Think Custom Sheds Cost More? Here’s How to Get What You Need (Without Paying Through the Nose)
When it comes to sheds, the common assumption is "custom" has to mean "more expensive." After all, isn’t it easier (and cheaper) to just pick a standard size off the shelf?
Not quite. In reality, choosing a shed that’s tailored to your specific needs can actually be more cost-effective than a generic, pre-engineered option. The right design can save you money in several ways, including:
- Materials (optimising your design reduces unnecessary structural costs)
- Construction (efficient engineering means a more economical build)
- Functionality (you get the right space without overpaying for features you don’t need)
But get the design wrong? It could cost you thousands — not just upfront, but in long-term headaches.
So…
Why Are Off-the-Shelf Sheds a Dangerous (and Costly) Gamble?
What many don’t realise is most shed companies stick to set sizes — and if you want something different, they’ll hit you with extra fees.
Rather than designing a shed to suit your needs, they squeeze you into rigid templates that aren’t optimised for cost or functionality. This means you pay more for a shed that might not even be the best fit.
And those so-called “custom-engineering” fees for tweaking a standard design? They’re just another way to charge you extra for something that should have been tailored from the start.
We’ve seen it happen plenty of times — someone orders a shed with a big, expensive span, only to find out later they could have saved thousands just by adjusting the layout.
Most shed buyers don’t realise choosing the wrong dimensions can cost them thousands.
Without the right guidance, you could end up with:
- Oversized spans that drive up steel costs
- Structural inefficiencies that require heavier, more expensive beams
- Wasted space that doesn’t serve your actual needs
- Unnecessary modifications later on, adding to overall expenses
The Good News? Optimised Design Can Cut Costs by up to 30%
For example, when a customer came to us requesting a 30m x 30m shed, it seemed like a logical choice. But after taking a closer look, we realised there was a smarter, more cost-effective way to get him the space he needed — without the hefty price tag.
By adjusting the layout to 18m x 50m, we kept the same square metreage but slashed his costs by 30%.
Why? Because span drives cost — not just size. A wider shed means bigger, stronger beams, which push material and labour costs through the roof. But by reconfiguring the dimensions, we were able to dramatically cut expenses while keeping full functionality intact.
Unfortunately, he’s not the only one who’s overpaid for the wrong design. Many people assume they need to stick to standard sizes or that customisation will cost more, but the truth is…
A True Custom Shed isn't About Adding Unnecessary Extras — It’s About Building Smarter (From the Start)
At Outdoor Steel Solutions, we've built more than 5,000 sheds over 20 years. And we've learned the only way to guarantee quality, timeliness and cost control is to tailor every design to fit your unique needs. Every shed we build is engineered site-specific from the start — at no extra charge. That means:
- You only pay for what you actually need. We assess how you’ll use your shed, where to build it, and what dimensions will give you the best balance between functionality and cost.
- Smarter spans reduce material costs. Instead of defaulting to expensive, wide-span designs that require bulky steel beams, we optimise your layout to reduce unnecessary structural costs while maintaining strength and usability.
- More efficient designs mean fewer costly surprises. A shed that’s engineered to your exact site conditions means fewer changes, fewer delays, and no unexpected cost blowouts down the track.
By designing sheds to be fit-for-purpose, rather than forcing you into a rigid template, you get the most cost-effective solution — without sacrificing quality or strength.
Want to Make Sure You’re Not Overpaying for Your Shed?
Download our comprehensive Shed Buyer's Guide. It's packed with essential information about:
- Shed types and how to determine which suits you best
- How to spot a restrictive shed design before it costs you
- Customisation options to ensure a shed that fits your current and future needs
- Questions to ask before choosing a builder
- And much, much more…
Don't risk the stress and expense of choosing the wrong shed. Get your free guide today and take the first step toward building your perfect shed — the right way.
Prefer to speak to an expert right now? Book a free consultation, and we’ll show you how to optimise your shed design for maximum savings and efficiency!
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.