When it comes to choosing a shed supplier and builder, the lowest price tag can be tempting. However, cheap sheds can often come with hidden costs—some of which don’t become apparent until it's too late. Before you commit to a budget kit, DIY option or using cheap labour, here’s what you need to know.

What Makes a Shed “Cheap”?

Low-cost shed kits or builders promising to deliver for half of the price of others usually save money by cutting corners in areas that matter long-term: materials (thinner steel, unbraced framing, basic foundations, or no engineering for wind or earthquake zones) or labour costs (unqualified or inexperienced builders, less people available, which delays project considerably). Some shed kits or builders may lack sufficient knowledge of council compliance, putting you at risk of legal and financial liability.

Common Problems With Cheap Shed Kits or Building Labour

If you’ve heard stories of leaky roofs, premature rust, or sheds that couldn’t handle a strong gust, there’s a reason. These issues aren’t just frustrating—they’re expensive to fix. Materials in cheaper kits often lack corrosion resistance or aren’t rated for NZ’s unique conditions. Structural failure is another risk, especially in rural or high-wind areas. The same goes for labour - a poorly done building job can also put you at risk of expensive mistakes to fix.

Hidden Time and Labour Costs

One often overlooked downside of cheap shed kits or DIY projects is the extra time and labour required to assemble them. Poor instructions, missing parts, or ill-fitting components can turn a “weekend build” into a multi-week headache. If you need to bring in a builder to fix or finish the job, the labour costs can quickly exceed what you saved on the kit. And if DIY mistakes lead to code violations or structural issues, you may end up having to start from scratch. 

The Real Cost of “Saving Money”

A cheap shed built by a cheap labourer might save you upfront, but fixing a poorly-built structure, upgrading materials, or dealing with non-compliance can quickly wipe out those savings. In contrast, choosing a well-designed shed and hiring a professional building team to build it can save you both time and money in the long run.

What to Watch Out For:

When talking to shed providers and reviewing quotes, ask:

• Do they specialise in building sheds? Do they have experience in creating sheds?
• What are their team’s credentials? Do they have customer reviews?
• What products (their thickness, etc) are being used and from which suppliers? 
• Are the materials NZ-standard or imported? Is there any warranty on them?
• Will the shed be built taking into consideration your site’s weather and wind conditions?
• What exactly does your shed quote include?

Not all sheds are created equal, and not all builders are the same. Invest in quality and avoid the trap of cheap shed mistakes.