In this blog, we have looked at what might come up as extra costs on your project and provided some indicative costs to help with your budgeting.
Whether you're building a workshop, farm shed, storage building, aircraft hangar or another custom structure, a well-designed shed is a valuable long-term investment. Yet like any building project, it's important to budget for more than just the cost of the kitset itself.
While the shed is often the largest purchase, it's rarely the only expense. Site preparation, concrete, electrical work, drainage, ventilation and interior fit-out can all add to the final project cost. Some of these costs are essential, while others will depend on how you plan to use your shed. Understanding them early will help you budget more accurately and avoid unexpected surprises as your project progresses.
This is an obvious one, but if you are buying a kitset shed, chances are you will need a builder to install it — unless you are building it yourself. There are a number of costs involved in the installation of your shed, including site preparation, labour, and specialist equipment hire.
Installation can vary from builder to builder depending on their hourly rate as well as hire rates for equipment and the distance they have to travel to site. If you require help finding a builder in your area, talk to our team. We have a network across the country that builds many Alpine sheds, and we can put you in touch with one of them.
Whether you have a concrete floor or not will depend on your intended use of the shed. If you are building a fully enclosed workshop, we recommend installing a concrete floor. This is usually something your builder can sort for you, and typically, it will come in under the installation costs.
A standard workshop floor will need a compacted base of gravel, a layer of black polythene that acts as a moisture barrier, reinforcing mesh, and concrete (boxing will also be needed, which will require timber and incur additional labour costs).
If you're researching the concrete floor cost per m², the final price will depend on the slab thickness, reinforcing requirements and your location. In general, 100mm and 150mm floors are the most common and typically range from around $110–$130 per m² (GST exclusive). It pays to note that the cost of the concrete will also vary from region to region and will depend on your proximity to the concrete plant. If your site is a significant distance from the concrete plant, extra travel costs will be incurred.
A concrete apron is a concrete pad that extends outside the footprint of the building. The thickness of these also depends on what you drive over it, and the cost is very similar to concrete floors. The only major difference is that you typically don’t need the polythene moisture barrier between the ground and the concrete slab.
If you are building a workshop shed, you will likely want to run power to it. You will need an electrician to complete the electrical fit-out, and costs will vary dramatically depending on factors such as how much wiring you require, the number of power sockets you require, and how far the shed is away from an existing power source.
Timber framed sheds are typically the easiest to fit out with wiring, as the electrician can drill through the timber easily and nail clips to hold the wire into the timber. You can find out more about the benefits of building timber here.
We highly recommend getting an estimated cost from an electrician for your specific shed. However, the fit-out cost can range from around $5,000 - $10,000 or more, depending on your requirements and the size of the shed.
Clearlight and skylights are a very efficient way to light your shed. However, if you plan to work in your shed after dark, you will need lighting. An electrician can provide this service for you, and the cost will vary on the quantity and quality of the lights you choose. One thing to consider is outdoor sensor lights, which must be watertight and weatherproof. Good quality LED lights can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 each.
Roof vents will allow fresh air into your shed and can be an effective way to help cool the internal temperature in the summer months. Once again, there are many different options on the market at varying price points, but these can range from $200 to $800 per vent. It is worth noting that these will require additional labour to install.
Some shed owners like to line out the internal walls with plywood to improve the aesthetics of the building. Plywood can range from $45 to $70 per sheet, depending on the thickness. Additional labour will be required to install this, and lacquer or paint may be required as a protective coating.
Whether you will incur additional costs to sort the stormwater or not will depend on your council’s requirements. In some cases, the stormwater can simply be piped away to a natural swall in the ground where the water can disperse naturally.
In other cases, you may need a water tank to catch the runoff. The size of the tank will depend on the roof size and your location. A stormwater tank can range from $5,000 to $10,000 each, depending on its size. Additional freight charges can also be incurred if you live a significant distance from your tank supplier.
If you are going to use a tank to capture your stormwater, the council will likely require provision for any overflow that occurs when the tank is full. An overflow soak pit is likely needed for this.
While every project is different, a little planning can go a long way towards avoiding unexpected costs. Before you begin, consider the following:
Plan for the long term. Think about how you'll use your shed now and later so you can include important features from the outset, rather than paying to add them later.
Get quotes early. Obtain estimates from builders, electricians, concrete contractors and other trades before construction begins to better understand your total project budget.
Understand your site requirements. Factors such as site preparation, drainage, stormwater and access for equipment can all affect the final cost.
Know your council requirements. Checking local regulations early can help you avoid delays or additional work later in the project.
Work with an experienced shed provider. Discussing your requirements upfront can help you make informed decisions, prioritise the features that matter most and minimise the risk of unexpected expenses.
As you can see, there are several different shed costs to be aware of. Not all of them will be applicable to your project as every shed has its own set of requirements. Our team is here to help if you need any advice in these areas.
Want to know more about what makes up the total shed installation cost? Read our blog here that breaks down the cost drivers for getting your shed standing.
Do I need a concrete slab for my shed?
Not necessarily, but concrete slabs for sheds are often recommended for enclosed workshops, garages and buildings that will house heavy equipment or machinery. If you're planning a shed with a concrete floor, the overall cost will depend on the size of the slab, its thickness, and your site conditions. It’s worth obtaining a quote from a local contractor when researching concrete pad costs in NZ, as prices can vary between regions and according to your project requirements.