So you’ve made the decision to purchase a shed, and even your wife has given you the go ahead? So what now? Unfortunately, buying a shed isn’t as easy as going down to your local shed company and picking out the one that looks the best, you’ve actually got to do a little research – in order to get exactly what you want.

Make purchasing a shed a smart investment that adds value to your home by doing the research first. This way you’ll get the shed that best suits your individual requirements – both logically and aesthetically, whilst also complying with your local council’s criteria and staying within your specified budget.

I’ve spoken to a few of the Wide Span Sheds industry experts and they have shared a few pointers on what you need to do before purchasing your next steel building.

Budget
It is human nature to want the things we can’t afford, but you have to be realistic about what is an achievable budget to set for yourself. Write a list of what you need from your shed, and then another list of what extras you would like, this way you can easily identify what is a necessity and what is a luxury – making it easier for you to keep within your budget. Remember, whilst you may not be able to afford some of the additional extras now, in time you will be able to add to your garage, workshop, barn, hay shed or industrial building.

Council
You will need to contact council to find out if you are restricted in any way. Every council has their own rules and regulations, so you will have to approach them directly. We would suggest you do this before looking around for a shed. Key areas to note are:

• Site restrictions

What area and height restrictions can you work with? How close to the front, rear or side boundaries can you build?

• Building close to services

Storm water, sewage, drainage and easements

• Location of house drainage pipes

Council can do searches to locate

• COLORBOND roof

Is your property on a flight path?

What do you need the shed for?
Jus t how big a shed do you really need? What are you going to use it for? Are you going to use your shed to store garden tools or large machinery? Really think about what you need your shed for now, and what you may need it for in the future. Get it right the first time round and you will inevitably save time and money. Here are a few things the guys at Wide Span Sheds suggested you look at before making your big purchase:

• What critical clearance heights will you need?

Measure the height of the largest instrument you intend to store in your shed.

• What size shed do you really need?

Mark out your desired size shed on the ground using spray paint – this way you will get a better idea as to what dimensions will ideally suit your requirements and best of all, you this method will give you an idea of what size your shed will actually be!

What do you want from a shed aesthetically?
Your shed makes a huge visual impact on your property; the last thing you want is an eye sore for all to see. That’s why it is imperative to sit down and decide on what you want your new shed to look like. Here are a few things to consider:

• Corrugated roof – profile sheeting and colour
• Do you have any other sheds? What do they look like? Where are they located? How are you going to create consistency between your new and your old shed?
• Did you want cross ventilation – what other inclusions will you want for your shed?

o Skylights
o Ventilators
o PA doors
o Windows (not supplied by WSS)
o Glass sliding doors (not supplied by WSS)

Honestly, by taking these steps first, you will get a much better picture of what you really need, hence making it easier when you are shopping around to find the best shed manufacturer for your requirements.

For more information about our range of steel farm sheds, garages, workshops, rural sheds, hay sheds, machinery and storage sheds, barns, horse stables, arenas, warehouses, kit homes, commercial complexes and industrial buildings, visit www.sheds.com.au. alternatively, call us on 1300 94 33 77.