Building a shed sounds simple, but there’s more to it than putting together a few bits of steel.
If you want the best results and a structure that stands the test of time, you need to get the planning right from day one.
In this step-by-step how to build a shed guide, we’ll get into everything you need to know about permits, planning, and how to secure shed plans in Australia.
Permits Needed to Build a Shed
First things first, let’s talk about permits. You might be wondering, do you really need a permit to build a shed?
The answer depends on the size and location of your shed.
→ If you’re building a small shed that’s less than 10 square meters, no taller than 2.4 meters, and is situated more than 1 meter from a boundary, you won’t need a permit.
→ However, for larger sheds or those that don’t meet these criteria, you’ll need a building permit and possibly a planning permit as well.
Building and planning permits are official authorisation from your local council that ensures your shed project complies with building codes, zoning laws, safety standards, and environmental protections.
In order to get a building permit, you will need to engage a registered builder and together plan and prepare paperwork to satisfy building regulations.
You will then need to engage a building surveyor who will:
Review the plans and paperwork
Issue the permit
Visit the site throughout the build to ensure building regulations are being adhered to
Trusteel is usually able to get a building permit within a couple of weeks after paperwork is in order.
Planning Permit
On top of a building permit, you might need a planning permit if:
→ Your shed exceeds a specific height or size
→ Your site is in a heritage, rural, or environmentally protected area
→ The shed will be located close to your property boundary lines
→ You plan to use the shed for commercial purposes
The time required to get a planning permit can vary significantly. The planning process is managed by your council, and different councils have different methods for assessment, which can often also vary within the same council.
We roughly estimate it takes 6 months for the planning permit process.
What Happens if You Build a Shed Without Council Approval
It might be tempting to get started on your shed without the building and planning permits.
But if you build a shed without council approval, you could be liable for:
→ Fines
→ Penalties
→ Demolition orders
→ Insurance issues
→ A lot of time and wasted money on materials
Building permits exist in order to protect local wildlife and take into account the impact of your structure on neighbouring properties.
So always make sure you get your permits sorted first!
Check out this blog to learn more about shed permits.
How to Build a Shed
For anyone who’s never built a shed before, it may seem easy. But it requires a fair bit of planning and knowledge of engineering principles (plus adherence to your local council regulations).
Proper site planning ensures that all the components of your shed are sturdy, and should take into account things like:
→ Load-bearing capacity
→ Material selection
→ Compliance checks
→ How external factors like wind and rain will affect the structural integrity
Here’s a quick overview of the process:
→ Design: Trusteel specialises in custom buildings that are designed for a unique customer’s specific requirements.
→ Site preparation: Check for underground plumbing or utilities. Level the site if required (for some buildings, such as covers, Trusteel may be able to design a structure to avoid these costs by making columns different heights). Laying down some crushed rock can reduce mud and ensure a cleaner and speedier erection.
→ Engineering: Every Trusteel building undergoes engineering design and sign-off for the specific site’s conditions where it is to be erected. Often a soil test will be required so footings can be designed.
→ Obtain permits: Planning and building permits must be secured before any physical work starts. Trusteel can guide you through this process if needed.
→ Footings: Solid footings ensure long-term structural stability. Trusteel prefers pad footings (also called piles) due to strength, cost efficiency, and ease of engineering and construction.
→ Frame Fabrication: Structural steel and RHS are welded in our workshop in Mulgrave. Unlike cheaper C-section frames, structural steel offers superior strength and longevity.
→ Erection, cladding and fit-out: Wall and roof cladding is added, followed by any extras like roller doors, insulation, skylights, or power.
→ In-fill slab: Trusteel’s designs often wait until near the end of the build to pour an in-fill slab. This provides a clean appearance as base plates are covered, and the slab is perfectly sized.
Getting to know these things beforehand can save you a lot of time and money, and detailed engineering and site plans usually need to be submitted to the council for approval.
Hiring a Quality Shed Builder
If you want to know how to build a shed with confidence, hire a quality shed builder who knows how to:
→ Handle permits
→ Nail the design
→ Deliver a rock-solid structure that lasts
At Trusteel Fabrications, we do exactly that.
We’re registered builders who take care of the entire process – from initial sketches and council approvals to final construction.
Whether you’re building a farm shed, horse shelter, or industrial workspace, our team will take the time to understand your site, your needs, and your goals.
Get the Job Done with Trusteel
If you’re building a shed in Melbourne or rural Victoria, don’t leave your shed construction to chance.
The quality of your final result comes down to three things:
→ The materials you use
→ The builder you trust
→ The quality of your plan
At Trusteel, we can manage your project from start to finish with all the necessary permits, premium-quality structural steel, and each shed is designed to your specific needs.
Get started with our shed designer tool today!