Shed and outbuilding installer
Assemble and install kit sheds, garden rooms and small outbuildings at customers' homes.
- A$3k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
You travel to customers' properties to prepare a base and assemble sheds, cabins and small outbuildings from kits or simple custom plans. Most of the work happens on site.
Your first three steps
- Get your ABN and ask a few local shed retailers whether they need an assembly partner
- Price up a basic tool kit and a trailer or ute, and work out your rate per shed size
- Check with your local council and state building authority what approvals customers need, and set up a simple quote template
Who pays
Homeowners, landlords, rural and acreage owners, and shed suppliers who want assembly done for their customers.
How it makes money
Fixed price per job, usually quoted by shed size plus site preparation, base and any extras such as shelving, painting or removal of an old shed.
Skills that help
- Basic carpentry and power tool use
- Reading plans and measuring accurately
- Quoting and customer service
Watch out for
- Check your state's licensing rules for building work, as thresholds for licences and owner-builder permits vary by state and territory
- Check whether sheds need council or private certifier approval, as size, height and boundary rules differ by council
- Public liability insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire anyone
- Safe lifting and working at height, especially with roof sheets and wind
- Check whether concrete slabs or footings fall under a separate licensed trade
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: shed and outbuilding installer
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a shed installation business?
Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on the tools and equipment you need and the vehicle you already have. Most of the work happens on site at customers' properties.
How much can a shed installer earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on how many installs you complete, the size of the buildings and your local demand. Hours per week can vary with the weather and bookings.
Do I need a licence to install sheds in Australia?
Check your state's licensing rules for building work, as thresholds for licences and owner-builder permits vary. Also check whether sheds need council or private certifier approval, and whether concrete slabs or footings fall under a separate licensed trade.
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