Taking out a small loan to have cash on hand or saving up a substantial amount for business expenses before embarking on your journey as a small business owner might be a good idea.

Start strong for a solid business

Starting your own business can feel like an uphill battle, especially in the very beginning. While Shed Boss can provide you with the support of the head office with set up, training and other factors relating to custom designed sheds, becoming a Shed Boss franchisee still requires a lot of hard graft.

With that in mind, focusing on a strong start can help your business get off the ground faster and make a successful business endeavour that much easier to achieve.

Focus on cash flow

Cash flow is always important for a business, but especially so in the very beginning. You may find that your expenses outweigh your income when your business is first starting, so planning ahead for this can make all the difference.

Taking out a small loan to have cash on hand or saving up a substantial amount for business expenses before embarking on your journey as a small business owner might be a good idea.

Don't underestimate expenses

When planning the first months of your business operations, it can be tempting to underestimate how much some things may cost. While you should definitely have an upbeat and optimistic attitude regarding your business endeavours, it's a much smarter strategy to overestimate expenses.

This way, you'll be prepared for high costs when budgeting and pleasantly surprised when you find you spent less than initially thought. After all, wouldn't you whether be leftover money than red ink in your ledger?

Take advantage of help

Shed Boss leaves you in control of your business, offering the independence you crave. At the same time, we also provide franchisees with the support they need to succeed. 

Don't be afraid to take full advantage of the help available to you, from sales training to the innovative ShedBuilder and ShedManager software applications.

A helping hand can be invaluable for a business, especially in the beginning.

Choosing between garages means understanding your overarching needs.

What kind of shed suits your needs?

When it comes to creating a custom designed shed, there are so many options available that it can be difficult to narrow down your choices to an approachable selection. However, when you begin to think about the type of things you'll use your garage for, this could help you make a more precise, final decision. 

For example, will the garage be built at your home for personal use or at a work site for use as a commercial property? This can have a huge impact on your decision, as well as some of the design features chosen. 

Personal Garages

These are often created to store and protect smaller assets like cars or boats from the elements. Due to this, they tend to be smaller than industrial garages. However, these spaces are often large enough to comfortably fit a vehicle or two as well as a workspace for a bench and tools – depending on if you're interested in using your shed for this application. 

Commercial Garages

On the other hand, if you're looking for a more heavy duty, industrial shed for use at your work site, it could be worth looking into the commercial garage options offered by ShedBoss. These have a wide range of applications – everything from workshops and factories through to airport hangers, farm sheds and even sporting facilities. 

Due to the customisable features of these buildings, it could be worth getting in contact with a professional service provider to discuss the intricate details of your project in person. 

The ShedBoss Difference

Working with ShedBoss can make the construction process as streamlined as possible. They can manage all the aspects of your commercial garage project – everything from approvals and electricians through to builders and plumbers will be taken care of without hassle, allowing you to reap the rewards of your shed as soon as possible. 

Being dedicated to success means putting in the hours and planning ahead to ensure your ShedBoss franchise is operating at the highest level it can.

Do you possess these successful franchisee traits?

There's no one set path to business success, but franchise owners tend to share some common traits.

Do you see these characteristics in yourself? If so, maybe becoming a franchise owner is the right choice for you.

Eager to learn

Coming on board as a franchisee means familiarising yourself not only with small business basics, but also the larger company you're now a part of.

At ShedBoss, we're committed to quality craftsmanship that shines through in our service every step of the way. It's important for our franchise owners to learn what separates our company culture from the competition, as well as understand how the ShedBoss difference can help them drive business success.

Franchise owners certainly have a leg up over other small-business owners when it comes to support, but it still requires a thirst to learn the ins and outs of a particular company.

Willing to compromise

Franchisees are the masters of their own domain, but at the end of the day, they are also part of a whole. This means it's sometimes necessary to put your own wishes aside to ensure you're in keeping with the overall ShedBoss culture.

There's a difference between being an entrepreneur and becoming a small-business owner, and it's important for franchisees to be willing to work together instead of focused solely on their own desires.

Dedicated to success

Working as a franchise owner means being able to count on the support and experience of the company, but it still requires hard work on your part.

Being dedicated to success means putting in the hours and planning ahead to ensure your ShedBoss franchise is operating at the highest level it can.

