When purchasing a shed or garage in Australia, there are important factors to consider—from planning and council approvals to choosing the right materials and ensuring the structure is future-proof. At True Blue Sheds, we guide our customers through each step to make the process simple and stress-free.

Understanding Your Shed’s Purpose and Space

First, clearly define why you need a new shed or garage. Is it for additional household storage, housing a vehicle, a workshop, or perhaps to expand your farm? Different purposes require varying sizes and features. For instance, if you plan to store vehicles or boats, make sure your shed has enough height for the roller door barrel to fit your vehicles through.

Consider the size you need carefully. As the saying goes, measure twice and buy once! Keep future needs in mind, as having to repeat this process for extra space can be expensive. We suggest choosing a slightly larger shed if your budget allows, to avoid outgrowing your space too soon.

Checking with Your Local Council

Council regulations and permits vary across Australia, so it’s essential to confirm what approvals you may need. Typically, smaller sheds can be exempt from approvals, provided they meet certain height and boundary setback requirements. However, larger sheds and garages generally require council permits.

Local zoning regulations can affect placement, and special conditions such as easements, drainage, or proximity to boundaries should be checked directly with your local council or certifier. Failing to follow your local council regulations can lead to fines, or you could be forced to remove your new shed!

At True Blue Sheds, we recommend checking with your council or a private certifier early in the process to clearly understand what’s allowed and what documentation you’ll need for your application.

Selecting Your Shed’s Materials and Features

Steel is Australia’s preferred choice for sheds due to its durability and low maintenance requirements. At True Blue Sheds, we use high-quality Australian BlueScope steel, which has been around for over 50 years and is Australian made and owned.

You will typically have two main steel cladding options: Zincalume® and Colorbond®. Zincalume® is cost-effective with excellent durability but comes in only one metallic finish. Colorbond® has 22 standard colours to choose from, allowing your new shed to blend seamlessly with your existing structures and landscape.

Cladding thickness is another important consideration. We recommend a minimum of 0.42mm Base Metal Thickness (BMT), which is 0.47mm Total Coat Thickness (TCT) for roofs and walls in most regions of Australia and 0.48mm BMT and greater than 0.53mm TCT for region C and D cyclonic regions.

ShedSafe® Accreditation

We strongly suggest customers select a supplier with ShedSafe® accreditation. ShedSafe ensures that your shed design complies with the National Construction Code (NCC) and is correctly engineered for your specific site conditions, including local wind ratings.

True Blue Sheds holds ShedSafe accreditation, providing our customers peace of mind knowing their investment meets stringent Australian safety and quality standards.

Customisation and Accessories

True Blue Sheds offers extensive customisation to meet your specific requirements. Consider features such as:

  • Roller or sliding doors for vehicle access
  • Personal access doors for easy entry
  • Windows for natural lighting and ventilation
  • Insulation to regulate internal temperatures and prevent condensation
  • Vermin flashing to keep out pests
  • Skylights and roof ventilators (whirlybirds) to improve airflow

These enhancements not only improve the functionality of your shed but also its overall comfort and usability.

Comparing Supplier Quotes

When obtaining quotes, ensure you compare like-for-like inclusions. A cheaper quote may be missing items like actual windows and glass sliding doors, gutters, delivery, or engineering certifications for shed and slab. At True Blue Sheds, we always aim to be as transparent as possible. We are one of the only companies to list everything we use in our quotes. If your quote is missing the size of your columns, rafters, and purlins, you have to ask why.

Always check what’s included:

  • Engineering and council certification documents
  • Delivery charges
  • Accessories and optional extras
  • Warranty terms and conditions

Installation: DIY or Professional

The installation can be DIY or completed by professional builders. DIY can save on costs but requires time, skill, and proper equipment. If choosing DIY, carefully follow the supplied assembly instructions and ensure all components are securely fastened.

Professional installation guarantees the job is completed quickly and correctly, with less hassle. We can recommend reliable installers familiar with our sheds, who provide quality workmanship.

Preparing Your Site and Foundations

Proper site preparation and foundation construction are critical. Most sheds and garages require a concrete slab or concrete piers, which should be professionally laid and correctly levelled. Concrete piers alone are more popular for rural or farm sheds, while a combination of slab and piers is common for most commercial and residential buildings.

Maintenance and Longevity

A steel shed from True Blue Sheds requires minimal upkeep. Regular maintenance tasks include:

  • Annual gutter and roof checks for debris
  • Inspection of fasteners and screws
  • Regular washing in coastal or industrial areas
  • Checking doors, windows, and seals annually

Regular care will ensure your shed remains structurally sound, attractive, and serviceable for many years.

Future-Proofing Your Shed

Thinking ahead can significantly enhance the value and longevity of your shed. Future-proof your shed by considering:

  • Additional bays or lean-tos for expanded storage
  • Increased wall height for larger vehicles or equipment
  • Electrical conduit provision for future lighting or power needs
  • Allowing for solar panel installation

Discuss these possibilities with us during planning. It’s often easier and more cost-effective to incorporate these provisions from the start.

At True Blue Sheds, we’re committed to guiding you through every stage of your shed or garage purchase. With careful planning, selecting quality materials, and proper installation, your new steel structure will serve your needs efficiently and reliably for decades.