Advice

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

DO I NEED A BUILDING PERMIT FOR A SHED?

Yes, but do not be dismayed. This is generally a simple process and one which we provide support for when you buy from us.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The building application costs about $170, payable to your local council.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

You will need to allow 25 working days which is standard allowable time to consider the application.

DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION?

The Planning and Building departments are separate divisions of your local council and although they do work in conjunction with each other on occasion, most applications for sheds do not need planning permission in addition to a building permit.

I'VE HEARD ABOUT R-CODES VARIATIONS, WHAT ARE THEY?

These are additional applications when your proposed structure does not meet the basic Building Codes of Australia. As an example your proposed shed meets the block coverage requirements but you need extra height to accommodate a car hoist. This would probably require a variation application. There will be an additional charge for this - approx $180 - but again we can walk you through the process.

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

This application can add a further 21 working days to the application process.

BEFORE YOU BUY A SHED

HOW MANY QUOTES SHOULD I GET?

We advise you to get at least two quotes but three is better. We would ask that you ensure you are asking for like-for-like quotes as there can be tremendous differences between shed companies.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK OUT FOR?

If you are looking for a quality shed, always ask for Colorbond or Zincalume, ensure an Australian product and ask for consolidated delivery.

WHAT SIZE SHED AM I ALLOWED?

In general, on a standard suburban block, the amount of permanent structure is limited to approximately 55% of the total block.

As an example - your block is 700m² and your house (less garage or carport) is 300m², your existing patio is 36m².

Your current coverage is 48%.

If you would like to add a 6m x 4m shed, the proposed 24m² would take your block coverage to 51%.

We can help you calculate your block coverage as part of the purchasing process.

THIS IS BECOMING CONFUSING - WHERE CAN I GET HELP?

First of all make contact with us here via email, live chat if we are available or call us.

PURCHASING YOUR SHED

I'VE DECIDED TO GO AHEAD WITH MY QUOTE - WHAT NOW?

Please let us know in writing you wish to proceed and we will ask you to sign and date the quote to confirm the contract. We ask that you read over the entire quote, paying particular attention to the design, the layout, your colour scheme, payment schedule and expected delivery times. To avoid confusion we like to be completely transparent with what to expect so we can assist you with your project from beginning to completion.

I'VE PAID MY DEPOSIT AND RETURNED MY CONTRACT - WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

You can relax! We will take it from here and update you via SMS at each stage. Initially the shed design goes to the manufacturer and they place the order into their schedule. Once completed we will update you with an expected delivery date. We now have a deadline to coordinate the concrete and builder.

WHAT IF I DON'T HEAR FROM YOU FOR A WHILE?

This would be entirely normal and as the old saying goes "no news is good news". While the manufacturers are making the goods they will only contact us if there is an issue. This can happen - but it is not common.

WHEN DO I PAY MY FINAL PAYMENT?

You will have already paid a deposit and a manufacturing payment so the final payment only becomes payable 7 days prior to the shed kit delivery. Again we will keep you updated via SMS.

CO-ORDINATING CONCRETE & BUILDER

WILL YOU HELP ME CO-ORDINATE THE PEOPLE I NEED TO PUT THE SHED UP?

Absolutely! We can liaise directly with your concreter and builder if you have them or we can recommend some to you. You may have already had your concrete slab poured, but need a builder, or, you are building it yourself and would like to use our recommended concreter - both are fine by us. We are here to assist you in any way we can.

WHEN SHOULD I HAVE THE CONCRETE POURED?

Ideally this should happen a couple of weeks before building as the concrete needs time to cure. In summer time, it can be cured in as little as a week, and in winter a little longer. But certainly have a concreter in mind by the time you are ready to purchase to avoid future delays in securing a reliable tradesman.

WHEN SHOULD I LET MY BUILDER KNOW?

Whether you are using one we recommend or you have one lined up yourself, certainly make contact when you are about to purchase your shed and again when the delivery date is sent through.

I THOUGHT YOU SAID YOU HELP WITH THIS PROCESS?

We certainly can! When you purchase your shed kit from us you have the option to engage our assistance service at no cost to you. We want you to go on and recommend us to family and friends, and that's why we offer this FOR FREE.