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Where do i start?

Some basic questions via this link will help us understand how best we may be able to help you.

Please see the link Here

Once you have identified a storage requirement, a guide to determining some more details may assist to streamline the design and quote phase. Also, it can help avoid common mistakes or poor planning and outcomes. 

Also, most people start with the idea of looking for a complete project service or, more along the lines of a D.I.Y project.

For more information and research resources, the Website Links to the Victorian Building Authority HERE and Consumer Affairs Vic HERE may be of assistance.

We offer options that meet all V.B.A and C.A.V requirements for both D.I.Y and Project Managed options.

All building designs will vary, and depending what size of shed you’re after, the following five step check can assist to ensure an excellent outcome.

  1. How much space do you have for the new building? Measure the available room where you plan to locate your shed. Write down all your measurements so you can draw up an accurate plan.
  1. Note potential problems, such as overhanging trees, and anything in the proposed shed footprint, especially pipes and conduits. Easement locations should be identified at this stage as well.
  2. Note the positions of all nearby buildings, walls and drainage. These may impact on council approvals.
  3. . How high and/or close can I build to a boundary?A. The residential building code covers this. The attached guide HERE is a useful reference. Other siting assessments include consideration for overshadowing, neighboring habitable windows and 'open space'.
  4. Choose a site that 'makes sense' and takes advantage of what’s already there. Garages, carports and large sheds can take advantage of pre-existing access to save money on new driveways, fences, etc.
  5. Most sheds are built onto a pre poured concrete slab. Does your site have space for work to be easily completed, far enough from boundary walls and is there adequate access to the site? (Low roof carports will restrict access, possibly requiring Pump and additional costs)
2. Write a list of everything you’ll want to use the shed for.
  1. Include all your shed furnishings, such as shelving, benches, and work tables. Work out roughly how much space each of these will take up.
  2. Consider everything that won’t be stored on shelves like domestic appliances or machinery, mowers, ladders, tool chests, bikes, cars, boats and any farm equipment or plant.
  3. For farm machinery and plant, calculate the turning space required to bring in heavy attachments without removing them first.
  4. Will you need power and lighting supplied to the shed itself? What about water, sewage and gas, provision for Wi Fi or data ports?
  5. If using the shed as a workspace, you will require at least natural light. Clear roofing panels and solar lighting are options if you don’t want to connect the shed to mains electricity.
  6. Suspending tools and items from the shed walls or roof is a great way to maximise storage. If you plan to be attaching pulleys, calculate the loads you expect to lift.
  7. A hoist, storing tall items or a mezzanine level will all require extra-height walls.
  8. If you plan to be welding or engaged in fume-producing work, cross-ventilation or installing a ventilator is essential. Rooftop ventilators can help regulate heat if you plan to use your shed as a workspace.
  9. Expensive tools and equipment are worth the cost of additional safety measures, such as floor anchors (which can be retrofitted into a pre-existing slab), roller-door security locks and shed alarms.
  10. Storing vehicles that are hard to reverse? If there’s space behind the shed, doors on each side of the shed can be used for a drive-in, drive-out.

3. Calculate the best shed size for your needs and then add some.

  1. A shed or garage bigger than what you need or have calculated always comes in handy. Regrets only happen when your shed ends up too small.
  2. Draw up a plan on paper of your proposed shed size and then position all the things inside the space to see how it will fit.
  3. If you plan to be working in your shed, you will want space to move around your projects – especially if you will be working on a car or boat – you’ll need space to open the doors. You may need to consider adding an extra meter of width.
  4. Look for alternative storage solutions, such as hanging bikes from hooks on the walls, lifting small boats above head-height with pulleys and storing timbers and ladders across rafters. You may require a taller shed for the most economical use of your floorplan: many designs come in variable wall heights.
  5. If your shed will be used for industry or agriculture, take the time to future-proof it as much as possible.

4. And add any extras you desire.

  1. Automatic Roller Door Openers are extremely popular and convenient. They are now very well priced as well.
  2. Match your shed to the house or garden colour scheme, or else make it into a feature in its own right. You can also decide on the angle of the roof pitch and trims for the shed to achieve a range of designer looks.
  3. For larger sheds and garages with roller doors, a personal access door at the side or sliding doors can make life a lot easier when you just need to pop in and out to grab something.
  4. An awning or carport can add useful protection and workspace for lower cost than you may expect.

5. Start shopping and request a quote.

  1. Contact us to arrange a quote via our online forms/email and don’t forget to provide all your research and prepared information to streamline the quote process.
  2. Quotes will vary depending on whether you want a DIY shed kit supply only, or supply, permits, concrete and build services, so, be sure to highlight this when requesting a quote. We encourage checking with your local council about the approvals process, including Planning Code, and the VBA regarding the difference between Owner Builder Permits and dealing with a Registered Building Practitioner prior to ordering your building. This is the best way to ensure you are across the varying process options, possible budget impacts, and to avoid any nasty surprises along the way.

We would welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you an outcome that meets all your expectations.

Location:

Servicing All of Gippsland, Phillip Island and Surrounds

Hours:

Mon - Thursday : 9AM - 4PM

Friday 9AM - 2PM

Sat: Closed

Sun: Closed

Closed Public Holidays - Last Friday of each month. - Other dates per Facebook updates.

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