Rent to Own vs. Cash Purchase: Which Is Better For Your Backyard Upgrade?

Planning your dream backyard upgrade? Whether you're eyeing a cozy shed, a spacious workshop, or a beautiful pavilion, one big question stands between you and your new outdoor space: how should you pay for it?

At Riehl Structures, we see this decision every day. Some folks have been saving up and are ready to pay cash. Others want their structure now but prefer spreading payments over time. Both choices make perfect sense, it just depends on what works best for you.

Let's break down rent-to-own versus cash purchase so you can make the right call for your situation.

What Is Rent-to-Own, Really?

Think of rent-to-own like a test drive that leads to ownership. You get your shed, garage, or outdoor building delivered right away (yes, we deliver for free!). Then you make monthly payments over a set period: usually 36 to 60 months: until you own it outright.

Here's how it typically works: You pick your structure, customize it exactly how you want it (we love helping with that part), and we deliver it to your property. Your first payment is usually just the first month's rent plus a small processing fee. No massive upfront cost, no credit check headaches.

The Good Stuff About Rent-to-Own

You get your building immediately. This is huge if you need storage space now or want to start that workshop project this weekend. Why wait months to save up when you could be using your new space right away?

Super flexible qualification. Most rent-to-own programs don't require perfect credit. If you have a steady income and can make the monthly payments, you're usually good to go. Way easier than traditional financing.

Try before you fully commit. This is like getting a long test drive. You'll know within the first few months if the size and layout work perfectly for your needs. If life changes dramatically, you typically have options.

Build equity with each payment. Every monthly payment gets you closer to owning your structure. It's forced savings in a way: instead of trying to save separately while still needing the space, you're paying toward something you're already using and enjoying.

Predictable monthly costs. No surprise bills or changing interest rates. You know exactly what you'll pay each month, making it easy to budget.

The Not-So-Great Parts

Higher total cost. Let's be honest: you'll pay more over the full term than if you bought with cash upfront. That convenience and flexibility come with a premium, typically 15-25% more than the cash price.

You don't technically own it right away. Until that final payment, it's not completely yours. Most companies are reasonable about this, but it's worth understanding.

Monthly commitment. You've got a payment every month for several years. Life can change, and that monthly obligation will still be there.

Cash Purchase: The Straightforward Route

Paying cash means exactly what it sounds like: you pay the full amount upfront and own your structure immediately. No payments, no contracts, just pure ownership from day one.

Why Cash Can Be Awesome

Lowest total cost. This is the biggest advantage. You pay exactly the listed price with no extra fees, interest, or premiums. For a $8,000 shed, you pay $8,000: period.

Complete ownership immediately. It's yours. Paint it purple, add windows, modify it however you want. No permission needed from anyone.

No monthly payments. Once you pay, you're done. No budget impact going forward, no payment due dates to remember.

Stronger negotiating position. Cash buyers sometimes get better deals or faster delivery. Money in hand talks.

Peace of mind. No contracts, no terms to worry about, no "what if I can't make next month's payment" stress.

The Cash Purchase Challenges

Big upfront hit to your savings. Dropping $8,000-$15,000 at once can hurt, especially if it wipes out your emergency fund.

You might delay your project. If you don't have enough saved yet, you'll wait longer to get your backyard upgrade. Meanwhile, you're still dealing with the problem the building would solve.

No trial period. Once you buy, you own it. If you realize you should have gone bigger or chosen a different style, changing course gets expensive.

Who Should Choose What?

Rent-to-Own Makes Sense If:

• You need the space now but don't have the full amount saved
• You want to try the size/style before fully committing
• Monthly payments fit your budget better than a large one-time expense
• You prefer keeping your savings intact for emergencies
• Credit isn't perfect but income is steady
• You like the security of working with an established payment plan

Real example: Sarah needed a home office space for her new remote job but only had $2,000 saved. Rather than work from her kitchen table for another year while saving, she chose rent-to-own for a 10×12 office shed. Monthly payments of $180 fit her budget, and she was working productively within two weeks.

Cash Purchase Is Better If:

• You have the money available without touching emergency funds
• You want the lowest total cost
• You hate monthly payments and prefer to own things outright
• You're certain about size and style needs
• You like the simplicity of one transaction

Real example: Mike had been saving for three years for his dream workshop. When he hit $12,000, he paid cash for a 12×20 workshop with all the extras. No payments, no contracts, just his space to work on vintage car restoration.

The Middle Ground: What We Recommend

Here's what we've learned from years of helping folks with their backyard upgrades: the "right" choice depends on your specific situation, not just the math.

Choose rent-to-own if getting your space now will improve your life significantly and monthly payments won't strain your budget. The extra cost might be worth it for immediate benefits and peace of mind.

Choose cash if you have the money comfortably available and want the simplest, most cost-effective path to ownership.

Consider your timeline, too. If you need the space for a business or urgent storage needs, rent-to-own's immediate access might be worth the premium. If it's more of a nice-to-have project, saving for cash purchase might make more sense.

Why Choose Riehl Structures Either Way?

Regardless of how you pay, here's what makes working with us special:

Amish craftsmanship. Our structures are built by skilled Amish craftsmen who take pride in their work. These aren't mass-produced buildings: they're carefully crafted to last for decades.

Free delivery. Whether you pay cash or choose rent-to-own, we deliver and set up your structure at no extra cost. Just point us where you want it.

Endless customization. Want extra windows? Different siding? A custom door? We can make it happen. Your building should fit your needs perfectly, not the other way around.

Flexible financing options. Our rent-to-own programs are designed to be fair and straightforward. No hidden fees, no surprises.

Making Your Decision

Start by asking yourself these questions:

1. Do I have enough saved to pay cash without touching my emergency fund?
2. How urgently do I need this space?
3. Would monthly payments stress my budget?
4. Am I confident about the size and features I want?
5. How important is it to minimize total cost?

Your answers will point you toward the right choice. And remember: there's no wrong decision here, just different paths to the same destination: a beautiful, functional outdoor building that enhances your property and your life.

Whether you choose rent-to-own for immediate access and flexibility, or cash purchase for simplicity and savings, we're here to make the process smooth and get you the perfect structure for your needs.

Ready to explore your options? Check out our full selection at riehlstructures.com or give us a call to discuss your specific situation. We're here to help you make the best choice for your backyard upgrade.