What’s the Best Way to Build a Shed?
Before choosing a supplier, it’s worth understanding the different ways you can approach having a shed installed on your property or building the shed yourself.
What’s the best solution? Do you pay for a full turnkey install, do you project manage and arrange earthworks, concrete and construction, or do you go full DIY and assemble the kitset or a combination of the above yourself.
Each option makes a significant difference to the final overall cost, level of time involved and how much control you have.
Taking a bit of time to consider your options can help avoid unwanted costs help you settle upon on the best approach and most importantly choose the right supplier to work with.
We Can Help You Decide
We’ll help you choose the option that suits your site, budget, and how involved you want to be. We’ll explain how each step works, how to find the right people for the job, or connect you with one of our local shed builders in your area.
Manage it your way
Work with one of our local shed builders direct
When you work with one of our local shed builders directly you pay him with out the middle man clipping the ticket
Project manage yourself
Turnkey Build
A turnkey build is the most hands-off option. You choose your shed, agree on the price, and the company takes care of everything from start to finish.
For many people, this is the easiest way to go — but it’s also usually the most expensive, and you’re relying on the builder to deliver everything as promised.
Before going this way, it’s worth thinking about:
- Who will be on your property?
There can be a few different contractors involved — do you know who they are and when they’ll be coming and going? - Can timelines be trusted?
Will the job start when they say it will, and be finished on time? - How much control do you have?
Once things get underway, you’re mostly hands-off — which is good, but also means less say along the way. - Are you paying for convenience?
You’re not just paying for the build — you’re also paying margins on subcontractors and project management. - Is the pricing clear?
Most turnkey quotes are bundled.
Do you know what each part actually costs?
How much margin is being added along the way?
Turnkey suits those wanting a fully hands-off build, but it often comes at a higher cost with less visibility over the process.
Project Manage Yourself
Project managing your own shed build is a popular option if you want more control over costs and how the job runs.
Instead of paying someone to handle everything, you organise each stage yourself and deal directly with the contractors.
This can save a good amount of money, and you get full visibility over what’s happening and what things cost.
For some people, this is actually an enjoyable part of the process — organising it, dealing with the contractors, and watching it all come together.
Before going this way, think about:
- Do you have people you can rely on?
Do you already know good contractors, or will you need to find them? - Can you organise the different stages?
Earthworks, concrete, building, drainage — everything needs to happen in the right order. - Are you comfortable managing timing?
If one part gets delayed, it can hold everything up. - Can you handle council consents?
There can be a bit involved with paperwork, approvals, and inspections. - Can you line up a shed builder if needed?
You’ll need someone available at the right time to put it up. - Do you have the time?
It doesn’t have to take over your life, but it does need ongoing attention.
This option suits those who are organized, have good contacts, and want to stay in control while reducing costs
Kitset DIY
The kitset option gives you the most control and usually the biggest savings.
Your shed comes as a complete package, designed and ready to go, with all the parts supplied. From there, you can build it yourself or get help where you need it.
For a lot of people, this is the best of both worlds — you’re saving money, but you’re not starting from scratch or trying to figure everything out on your own.
There’s also a real sense of satisfaction in it. Whether you do it all yourself or just get stuck in where you can, you end up with something you can stand back and look at and say you were part of building it.
Before going this way, consider:
- How much can you save?
You’re cutting out a lot of the extra margins that come with full builds. - How hard is it to build?
Kitsets are designed to go together properly, but some practical skills definitely help. - How long will it take?
Depends on the size of the shed and how much help you’ve got. - What gear will you need?
You might need some tools, lifting gear, or a few extra hands depending on the job. - How much do you want to do yourself?
You don’t have to do everything — you can still bring in help for parts of the build.
For many customers, this offers the best balance — keeping costs down while still being straightforward to put together.
Not Sure Which Option is Right?
We can help you decide based on your site, budget, and how involved you want to be in the project.
If you want an enjoyable, hassle-free building experience, choose us. We work with experienced people who pay attention to detail, manage projects with realistic timelines, and deliver a high standard finish — completed on time.
We can manage your entire project, from council consents and site preparation through to concrete and full construction. Or we can supply a complete kitset if you prefer to build it yourself.
A kitset shed is supplied as a complete package of materials and plans for you or your builder to construct. A turnkey shed includes the full service, where the company manages design, supply, and construction through to completion.
Kitset sheds are generally more affordable because you save on labour and project management costs. However, a full build can provide better value for those who prefer a faster, easier process with everything handled for them.
It depends on your budget, experience, and how involved you want to be.
Kitset sheds are usually more cost-effective and give you more control over the build, while a full build option is more hands-off with someone else managing the process.
For many people, it comes down to balancing cost, time, and how much involvement they want in the project.
Choose Your Next Step
Whether you’re after a quick ballpark estimate or a more detailed quote, choose the option that suits your needs.
Visit our Prices page for ballpark estimates or a firm quote, or get in touch to discuss your project.
Call us on 0800 72 55 92 or send us your plans to get started.
Get a Ballpark Estimate
Use our simple forms to get a fast price based on your shed design.
Request a Firm Quote
Need a more accurate price? Use our shed designer to create your layout and request a detailed quote.
New Zealand Steel
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Colorsteel
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