Three Hidden Delivery Problems That Can Derail Your Shed Build
Make no mistake, planning your shed delivery is more complex than you think (yet these simple checks can save you days of delays, added costs, and permanent damage)
You’ve chosen your shed. You’ve sorted the paperwork. You’re days away from getting started. And then the delivery arrives. Except it doesn’t arrive on site. It’s dumped 100 metres up the street - too far for anyone to carry.
The driver couldn’t get past the power lines. Or the driveway was too narrow. Or no one thought to check if there was space to unload.
Now your shed’s sitting in pieces on the nature strip. And the problems are only just beginning.
It might sound extreme, but if you don’t plan delivery carefully, this is exactly the kind of headache that can derail your project.
So before you book anything, here are the three most common and most costly delivery traps to avoid.
Trap #1: No One Checked If Your Site Was Accessible
It’s easy to assume shed delivery is straightforward. A truck turns up, unloads everything neatly, and off it goes.
But in reality?
You could be dealing with:
- Overhead power lines that block access
- Low carports or tight driveways
- Steep or narrow roads with no turning space
- Soft or uneven ground that’s unsafe for unloading
Even when a delivery makes it to your property, that doesn’t guarantee it’s dropped where it needs to be. Materials left in the wrong spot can block trades, delay the build, or cost you more in extra labour.
Trap #2: Your Shed Shows Up Too Soon And Sits in the Weather
If your shed is delivered too early and sits outside for weeks, trapped moisture can cause white rust - a fine, powdery stain on the steel sheets.
It doesn’t affect performance. But it does impact the finish. And it’s not something manufacturers will replace under warranty.
The worst part? It’s completely preventable, just by getting the timing right.
Trap #3: You Didn’t Read the Fine Print on Delivery Costs
This one catches a lot of people out.
Some shed companies advertise “free delivery”, but when you dig into the fine print, you’ll find hidden costs like:
- “Cartage fees” for moving materials more than 30 metres from where they’re dropped
- “Kerbside only” delivery, which leaves you responsible for getting the materials to the build site
- Extra charges if the site isn’t accessible on the day
What does that mean for you?
If your shed ends up in the wrong place - even by 20 metres - you could be hit with fees for manual handling, site delays, or additional labour. And once the shed is dropped, you’ve lost your leverage.
What You Can Do to Avoid Delivery Disasters
1. Get Eyes on the Site
Before anything is delivered, someone should assess your access, driveway, drop zone, and overhead obstructions. While the measurements matter, it’s really about logistics.
2. Confirm Where (and When) It Will Be Dropped
Ask exactly where the materials will be unloaded. And make sure delivery lines up with your build schedule. Materials sitting on site for weeks are an open invitation for damage.
3. Clarify What’s Included in the Quote
If moving materials 30 metres costs extra, that should be clear upfront. If the delivery driver is dropping it “as close as possible,” find out what happens if “possible” turns out to be halfway down the street.
4. Don’t Assume - Ask
If something goes wrong, it won’t matter that it was “just a delivery.” You’ll be the one chasing answers, footing the bill, or dealing with delays.
A Poorly Planned Delivery Can Snowball into Lost Time, Added Stress and Unexpected Costs
But when it’s handled properly…
- Your materials arrive when you need them.
- They’re dropped exactly where they should be.
- And the build can start - and finish - without a hitch.
Want to Make Sure Nothing Gets Missed in Your Shed Project?
Download your free copy of The Shed Buyer’s Guide.
It’s a practical, no-nonsense resource designed to help you avoid the most common pitfalls.
Inside, you’ll learn:
- The critical questions to ask before you buy
- How to avoid the delivery traps that cost others thousands
- And the steps that ensure your shed is built right from day one
Because when a delivery goes wrong, it’s not just inconvenient. It sets the tone for everything that follows. Better to get it right from the start.
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.