Think about everything going inside — now and in five years. A boat on a trailer, a hoist or a tall ute will set your stud height long before anything else does.

Pitch affects headroom, water run-off and cost. In a residential setting, also weigh up how the roof will sit alongside the house and neighbouring buildings.

Roller doors, sectional doors, personal access doors — decide what you need and where it goes. Door positions shape the framing, so it pays to settle this early.

Storing feed, tools or anything that suffers in damp air? Tell us up front so sealing and airflow are designed in rather than retrofitted.

Concrete, timber or a raised steel floor. The right answer depends on your ground conditions, the slope of the site and what the shed will carry.

Map out where you need light and power before the linings go on. We recommend a qualified electrician carries out all electrical work in your new build.

Clearlight roofing sheets and windows bring a surprising amount of natural light into a shed, and cut down how often you reach for the switch.