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When you're planning a new farm shed, the quote can sometimes feel like a reality check. Between structural requirements, council approvals, and all the features you'd love to include, farm shed prices can quickly climb beyond your initial budget. The good news? There are proven strategies to bring those costs down without compromising on quality or long-term value. Whether you're storing machinery, grain, or livestock feed, these five practical approaches will help you build the shed you need while keeping shed costs within reach. 1. Start with essential walls only One of the most effective ways to reduce your initial farm shed cost is to build with fewer enclosed walls. Instead of fully enclosing your shed from day one, consider starting with just the walls you absolutely need for functionality and weather protection. For instance, if your primary concern is protecting equipment from rain and wind, you might only need walls on two or three sides initially. The fourth side can remain open for easy access with machinery, and you can always add the remaining walls later when your budget allows. This staged approach offers several advantages. You'll get your shed operational faster, spread the costs over time, and have the flexibility to adjust the design based on how you actually use the space. Many farmers find that their initial plans change once they start using their farm sheds, so this approach lets you adapt as needed. Ask your manufacturer if there are manufacturing efficiencies to be gained by putting in provisions for walls to be added at a later date. 2. Choose a standard design over custom features Custom features definitely add appeal to any farm shed, but they can significantly increase the cost. Standard portal frame designs offer excellent value because they're engineered for efficiency and use readily available materials. Basic gable roof designs are typically more cost-effective than complex roof lines. Standard door sizes and placements will save money compared to custom openings. If you're considering features like mezzanines, internal walls, or specialised ventilation systems, ask yourself which ones you truly need immediately versus which could be added later. That said, don't compromise on structural elements. Quality portal frame construction and proper engineering are investments that pay dividends in longevity and safety. Focus your cost-cutting efforts on the optional features rather than the core structure. Our Durakit range is a great place to start. Their pre-engineered designs eliminate the guesswork and cost that come with custom builds, giving you a high-quality, structural steel shed that’s ready to go. With affordable pricing, durability, and fast delivery, Durakit makes it easy to get the reliable storage you need without the premium price tag. 3. Select cost-effective materials Material choices can significantly affect farm shed prices without necessarily affecting performance. Zincalume® cladding, for example, offers excellent durability at a lower price point than Colorbond®. While Colorbond® provides more colour options and better corrosion resistance in highly corrosive environments, Zincalume® delivers outstanding value for most Australian farming conditions. For roofing, standard corrugated profiles are more economical than specialty profiles. They provide the same weather protection and structural performance while keeping costs down. Similarly, choosing standard colours rather than premium colour options can reduce material costs. As some shed manufacturers use different sheeting on the roof from the walls, it would be good practice to check that durability hasn’t been compromised by reducing the thickness of wall sheeting. If you're planning a concrete slab, consider whether a gravel base might suffice for your immediate needs. Concrete can always be poured later, and starting with a well-prepared gravel base keeps the shed functional while deferring this expense. 4. Optimise your shed dimensions The size and proportions of your farm shed dramatically affect the overall cost. Before finalising dimensions, carefully measure everything you plan to store and allow for reasonable movement space, but avoid the temptation to "go bigger just in case" if budget is a primary concern. Standard bay sizes (the distance between portal frames) are more economical than custom spans. Most shed manufacturers design their systems around common bay sizes, so sticking to these standards can reduce both material and engineering costs. Consider the height carefully as well. While you want adequate clearance for your tallest equipment, every metre of additional height increases material costs for cladding, framework, and potentially engineering requirements. 5. Plan your site preparation efficiently Site preparation can represent a significant portion of your total project cost, but smart planning can minimise these expenses. Choose a location that requires minimal earthworks, since a naturally level site with good drainage will save thousands compared to a sloped location requiring extensive cut and fill. If possible, position your farm shed to take advantage of existing access tracks rather than creating new ones. Consider the proximity to power sources if you plan to add electrical services later, as running power long distances adds cost. Timing your site preparation can also affect costs. Some earthmoving contractors offer better rates during their quieter periods, and preparing multiple projects simultaneously can achieve economies of scale. Building smart, not just cheap Remember, the goal isn't simply to build the cheapest possible farm shed, but to maximise value for your investment. A well-planned shed that starts with the essentials and allows for future expansion will serve you better than a compromise design that never quite meets your needs. Quality structural elements like hot-dip galvanised frames and proper engineering shouldn't be compromised. These foundational elements affect the shed's longevity, safety, and ability to handle future modifications or additions. By focusing your cost-reduction efforts on timing, staging, and flexibility rather than cutting corners on core quality, you'll end up with a farm shed that grows with your operation while staying within budget. Download our complete Buyer's Guide for more detailed information on shed planning, council requirements, and design options.
5 ways to reduce the cost of your shed
When you're planning a new farm shed, the quote can sometimes feel like a reality check. Between ...
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