What moves the price
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Floor area, span and height | Bigger spans and higher walls need heavier steel and deeper footings. |
| Doors | Each roller or sectional door adds cost, and wider, taller ones more so. |
| Slab | Thickness and steel depend on what goes inside. Heavy vehicles and machinery need more. |
| Wind region and terrain | Exposed rural and hilltop sites need stronger frames and fixings. |
| Site works | Sloping sites need cut and fill or retaining before the slab. |
| Extras | Insulation, skylights, whirlybirds, mezzanines, power and lighting. |
Costs people forget to budget for
- Engineering certification for your site
- Building approval if the shed is not exempt
- Site preparation, levelling and drainage
- Power supply and electrical work
- Access for trucks and cranes on rural blocks
What a kit price covers, and what an installed price covers
| Kit only | Construction Xperts | |
|---|---|---|
| Steel frame and cladding | Yes | Yes |
| Engineering for your site | Sometimes | Yes |
| Approvals | You | Yes |
| Slab and footings | You | Yes |
| Putting it up | You or an installer | Yes |
| One licensed builder responsible | No | Yes |
Canberra specifics that affect your budget
Approval can add weeks
In the ACT, a shed is a Class 10a building. Size, height, setbacks and your solar envelope decide whether it can skip development approval, and many still need building approval. We check before you pay for anything.
Small sheds can be exempt
Over the border, a small shed can be exempt development, around 20 m² in residential zones and 50 m² in some rural zones. Bigger ones need a CDC or DA, which adds cost and time.
How to get the most shed for your money
- Pick standard sizes and bay spacings that suit stock steel lengths.
- Plan doors and power now. Adding them later costs more.
- Think about what goes inside so the slab is designed once, properly.
- Bundle it with your house or fit-out to share the site setup and approvals.
Questions people ask about shed costs
Why does a builder-built shed cost more than a kit?
A kit price is just the steel. Add the slab, engineering, approvals and construction, then compare the totals. We quote all of it as one price.
How thick should a garage slab be?
Domestic garages are often around 100 mm with mesh, but your engineer specifies the slab for your shed and what goes in it.
Do I need approval for my shed?
It depends on the size, height, setbacks and whether you are in the ACT or NSW. We check the rules for your block. Our sheds page covers the basics.
Can the shed match my house?
Yes. Colours can be picked from the Colorbond range to match or sit nicely with your home.
A guide only. This is general information, not a quote or financial advice. Your price depends on your design, your site and what you choose.