All Your Shed Questions Answered: A Comprehensive Guide
14 May 2024
Frequently Asked Shed Questions
Looking at purchasing a shed and unsure where to start? At Totalspan we try and make the shed building process as easy as possible for you. Here are a few of our most asked questions to help get you started.
What are the different types of sheds available?
Whether it's for your home, farm, or business, we've got you covered. From residential wonders like carports, garages, and workshops, to rural essentials like barns, hay sheds, and machinery shelters, and even commercial giants including storage facilities, warehouses, retail spaces, and factories - we have it all! Each shed is tailored to your specifications, ensuring it meets your unique requirements. Need something beyond our standard offerings? Just give us a call, and we'll be delighted to assist you in finding the perfect solution!
What am I able to customise with my shed?
At Totalspan we believe in total customisation. You're in the driver's seat, choosing everything from the basics like size, window placements, and door configurations to more elaborate options like mezzanine floors, awnings, glass doors, and roof pitch. With a palette of over 20 colours and three cladding types to choose from, the possibilities are endless. Whatever your vision, we're here to make it a reality.
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How do I choose the right size shed?
Consider your storage needs, available space, and intended use when selecting the size of your shed. Measure the area where you plan to install the shed and ensure it accommodates your belongings or activities comfortably. We generally recommend that you go slightly bigger than you are thinking to ensure you have extra space for the future. Your local Totalspan specialist can come out for a site inspection and help with the measurement and placement of your shed.
Resources:
- Everything You Need to Know About Garages.
- Your Easy Guide to Carports.
- Your Ultimate Guide to Designing the Perfect Caravan or Boat Shed.
- Top Tips When Building an Art Studio Shed.
- How to Choose the Perfect Shed for Your Outdoor Space.
How do I maintain my shed?
Regular maintenance tasks include cleaning the exterior and interior. Keep the surrounding area clear of debris and plants to minimise moisture build up and pest infestations. You can take a look at UniCotes care and maintenance instructions online which provides further information.
Can I convert my shed into a usable living or workspace?
With proper insulation, electricity, and ventilation, sheds can be converted into home offices, studios, or guest rooms. Customise the interior layout to suit your needs, adding shelves, workbenches, or furniture as desired. Make sure you let us know if you plan to change your shed into a habitable shed in the future as there are different approvals/regulations for class 1a builds that we will need to adhere to.
Are council permits required to build a shed?
Regulations regarding shed permits vary depending on your state, the size of the shed, and its intended use. Check with your local council to determine if permits are necessary before starting construction. Take a look at our article which discusses council approvals for each Australian State. And remember your local Totalspan team is a trusted expert who can assist you through this process.
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Does Totalspan offer a warranty?
At Totalspan we offer a massive 50-year structural warranty. Furthermore, your building’s components (such as cladding) is covered by the standard manufacturer’s warranty and conditions.
How long will it take to build my shed?
There are a few stages in the shed process so lets break it down:
1. Manufacturing: Your kit will typically take between 3-4 weeks to be manufactured.
2. Council Approvals/Building Permits: This can vary widely, ranging from 1 week to 6 months, depending on your local council.
3. Shed Kit Build Time: The construction time depends on factors like size and complexity. For example, a standard 6x6 garage might take about 1 day to erect, while a larger commercial warehouse could take around 2-3 weeks. Various factors such as the size of the build team and weather conditions can affect this timeframe. Your local Totalspan team will provide accurate timelines and keep you informed throughout the process.
Overall Timeline: From signing your contract to completing the shed build, you can expect the process to take roughly 2-4 months.
Please note that these timeframes are estimates and may vary based on individual circumstances.
Do I have a local team?
You can find your local team by entering your postcode on our locations page. No local team in your area? We can still supply you with a Totalspan kit and may even have a shed builder recommendation in your area. Call our head office team on 1300 15 15 25 and you can speak to our staff about our options.
Do your sheds meet Australian building standards?
Of course! All our sheds adhere to Australian Building Standards.
Is Totalspan ShedSafe Accredited?
We certainly are! ShedSafe sets the standard for steel sheds manufactured in Australia. It serves as a third-party accreditation program designed to give buyers confidence in the engineering, steel products, and site specifications of the sheds they purchase. Managed by the Australian Steel Institute, the peak body for the steel industry in Australia, ShedSafe ensures quality and reliability.
Do you offer finance?
We do! Totalspan offers finance through Humm90 Finance.
Can you install my shed kit?
If you have a local Totalspan team then we can assist with the entire package - from concept to completion! If you don't have a local team, then we may have a builder recommendation in your area that can assist you with the build.
Can you help me with concrete and council approvals?
If you have a local Totalspan team then we certainly can! From concept to completion – Totalspan can assist with the entire process.
I'm still not sure where to start. Do you have any shed images to help with inspiration?
If you're uncertain about your preferences and not yet prepared to consult with your local shed specialist, we suggest exploring our Facebook and Instagram profiles. We regularly showcase recent shed constructions, providing insights into the work our teams are undertaking across Australia. We also have a gallery on each of our product pages with examples of sheds we have built. Additionally, we offer several online articles featuring shed inspiration that may assist you in your decision-making process!
Resources:
- The Top 10 Shed Projects of 2024
- The Magic of Man Caves and She Sheds
- Recent Shed Projects That Inspire
Any other questions? Give us a call on 1300 15 15 25 to speak with your local shed specialist. We are here to help!
Who can? Totalspan!
