5 Key Things to Consider When Building a Custom Steel Shed

Creating the perfect steel frame shed is something Snowy Sheds knows plenty about! 

Since 2017 we’ve designed and built all kinds of custom shed solutions. So, whether you’re building an equipment shed, a large-scale industrial shed, storage shed, farm shed or in fact a steel building of any sort, we can build your metal shed from scratch and ensure it’s precisely what you’re after. Before we look at five things to consider when building a custom steel shed, however, let’s just quickly touch on the material itself.

What are the benefits of using steel? 

When it comes to a steel frame structure, the benefits are perhaps self-evident. That said, it’s worth revisiting them: 

Safety 

Provided it’s built correctly, then both the safety and durability of a steel frame construction are assured. There’s nothing as strong, robust and resilient as steel! Furthermore, it’s not just our material that is safe. Snowy Sheds are ShedSafe™ accredited, meaning all our engineering is independently assessed and approved. So we offer peace of mind in more ways than one! 

Design flexibility 

It might sound counterintuitive given the solid nature of steel, but this material does give you plenty of design flexibility. Steel is like a magician - it can achieve things you wouldn’t think possible!

High quality 

Snowy Sheds are 100% Australian made and built with the very best Aussie steel from BlueScope and COLORBOND.

Non-flammable 

This is a big one for us here in Australia. None of us is impervious to bushfire, so storing our valuables in a steel shed helps give them the best protection possible.

Longevity and durability 

Steel frame maintenance is, well, low maintenance! We provide warranties of up to 30 years on our work. It’s partly a reflection of our skilled builders and partly a recognition of the premium quality steel we use.

Recyclable 

The most recycled material on Earth, building with steel means you’re thinking about the long game and making this project as sustainable as you can. 

Our top five considerations when building a custom steel shed

It’s important to note the considerations start well before building if you appoint Snowy Sheds. You and your shed building specialist would work together to sort through these five key factors well and truly before the shed frame even arrives on the property! 

1. Be aware of local building permits and rules

If you want to build a shed, the very first thing you should do is to become aware of building permits and regulations in your local area. Designing a shed includes knowing what you can and cannot do by Law. Your initial designs must adhere to the 2019 National Construction Code, something with which the Snowy Sheds team is incredibly familiar! 

2. Choose the right style and size 

Planning is key to all successful steel sheds! You should begin by understanding the style and size of the steel shed you need, as this will inform all other construction details. Start with an inventory of everything you need to be stored and how exactly to store it. Getting your head around this will then dictate the solution that is right for you. 

3. What features do you need? 

Once you understand the style and size of your build, you need to consider the features required. This is how you will quickly grasp the construction costs.  Ask yourself questions such as: 

• Does my shed come with a warranty? (It does if it’s with Snowy Sheds - you can benefit from up to 30 years warranty!).
• What kind of roof do I need - does it need to support a dump of snow or incredibly heavy rain, or will a flat top design be appropriate? 
• What flooring do I need? A steel shed requires a concrete slab so that the framework can be bolted down. 
• What needs to move in and out of the shed, and therefore, how wide should doors open? 
• Do I need robust security, or will padlocks suffice? 
• Is colour something that needs particular thought? If the shed is near anything else, it likely has to work alongside other buildings or complement its environment.

4. Timeframe 

Be aware of current material shortages and delays around the globe, especially in a post-Corona pandemic world. At the time of writing this (October 2021), Snowy Sheds is working on nine-week lead times. In terms of industry standards, this is as short as possible given current circumstances outside of everyone’s control. 

5. Do you have a licenced builder or shed builder? 

Don’t Google ‘How to build a steel shed frame’ and think you’re all set for the job! All steel sheds in Australia must be built by a licenced builder or shed builder, whether you’re looking at a steel frame commercial building or a basic steel storage unit. This regulation applies even if you buy a shed kit from Snowy Sheds. 

Avoid the hassles and cost blowouts - let Snowy Sheds take care of your shed build 

When it comes to a steel frame building, DIY projects can be fun - but we recommend leaving it to the professionals! Council approvals and building permits can be challenging at the best of times, let alone for a steel shed. For peace of mind, you need a shed design and construction that won’t be a red-tape nightmare. Googling ‘how to make a steel shed’ and investing your confidence in an online video and your DIY skills might seem like a good way to save money. However, unless you’re a qualified builder, then (with no disrespect intended!) the likelihood of you creating the same finish as the professionals isn’t very high.

So if you’re looking to get your high-quality custom shed built by experts in the trade, you’ve come to the people who know best. Snowy Sheds can take the hassle off your plate and deliver you a premium, safety steel shed. Contact us today to find out how easy it can be.