How much does a shed cost in Australia?

Building a shed can be budget-friendly or costly, depending on which route you’re willing to go. For a basic DIY kit, you’ll probably spend about $700 for the materials. Expect to shell out several hundred more if you hire a professional builder, or you need a concrete foundation. Those who are planning a large commercial or industrial shed could pay up to $8,000 or more from design to completion.

The cost of building a shed in Australia depends on several factors, including the size, materials, and planned usage. Keep reading to get the scoop on average shed installation costs!

Like all construction projects, many variables can affect the price of building a shed. Small sheds with only one room and no doors or windows will cost much less than a deluxe garage with multiple rooms, windows, pitched roofs, and flooring.  

Size of the shed

It goes without saying that the bigger the shed, the higher the price. Aside from additional materials and labour costs, very large or complex structures may incur an additional cost for council fees. 

Type of shed

Small garden sheds or tool storage will cost less to contract than a workroom-type shed or garage. The purpose of your shed will affect the cost, but not as much as other factors like materials and complexity. 

Customisation

The total shed installation cost may vary depending on the level of customisation. For an accurate estimate, it’s best to consult a professional installer specialising in specific shed types. They can advise you on what’s included in their service and any other applicable fees or charges.

Location of the shed

The shed’s location could mean the state or city where the property is located. Building a shed in a commercial area in a city may come at a higher rate than installing a shed in a suburb.

This could also refer to the site and type of property on which the property is located. Any variables contribute to the overall cost. 

The complexity of construction

A simple four-walled structure is easier to put up than something with multiple rooms, floors, and other elements that lend to complexity. 

Duration of construction

The longer it takes to build your shed, the higher the labour cost. This should not affect the price of materials or permits. 

Materials and labour

Materials are usually included in a kit. If you’re having a custom structure built, you will have to pay for any materials, hardware, design, and labour. You can shave the cost of labour by purchasing the materials and building the shed yourself. 

The cost of laying a concrete slab is generally not included in the price of construction labour. Some shed and building supply companies offer this service for an added charge. Still, you may need to hire a concrete contractor to pour your foundation.

In general, it will cost about $75m2 to $150m2 for a concrete slab and $500 to $2,000 for concrete footings. 

The figures below are general by type and materials. Depending on your location and build specifications, the cost may be marginally more or less. 

Farm shed prices

Farm sheds are much larger and more complex than a basic garden shed that only holds yard tools. As with all variables, the final cost depends on the size, style, and materials. 

As a baseline, here is the rundown for various types of farm sheds:

Types	Average Cost (m2)
Open Front Shed	$30
Fully Enclosed Shed	$80
Concrete Slab Floor	$85
Insulation, Skylights or Roof Venting	$30
Concrete Walls	$75

Garden shed prices

Garden sheds are about the same rate as typical storage sheds. Any extra cost will depend upon the type of garden shed. For example, a 3 x 3 metre “She Shed” might be more decorative and need additional features like windows and doors. Figure a base price of around $1,500 plus paint and finishing touches to bring the total to about $2,500 or more. 

A 6 x 6-metre workshop-style shed that’s fitted with additional electrical outlets and workbenches would start at about $2,000 or more. 

Garage shed prices

One of the more expensive property improvements, garages are also one of the more variable. Will you need space for one car or more? Will your garage be attached to your home or constructed as a standalone outbuilding? How decorative or secure should it be? You’ll want sturdy doors. How many, and will they be manual or automated? 

An open carport with a flat roof will run between $5,000 to $8,000. If you want a double rolled door, add $1,500 to $2,000; a double sectional door will double that price. Adding brick veneer will add between $1,000 and $1,600 to the cost, but you could pay up to $3,000 for full brick structures. Don’t forget the $80 per square metre pricing for the concrete slab flooring. 

Basic storage shed prices

The cost of building a basic four-walled 6 x 6-metre wooden shed without a floor will run about $400 to $650. Add a fee of $75 to $150 per square metre for concrete slabs and up to $2,000 for concrete footers. 

The price will increase for any extras like windows, doors, wood flooring, or other construction materials besides wood timbers and siding. For example, a 2.55m X 2.55m polypropylene shed with a floor and hinged doors will cost roughly $1,800.

 

These prices are based on the price range per square metre. Individual contractor rates and extras should be added to the base price.

Size	Average Cost (m2)
6m x 6m	$450 – $600
6m x 9m	$650 – $1,000
6m x 10m	$700 – $1,200
12m x 9m	$850 – $1,500
10m x 20m	$1,500 – $3,000

 

Some people don’t need custom work. They want a secure place to organise and protect their yard and gardening equipment. In those cases, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a shed construction kit.

