Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Shed Builder

4 October 2026

Licensing and insurance

This is the first thing to confirm, before anything else. Ask directly:

• Are you a licensed builder, and can I see your licence details?
• Do you hold public liability insurance?
• Is the work covered by home warranty insurance where applicable?
• Who is responsible if something goes wrong on site during construction?

A legitimate builder should be able to answer these clearly and provide documentation without hesitation. Specific licensing and insurance requirements can vary, so it's worth confirming current requirements with your local regulator if you're unsure.

What's actually included in the quote

Shed quotes can look similar on paper but differ significantly in what's covered. Ask for a clear, itemised breakdown and clarify:

• Does the quote include supply and installation, or installation only?
• Is the slab or footing work included, or quoted separately?
• Are council application and approval costs included?
• What about site preparation, access works, or disposal of excess material?
• Are doors, guttering, and personal access doors included as standard?

If you've already purchased a shed kit and only need installation, confirm the builder can scope the job as installation-only, and that this is clearly reflected in the quote.

Engineering and certification

Sheds generally need to meet engineering standards appropriate to the site and intended use. Ask:

• Will the design be engineered specifically for my site and location?
• Who handles the certification and council approval process?
• What happens if the council requires changes to the design?
• Is the engineering specific to wind and site conditions for my area?

Exact engineering and certification requirements vary by location and site, so your builder should be able to explain how this applies to your project specifically, and confirm it with your local council where needed.

Timeline

Timelines for sheds can vary depending on design complexity, site conditions, approvals, and material availability. Ask:

• What's the realistic timeframe from signing to completion, including approvals?
• What could cause delays, and how are those communicated?
• Will I get a clear schedule once the project starts?

Be cautious of builders who give a timeline that sounds too good without factoring in council approval times, which can vary significantly.

Warranty and after the build

Ask what warranty applies to the structure, and for how long. Clarify who you contact if an issue comes up after completion, and whether that's the builder directly or a separate process. A builder confident in their work should be upfront about what's covered.

Scope of installation

If you're buying a shed kit separately and just need it installed, confirm exactly what the installation includes. Does it cover the full build from slab to finished structure, or just the steel erection? Are doors, flashings, and finishing details part of the scope? Getting this detail in writing avoids confusion partway through the job.

Experience with similar projects

Ask whether the builder has worked on sheds similar to what you're planning, whether that's a residential garage, a large machinery shed, or a commercial structure. Ask to see examples of completed work where possible.