeowner’s responsibility.
- Studio Home frequently asked questions on cost, permits, and lead times (opens in a new tab)Used for: Base shell kits run roughly $100–$140 per square foot depending on model and size, before site work and permits. Trenching and hookup to the home are the homeowner’s responsibility. Municipalities increasingly require permits for units with electrical.
- Studio Home on how backyard studio costs vary (opens in a new tab)Used for: Cost depends on the specific design. Shipping is calculated separately. Foundations may be poured concrete or a self-supported joisted floor. Installation may be DIY or by a partner.
- Studio Home installation network overview (opens in a new tab)Used for: Assembly may be DIY or by an installer. Professional assembly may cover foundation preparation, panel assembly, and in some cases decks and interior finishes. Installation is priced separately from the building.
- Studio Home planning, permitting, and installation process (opens in a new tab)Used for: Permitted projects move through a site visit, design, permitting (listed as 4–12 weeks), production, and installation (1–2 weeks). Permit fees are the customer’s responsibility. The foundation is estimated separately and must be ready before delivery.
- Studio Home online design center (opens in a new tab)Used for: Configured prices are shown in the manufacturer’s design tool, and starting prices are listed plus installation.
Permit requirements
Local building-department pages used as examples of how permit thresholds and exemptions differ by jurisdiction. Your own city or county sets the rules for your address.
City and County of Denver
- Denver Community Planning and Development: residential sheds (opens in a new tab)Used for: In Denver, the building-permit exemption applies only to one-story, detached, non-conditioned accessory buildings used for storage and similar uses, within 200 sq ft of roof area and height limits. Adding light, heat, or air conditioning may require trade permits, and a separate zoning permit may apply.
City of San Mateo, California
- San Mateo accessory building permit requirements (opens in a new tab)Used for: In San Mateo, a building permit is required for any storage shed or accessory building over 120 square feet, and placement within setbacks is restricted.