Why That ‘8-Week Shed Build’ Could Actually Take 8 Months (or Longer)
What Shed Companies Don't Tell You About True Construction Timelines (And How To Get Your Shed Delivered, Approved, And Built -- Faster -- Guaranteed)
"Your shed will be ready in 8 weeks!" It's a promise you'll hear from many shed companies. And it sounds great (especially when you need that extra space quickly).
But here's what they're not telling you: that "8-week" timeline usually refers only to manufacturing the shed. It doesn't include permits, site preparation, concrete work, or actual construction. And those things? They can stretch your project out for months -- sometimes even a year or more.
It's not that building a shed is complicated (it isn't). But there are several critical steps that affect your timeline. Skip or rush any of these steps and you could face:
- Months of back-and-forth with council for permits
- Delays waiting for contractors to become available
- Concrete that fails because it wasn't given proper curing time
- Construction issues that compromise your shed's integrity
- And repairs that cost thousands to fix these mistakes
Consider What Happened to Peter in Bendigo
After being promised an "8-week build" by another shed company, Peter found himself still waiting after 12 months. Why? Because the company only supplied the shed kit. They left Peter to organize his own permits, concrete, and builder.
The result? Endless delays as he waited for council approval. More delays trying to coordinate contractors who were booked months in advance. And because different contractors handled different parts of the project, when problems arose, they all blamed each other -- leaving Peter stuck in the middle.
So How Long DOES It Take to Build a Shed?
A typical shed project involves several stages -- each with its own timeline:
Council Permits: 4 -12 weeks (sometimes longer depending on your location and project complexity)
Site Preparation: 1-2 weeks (including laying the concrete slab which needs time to cure properly)
Shed Manufacturing: 4-8 weeks (depending on size and customisation)
Construction: 1-4 weeks (depending on size and complexity)
That means even a straightforward project typically takes 10-26 weeks. And that's assuming everything goes smoothly (which it rarely does when you're trying to coordinate multiple contractors yourself).
So Why Do Some Companies Promise "8-Week Builds"?
Simple. Because that's what you want to hear.
These companies know that once you've paid your deposit, you're committed. Only then do you discover they've left you to handle permits, site preparation, and construction yourself.
And good luck getting your money back when your "8-week build" stretches into 12 months.
A Better Way to Build Your Shed (With Guaranteed Completion Dates)
At Outdoor Steel Solutions, we've spent 20 years building more than 5,000 sheds. And we've learned that the only way to guarantee completion dates is to control the entire process ourselves.
Unlike most shed companies that simply supply materials and leave you to manage everything else, we handle your entire project including:
- Initial design and planning
- Council permits and approvals
- Site preparation and drainage
- Concrete work (with proper curing time)
- Construction by our in-house builders
- Final inspections and certification
Because we control every step (and don't rely on external contractors), we can give you a fixed price and guaranteed completion date before we start.
But Don't Just Take Our Word For It…
Remember Peter from Bendigo? After his nightmare experience, he came to us frustrated and disillusioned. Within weeks we had his permits sorted and a clear timeline for his project. Today he has exactly the shed he wanted -- built properly, on time, and on budget.
The Bottom Line? Don't Let Timeline Promises Mislead You
Building a shed without understanding true timelines is like staring a road trip without checking for traffic and roadworks. What should take 60 minutes could end up taking hours.
But with proper planning and the right team, your shed can be completed efficiently and properly.
Want to Learn More About Building Your Shed the Right Way?
Download our comprehensive Shed Buyer's Guide. It's packed with essential information about:
- Realistic timelines for each stage of your project
- How to avoid common delays and setbacks
- What's really involved in building a shed
- Questions to ask before choosing a shed company
- How to ensure your shed is built properly
Don't let unrealistic promises derail your project. Get your free guide today and take the first step toward building your perfect shed -- the right way.
*Disclaimer: Names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals. These stories are based on real events, and any resemblance to actual persons is coincidental.
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