If you are considering buying a shed, chances are that, as always is the case when making a major investment, the first and foremost question is the price. You want a cheap shed, but you also want a quality shed that will give you a good return on your investment. There are way too many variables to consider to give a precise answer, particularly when most sheds are customised to meet your individual specific needs, but this will give you an idea of the costs involved.
What Type Of Shed Do You Need?
A shed can encompass a range of different designs from open front, fully enclosed and open ended sheds. To decide which is best for you, you must firstly figure out the use of the shed. For example, if you are needing a shed to store and keep hay, feed and fodder dry, the major factor will be protection from the weather. If you are needing a shed to store valuable machinery and equipment, the major factor will be security.
There is a lot of variables to be considered in determining the cost of a new shed. These include:
· Build location – Wind Region A, B, C or D.
· Clearance height and width required in openings.
· Colorbond or Zincalume.
· Concrete, gravel floor or both.
· Concrete walls.
· Earthworks.
· Open side, open front, open ended or fully enclosed.
· Roof insulation, ventilation and skylights.
· Sliding and roller doors.
· Span, length and height.
What Approvals Are Required?
Your shed may also require planning approval and a building permit issued from your local council, which is another cost to factor in. The approval and permit requirements vary widely throughout Australia, both at a state and local council level, so it is best to contact your local council to find out what is required.
What Are The Construction Costs Involved?
One of the biggest costs involved will be the on-site construction of the shed. This also varies greatly. Things to be considered are:
· Site access.
· Distance of travel to site for contractors.
· Delivery of materials and equipment to site.
· Equipment required for construction including:
· Cranes.
· Elevated Work Platforms.
· Materials handling i.e. forklift, telehandler, etc.
· Worker safety – by law, contractors working on a construction site are to have in place:
· Safety Management Plan.
· Safe Work Method Statements or Job Safety Analysis.
· Safe Operating and Safe Work Procedures.
· All workers to have:
· White Card.
· Worksafe Card for relevant high risk work.
· All electrical equipment must test and tagged.
· All lifting equipment must test and tagged.
· All height safety equipment must test and tagged.
· The main contractor who is overseeing construction may also have to be a register builder.
Should Price Be The Only Consideration?
Short answer - No. You should try and get your money’s worth when buying a shed, but it’s also important that you get a quality shed to maximise your investment. For example, you will want to make sure you get a shed that will not be hard to maintain. If you are meticulous when planning your shed, it will save you time and money in the future.
Other factors to consider is the quality of the steel materials used in your shed. We recommend using Australian-made steel rather than C-Purlin or cheaper steel imports. Also consider whether the contractor erecting your shed has a proven track record or not.
