How to Know If Your Shed Builder Will Be Around Long Enough To Finish Your Build
7 Hard Questions That Separate Pros from Pretenders
Not all shed builders are builders. Some are just resellers. Some are order-takers. And some? They might not even be around by the time your slab’s cured.
And it’s happening to people every day. Half-finished jobs, phones not answered, clients left chasing money from companies that no longer exist. It’s brutal.
In today’s market, choosing the right shed builder has less to do with price… and everything to do with asking the right questions up front.
Here are seven questions that’ll tell you more than any sales pitch and could save you from a whole lot of stress down the track.
1. Are They A Registered Builder Or Just A Shed Reseller?
This is the first thing you need to know. Because if they’re not a registered builder, they can’t pull permits. They can’t manage compliance. They can’t give you a proper building contract. And when things go sideways, you’re the one left responsible.
You wouldn’t be the first to get caught out this way - buying the kit, booking the install, then being told you still need a White Card, a soil report, or a building permit you thought was already covered.
If your shed builder can’t legally manage the job, you’re not just taking on a build.
You’re taking on the liability.
2. Do They Employ Their Own Team Or Rely On Whoever’s Available?
When a company doesn’t have its own crew, they’re relying on subbies. And in a busy market, that means you get whoever’s free, not necessarily whoever’s good.
You might end up with a contractor who’s never installed that type of shed. Or one who’s cutting corners to squeeze your job in between others.
And if something goes wrong? The builder blames the installer. The installer blames the kit. And you’re left chasing answers with no clear line of responsibility.
Before you sign anything, ask who’s actually doing the work and how the builder guarantees the quality. If the answer feels vague, take that as your warning.
3. Are The Materials Australian-Made Or Imported?
Not all steel is created equal. And when you're building something that needs to last, the source matters more than most people realise.
Some shed companies use imported steel to keep prices down. But what you save up front, you often lose in quality, consistency, and long-term performance.
We’re talking about sheds that rust out faster, panels that don’t align, and fixings that fail, all because the materials weren’t built for Australian conditions.
Before you go ahead, ask exactly what materials are being used and where they're from. If the answer’s unclear, or it sounds too cheap to be true, trust your gut and dig deeper.
4. Can They Give You A Fixed Price Or Just An Estimate?
You get a quote. It looks good. So you move forward without hesitation. But then the extras start rolling in: Site prep, delivery, concrete, crane hire.
And suddenly you’re paying way more than expected.
Some companies don’t fix their pricing because they can’t. They haven’t seen your block. They haven’t scoped the real cost. They’re quoting to win the job and figuring out the cost later.
Before you commit, ask:
“Is this the final price or just a starting point?”
If they can’t (or won’t) fix the price in writing, it’s probably not the number you’ll end up paying.
5. How Long Have They Actually Been In Business?
Sheds aren’t something you want to buy from a business that’s only just set up shop.
Right now, with material costs rising and some builders going under, you want to be confident that the company you’re dealing with will still be around to finish the job (and back their work if something goes wrong).
Plenty of outfits pop up, sell a bunch of kits, then disappear before the first warranty claim rolls in. And it’s easier than you think to fall for it.
So ask the question. Not just how long the brand’s been around, but how long the people behind it have actually been building sheds. Because reputation doesn’t mean much if the company’s not there when you need them.
6. Do They Offer Progress Payments Or Ask For A Big Deposit Upfront?
This is a big red flag.
Some companies ask for a huge chunk of money upfront, before they’ve even done a site visit or confirmed the details. And if something changes, or they disappear halfway through the job? That money’s already gone.
But a builder who’s confident in their process won’t need 50% up front.
They’ll break it into stages - quoting, ordering, slab, frame - so you’re only paying for the work as it happens.
Before you pay a cent, ask how the payments are structured. If everything’s due before the job even starts, you’ve got to ask yourself why.
7. Are They Financially Stable (And How Can You Tell)?
In today’s market, even some well-known companies are going under. And when that happens mid-project, it can be financially devastating.
Deposits don’t always get recovered. Projects get delayed. And you’re left starting over with a shed half-built and no one taking responsibility.
So how do you know if a builder’s financially stable?
Ask the hard questions:
- How long have they been trading under their current ABN?
- Are they asking for upfront payments before site checks?
- Can they show evidence of supplier relationships and insurance coverage?
You don’t need to see their books, but you do need to know they’re not just surviving job to job. A builder who’s stable will answer those questions without flinching.
One Final Question: Are You Confident in Who You’re Building With?
Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just about finding a good price. It’s about knowing your builder will show up, follow through, and stand behind the work.
The right shed builder will be open about their process. They’ll welcome your questions. And they won’t rush you into a decision.
So if you’re still early in your planning (and you want to avoid the kind of headaches that show up halfway through a job) this practical Shed Buyer’s Guide will help you get clear before you commit.
Inside, you’ll find:
- What to ask before you choose a builder
- Where most people get caught out during the quoting process
- And how to avoid delays, budget blowouts, and shifting responsibility once the job starts
Download your free copy here and stop second-guessing what your quote is actually covering.
Free Expert Advice Specific To Your Shed Needs
Over the past 20+ years we’ve had the honour of helping more than 5000 homeowners and farmers get a better looking, longer lasting garages and carports. We’d love to help you too by answering your questions and sharing our experience.