Get Your Quote Now
03 5561 1438
FAQ
Shed FAQ for Warrnambool
We Adhere to All Australian Building Laws
What Are the Steps Associated With Building a Garage?
Here is a brief pictorial to show some of the steps, but for detailed instructions, download our installation guide here.
The installation method and complexity will vary depending on the building size/type and your choice of footings and accessories.
- Prepare slab or alternative footings
- Clad the frame with sheeting
- Stand the walls, then brace and prop both sides
- Install gable end framing, roof purlins and rafters
- Fix knee and apex braces, gable wall cladding and roof sheeting
- Finish with flashings, capping, downpipes and other finishing touches
- Install doors, windows and other options
What Purchase Decisions Should I Consider Before I Get My Quote?
At South West Sheds, we know how time-consuming it can be when looking for a shed. So, to make this easier, we’ve come up with 10 important considerations when buying a shed.
What Is the Purpose of the Shed?
Boat or caravan storage? Workshop and hobby space? Or a man-cave for entertaining or wanting solitude? Make sure you consider this at the beginning of the process, as it could affect the council classification of the building with implications for future use.
You must also carefully measure the items to go inside of the shed. If building a garage for a boat or caravan, check how much space is needed to get in and out with ease. Check heights, dimensions with doors open and towballs attached. Think about what other items you might acquire in the future and whether a little bit more storage space would be useful. Consider how often and easily you need access to items. A mezzanine storage area can add significant storage space without necessarily increasing the floor space of the shed.
You should also consider what light, access, water, electrical and security requirements will be required, as these are cheaper and easier to install before the shed is built.
Who Will Build It?
Do you want a kit you can build yourself, or will you need the services of a shed builder? Some companies provide high-quality instructions and DVDs to assist you in the construction of your shed or garage. Ask your supplier to see these beforehand to help you decide the best-seller for your needs.
If you plan to have the shed built, check what services your shed company provides, as some have in-house builders whilst others use subcontractors and assist with the project management. Either way, you should check their quality by asking to see testimonials or examples of their work. Reputable sellers will be happy to share this information.
When considering whether to build yourself or engage a builder, you need to be aware of the steps associated with building a shed, which are:
- Measure, design, quote and get engineered plans
- Submit for council approval where required (check your local council)
- Excavation and site preparation (plumbing, electrical)
- Footings and/or slab poured
- Frame assembly then cladding
- Connect internal provisions and fitout
When Do You Need It?
Researching, financing, ordering, delivering and building are only some of the steps in buying a shed or garage. You also need to consider council approval time and potential excavation and site preparation. Talk to South West Sheds for advice on council approval needs in your specific area. We have the local contacts and information to help.
With our advanced design and engineering software, we can instantly create plans and quotes to help expedite the process. No more waiting a week (or more!) for quotes and drawings as we can provide these on-site for the majority of sheds and garages.
Make Sure Your Shed Is ShedSafe™-Accredited
South West Sheds is Shed Safe Accredited, who are leading the industry in safe sheds. We were one of the first businesses to receive The Australian Steel Institute’s (ASI) new industry benchmark for steel sheds: ShedSafe™.
ShedSafe™ accreditation, which was officially launched in November 2010, came about after the ASI learned that most sheds that had structural failures during cyclone Larry in 2006 were not built to the standards set by the Building Code of Australia (BCA). Evidence of under-engineered sheds has also been discovered in areas across Australia. The ShedSafe accreditation was created to prevent those issues.
Ensure You Get a Site-Specific Design
Only some companies provide a garage or shed that is designed for the specific needs of your site. This can include topography, regional wind speed, importance level and the snow loading of your building to name just a few specific requirements of the Building Code of Australia.
South West Sheds can provide you with a free structural calculation document to give you evidence that the shed is custom engineered for your specific site.
Choose a Well-Known Brand
South West Sheds uses a well-known brand that is widely acknowledged as a leading cold-formed, steel building distributor in South West Victoria. With over 25 years of experience and over 2,000 sheds and garages sold and installed locally.
Ask Questions
Will they help you with instructions over the phone if needed during DIY construction? Can they offer shed building services? Do they offer finance if needed? What is their deposit/payment schedule? Will they take care of council requirements? Can they prepare the site?
By matching their services to your needs, you get added value that will make the process smoother and less stressful. Also, do your research as this industry has seen many providers come and go. Don’t fall victim to another short-term player; research the supplier and ask for information on the length of time in business as well as to see examples of local work and customer testimonials.
Customise Your Shed to Suit Your Requirements
South West Sheds can customise the design according to the customers’ needs using their exclusive software. This allows you to change the design on the spot as well as incorporate options such as sliding or roller doors, personal access doors, carports, lean-tos, mezzanine floors and more. Our software will update your quote and drawings instantly based on ShedSafe™ engineering principles so you are assured your customisation requirements do not impact the safety of the structure.
Get a Quote
Ensure you understand whether the price includes GST and delivery, and get an itemised list of materials so you can compare quotes easily. South West Sheds can also supply you with free designs, council plans and structural engineering calculations, within minutes for most designs, thanks to our advanced design and engineering software.
Make Sure You Get Council Approval for Your Structure
The variation between councils is great, but there are a handful of situations where you do not need council approval and there are some limitations you need to be aware of. South West Sheds can supply a range of residential garages and carports, barns, farm sheds and industrial and commercial buildings to suit everyone’s needs.
What Wind Rating is My Shed?
All buildings are supplied in accordance with the AS4055 code for your area. South West Sheds can supply engineered ShedSafe™-accredited sheds to suit all areas of Australia.
Does My Building Require Maintenance?
Are You ShedSafe™-Accredited?
South West Sheds, is one of Australia’s leading distributors of residential garages, carports, barns, farm sheds and industrial and commercial buildings. They are leading the industry and are one of the first businesses to receive The Australian Steel Institute’s (ASI) new industry benchmark for steel sheds: the ShedSafe™ accreditation.
This accreditation means that companies used by South West Sheds have been independently audited to ensure that all guidelines set by the Building Code of Australia are adhered to in the design of your shed, barn or garage.
A Wealth of Information
If you have any other questions or want more information on a topic listed here, contact us today. Our team is fully qualified and experienced, with a great deal of knowledge they are ready to share with you.
Connect