What is a shed kit?

Shed kits are all-inclusive construction kits that come with the necessary supplies you need to build a standard garden or general storage shed. Labour costs and the poring of cement are the only extra expenses you might incur if hiring a handyman or contractor to put it all together. 

 Most kits include:

• Prefabricated walls
• support timbers
• Roofing materials
• Hardware, such as screws, hinges, and bolts
• Plans/assembly instructions

Any extras like tools, windows, paint, and other finishing touches are usually your responsibility.

 Shed kit prices

Shed kit prices vary depending on the size of the kit and how much is included within it. For a basic 8 x 10 metre structure, expect to pay around $1,500 for the basic kit, plus labour and the cost of extras not included in the package. The concrete slab cost for shed foundations will be an added expense, and pouring should be handled by an experienced professional.

Make sure to meet the contractor face-to-face and get an on-site estimate. Think twice before hiring a contractor who hesitates to meet with you before signing a contract or seems to be giving you the runaround. 

Your ideal contractor should also have a portfolio of previous work and local references; bonus points if they’ve done jobs in your neighbourhood that you can see in person. 

It’s also important to obtain several estimates before choosing a specific builder and ensure all job elements are included in the final contract. You shouldn’t necessarily choose the cheapest or assume that the most expensive is the best. Any contractors you meet with should be appropriately licensed, bonded, and insured. Current membership in professional associations is a plus. 

You can find shed contractors through online listings, friend referrals, or by calling your local builders association. However, your shortlist of builders should all meet the above requirements and be on the same page as you regarding cost-efficiency, work ethic, and quality. 

How to create an accurate estimate

Your builder should have a clear idea of what materials will be needed, but they also need to know what extra work needs to be done to prepare the building site. For example, are there trees or other foliage to remove? Does the ground need to be graded? Who will pour the foundation, and how will this affect the overall schedule?

Ideally, the same contractor will handle all phases of the construction. That way, all aspects, timelines, and construction elements will be unified under the same contract.

The most basic means of estimating a job is to perform what’s known as “Stick estimating.” This is an old-school method that most builders should know. It’s a little more time-consuming than a job costing software, but it will provide you with a reasonably accurate assessment. 

1. Make a list of all the job elements
2. Calculate how many hours it will take to complete each phase of the job
3. List all of the materials that will be used for the project
4. Consider the cost of hiring subcontractors for things like concrete and electrical wiring
5. Factor in the cost of estimates, permits, and inspections
6. Put a realistic price on each item on your lists
7. Have a second person double-check your lists and associated costs

This will provide a base price for the construction. If you’re hiring a contractor, they should come up with a similar base figure plus a markup.

Licencing and qualifications

It’s essential to get a qualified builder for any construction project. They should be licensed for your state of residence, insured against damages or faulty work, and duly certified according to the laws in your area. Be sure to obtain licensing information and regulations for specific contractors or jurisdictions. 

How to save money hiring a shed installer

While building yourself will give you a sense of accomplishment, it may not be worth the hassle. Surprisingly, you can save time and money while getting great results by hiring a shed installer for your build. 

First of all, it’ll take a lot of trial and error if you don’t have any construction experience. That may mean purchasing extra materials. 

A good middle ground would be to purchase an all-inclusive kit and hire someone to assemble the structure. You can put any of the finishing touches, like paint and trim yourself. Parts of the job that require a professional include electrical installations, heating and plumbing, and pouring a foundation. 

You can perform a cost/benefit analysis by calculating your costs, including time and materials, versus the price of purchasing the materials and paying a contractor for the build. 

Put up your dream shed

Installing a shed not only helps you declutter your outdoor space but also enhances the overall visual appeal of your property. If you’re seriously thinking about building one, consider hiring a shed installer or builder and unlock the full potential of your property.

How much does it cost to insulate a shed?

If you live in an area with inclement weather or you’re storing equipment that’s affected by extreme temperatures. Climate control is a consideration. The most basic form of climate control is to insulate your shed. Expect to pay around $20 per square metre for insulation. 

Do you need a permit to build a garden shed?

Most jurisdictions do require a permit for building structures on your property, but this requirement could vary from council to council. A qualified contractor who’s licensed in your place of residence should know the requirements for council approval in your area.

Can you build a shed over a sewer line?

In some cases, building a shed over a sewer line could violate the regulations relating to the accessibility of the sewer line for maintenance and repair. It’s best to check with your local council before proceeding with a shed construction project.

* The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources