Building a shed in Australia can be a rewarding project, whether you’re looking to create extra storage space, a workshop, or a home for your car or farm equipment. While kit sheds are convenient, many DIY builders prefer to take a more hands-on approach. By sourcing materials and engineering plans yourself, you can save significant money and get a custom-designed shed that fits your specific needs.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps involved in building a shed without purchasing a pre-made kit. From planning and approvals to sourcing materials and obtaining the necessary engineering, we’ll cover everything you need to know to build a cost-effective and structurally sound shed. For those in need of certified engineering plans, visit our shed engineering page to get started with professional drawings that comply with Australian standards.
Step 1: Planning Your Shed Build
The first step in building any shed is thorough planning. Without a kit shed, you have the flexibility to design your structure from scratch, but this requires careful consideration of several factors.
1.1: Defining the Purpose of Your Shed
Before you begin, consider the primary purpose of your shed. Are you looking for:
- Storage for tools, garden equipment, or vehicles?
- A workshop for DIY projects, woodworking, or other hobbies?
- A garage for cars, boats, or machinery?
- A farm shed for hay storage, livestock shelter, or farm equipment?
The purpose of the shed will guide the design, materials, and features you need. For example, a workshop might need extra power outlets and ventilation, while a farm shed may require reinforced structural elements to withstand heavy machinery.
1.2: Determining Shed Size and Type
Once you’ve decided on the shed’s purpose, it’s time to determine its size. Consider the following:
- Dimensions: Measure the space available on your property and make sure the shed will fit within your boundaries. Check your local council regulations for setbacks from property lines.
- Roof Type: Gable, skillion, or another roof type? Each design has different benefits depending on your needs, such as water runoff or aesthetic preference.
- Height: If you’re planning to store tall items or use heavy machinery, you might need a taller shed.
You can use our shed engineering service to get customized engineering plans that fit your specific requirements and meet council approval.
Step 2: Understanding Local Regulations and Council Approvals
(Disclaimer: Please see your local Council for the most up to date information)
In Australia, building a shed typically requires approval from your local council, especially if it exceeds certain dimensions or is located in specific zones. Regulations can vary depending on your location, so it’s essential to check with your council before starting construction.
2.1: Permit Requirements
In most cases, you’ll need to obtain development approval (DA) for your shed. The need for a permit will depend on:
- The size of your shed.
- The purpose of the shed (e.g., residential, commercial, or agricultural).
- The location of the shed on your property.
- Local zoning laws and regulations.
You can visit the council’s website or contact them directly to find out if you need a permit. In some cases, a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) may be sufficient for minor sheds, while larger or more complex projects may require a more detailed DA.
2.2: Setbacks and Zoning Regulations
Check the local building codes to ensure your shed complies with setback requirements. These regulations specify how far your shed must be from property boundaries, other structures, and roads.
Additionally, ensure your shed complies with zoning laws. Some areas, particularly residential zones, have stricter rules regarding shed size, materials, and appearance.
For a smooth council approval process, you’ll need certified engineering plans that meet these requirements. At Engineering Online, we offer certified shed engineering plans designed to meet Australian standards and council requirements.
Step 3: Obtaining Engineering Plans
Once you’ve defined your shed’s purpose, size, and design, the next crucial step is obtaining engineering plans. While kit sheds come with pre-designed plans, building a shed from scratch requires professional engineering to ensure the structure’s stability and safety.
3.1: Why You Need Engineering Plans
Certified engineering plans are essential because they:
- Ensure your shed complies with Australian Standards (AS 1170, AS 4100, AS 3600, etc.).
- Account for factors like wind loads, seismic activity, and snow loads depending on your location.
- Help you obtain council approval for the build.
- Provide structural integrity for your shed, ensuring it is safe and durable.
Without proper engineering, your shed may not meet safety requirements or could be at risk of failure. You can visit our shed engineering page to access ready-made plans or request a custom design that fits your specific needs.
3.2: What’s Included in the Engineering Plans?
