4 Things to Think about Before Buying or Building a Shed
If you’re looking to buy or install a shed – whether it’s a farm shed, garden shed, warehouse or kids shed – then there’s a little bit of ground work that you need to do. Building versus buying a pre-fabricated shed is another decision altogether however, thinking about these four factors will make your job easier in either scenario.
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Purpose
What is the intended purpose of the shed? This may seem silly to ask yourself, but sheds can be quite a versatile facility to add to your property. We encourage you to think about how you’ll use the space in 5-10 years and not just in the short-term. Is it going to be your backyard workshop, carport or simply a storage space for DIY tools? Thinking about this will make choosing materials a lot easier, but it will also allow you to budget for overheads such as lighting and heating/cooling.
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Council Approvals
Do you need council approvals for building a shed? Many customers tend to assume that sheds are exempt from building permits as they are not liveable areas, but this is not the case. If you are planning to use the shed as a workshop or a temporary liveable area, this often calls for an approval from the local council. Usually pre-fabricated steel farm sheds do not require approvals however, there are exceptions to this too. It is always best to check with your local council or building surveyor. At Steel Supplies, we help our customers navigate council restrictions and apply for permits where required.
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Materials
Being outdoor facilities that cop harsh weather, sheds need to be built out of sturdy, hard-wearing materials. Steel is a low-cost and low-maintenance material that is excellent for storage sheds; it is weather-resistant and keeps the moisture out. It is becoming an increasingly popular material for farm sheds as farmers often need to store grains, feed and equipment in a well-ventilated area.
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Solid Base
Build a shed on solid foundation and it will stand strong for years. Never build a shed on a low-lying area that can absorb rainwater. Most garden sheds are built on existing concrete slabs however, concrete pavers are a reliable low-cost alternative readily available at home supplies stores. Other popular foundation options include timer frames, piers and gravel.
Contact us for more information.