Typically, your engineering plans will include:
- Site plans showing the layout and dimensions of the shed.
- Foundation and slab details outlining the required depth and materials.
- Structural framing plans for walls, beams, and roof trusses.
- Connection details specifying how the different parts of the shed should be joined.
These plans will be tailored to your site and comply with local building codes. At Engineering Online, our plans are designed for easy submission to your local council for approval.
Step 4: Sourcing Materials
Now that you have your engineering plans, it’s time to source the materials you’ll need to build your shed. This is where a significant portion of your savings will come from, as you’ll be able to buy materials directly from suppliers rather than paying a premium for kit shed components.
4.1: Types of Materials You’ll Need
- Steel or Timber: Most sheds are made from either steel or timber. Steel sheds are generally more durable and resistant to pests, while timber can offer a more traditional look.
- Roofing Sheets: Colorbond, Zincalume, or similar materials are commonly used for the roof and walls.
- Concrete: If you’re laying a concrete slab, you’ll need the appropriate mix of concrete and reinforcement.
- Fasteners: You’ll need bolts, screws, and anchors to assemble your shed, making sure to choose the right materials for your shed’s frame and roofing.
4.2: Finding Suppliers
Look for local suppliers that offer high-quality materials at wholesale prices. Websites like Bunnings, Mitre 10, or local steel suppliers can offer a range of options at competitive rates. By sourcing materials yourself, you’ll avoid the markups typically associated with kit sheds.
We provide engineering plans that allow you to source your own materials and build a shed at a fraction of the cost. Visit our website to get started with your project.
Step 5: Preparing the Site
Before you begin construction, you’ll need to prepare the site for your shed. This involves clearing the area and ensuring it is level and properly drained.
5.1: Clearing the Land
Start by removing any debris, trees, or vegetation that could obstruct the shed’s foundation. This is particularly important for larger sheds where access for machinery or vehicles is required.
5.2: Leveling the Ground
Make sure the ground is level to prevent structural issues later on. For larger sheds, you might need a mini-excavator or a grader to level the site.
5.3: Installing Drainage
If your shed is in a flood-prone area, make sure to install proper drainage to keep the area dry. This might involve creating swales or installing a French drain system to direct water away from the shed.
Step 6: Building the Shed
With the site prepared, it’s time to start construction. Depending on the complexity of the shed and your own experience, you can either do it yourself or hire professionals for some parts of the build.
6.1: Installing the Foundation and Slab
Most sheds require a concrete slab foundation. Follow the instructions in your engineering plans to lay out the formwork, install reinforcement, and pour the concrete.
6.2: Assembling the Frame
Once the foundation is in place, you can start assembling the frame. For steel sheds, this usually involves welding or bolting the frame together. For timber sheds, you’ll assemble wall studs and trusses, ensuring they are square and level.
6.3: Installing the Roof and Cladding
Once the frame is up, it’s time to install the roofing and cladding. This involves fixing steel sheets to the frame, ensuring they are secured properly to withstand the elements. Be sure to use the correct fasteners as outlined in your engineering plans.
6.4: Adding Doors and Windows
After the main structure is up, you can add doors, windows, and any other features specified in your plans. You may need to hire a contractor for tasks like installing large roller doors or custom features.
Step 7: Finalizing the Shed
Once the main construction is complete, make sure to complete all final tasks like painting, weatherproofing, and installing any electrical or plumbing systems.
7.1: Final Inspections
Before you start using your shed, it’s important to check everything for safety and compliance. Ensure all structural connections are secure and that the shed meets all relevant codes.
7.2: Council Inspection (If Required)
In some cases, your local council may require a final inspection. If so, submit your engineering plans and proof of compliance to get approval.
Conclusion
Building a shed in Australia without using a kit shed is a highly rewarding project that can save you thousands of dollars. By sourcing materials yourself and using professional engineering plans, you can ensure that your shed is safe, compliant, and cost-effective.
For expert engineering plans tailored to your shed project, visit Engineering Online to get started.