As any small-business owner can tell you, if you're not willing to put in the work, owning your own franchise might not be right for you.

Before you decide to enter the business world as a franchise representative, there are some keys questions you need to get answered.

Get all the information before becoming a franchisee

Becoming a franchisee can be both rewarding and lucrative. However, it might not be for everybody.

Before you decide to enter the business world as a franchise representative, there are some keys questions you need to get answered.

What is the franchise model?

No two companies are alike, and even though owning a franchise gives you autonomy, at the end of the day, you're still a part of a bigger whole.

With this in mind, it's important to understand how the franchise you're considering is modelled. This means finding out what specific rules are in place to ensure consistency between services, products and brand. This may also include things like opportunity for expansion.

Every company will have its own special franchise model in place, so make sure yours suits you before signing on the dotted line.

What are the costs of the franchise?

Becoming a franchise owner is one of the simplest ways to run your own business and be your own boss. However, even though it can be much more affordable than starting a business from scratch, it will still cost money.

Make sure you understand all the costs associated with running your franchise, from rent to account fees and everything in between. Additionally, keep in mind the cost of hiring employees, such as liability and workers' compensation insurance.

What kind of support will your franchise receive?

Different companies may be more hands on than others, so it's important to know what kind of support you can count on from the home office for your store.

For instance, will the company offer training and professional development courses to help you stay up to date on the latest products and business techniques? Chances are you'll want to be a franchisee who can depend on ongoing support while also maintaining your freedom.

Different sites will come with unique building requirements, influenced by everything from local regulations to the slope of the land.

Top 3 benefits of custom designed sheds

Investing in custom designed sheds comes with many benefits, but the most important generally have to do with the suitability and flexibility of custom designs. After all, there's no point in building custom designed sheds if they don't deliver what you're looking for.

The right space for the right job

How you plan on using your custom designed shed should determine its size and shape.

For instance, commercial sheds used to store equipment will likely have different requirements than sheds used as workspaces.

Other building considerations, such as doors, windows and ventilation, will also need to be taken into account. With custom design, you can ensure you have the right space for the right job. This is part of the ShedBoss difference.

Built for your site

In addition to how the shed will be used, it's vital to ensure your custom designed sheds are suited to your building site.

Different sites will come with unique building requirements, influenced by everything from local regulations to the slope of the land.

The talented designers at ShedBoss will work with you every step of the way to make sure your commercial sheds not only fit how you plan to use them, but where they will be constructed.

Great-looking appearance

While practicality is likely at the forefront of your mind, there's nothing stopping you from building sheds that are attractive as well as functional.

Here at ShedBoss, we're dedicated to quality craftsmanship. This means constructing custom designed sheds that will not only stand the test of time, but also add value through appearance.

Part of this is our commitment to using only premium-quality materials. Another factor is our devotion to working with clients every step of the way, from design to construction. This ensures you're always up to date on how the finished product will turn out.

The Victorian capital reported on March 28 that extreme heat experienced over a three-day period in mid-January cost businesses $37 million in lost revenue.

Combatting heat with outdoor awnings

Business owners around Australia should take note of data coming out of the City of Melbourne.

The Victorian capital reported on March 28 that extreme heat experienced over a three-day period in mid-January cost businesses $37 million in lost revenue. This was partly blamed on discomfort, lack of motivation and reduced morale due to heat.

Meanwhile, 62 per cent of the 600 local businesses surveyed said they had to deal with extra operational costs, such as increased air-conditioning.

Finally, more than half of businesses (52 per cent) said they were very or fairly concerned about how future heat waves may impact their business.

For its part, the city said it was undertaking plans to reduce the problems associated with heat waves.

"We're doubling tree canopy cover for our urban forest, upgrading drainage infrastructure, funding more energy efficient buildings, implementing planning processes to minimise climate risk and installing various water-sensitive urban design initiatives," City of Melbourne Environment Portfolio Chair and Councillor Arron Wood said.

"Heatwaves don't only impact our city economically, heat related illness also kills more Australian's each year than any other natural disaster so City of Melbourne has identified this as a priority issue we must prepare better for.

While growing trees for extra shade cover is all well and good, many businesses across Australia can't simply plant a shade tree in front of their shop and hope for the best.

In these cases, investing in outdoor awnings can be a great way to reduce heat and save on energy costs.

Window awnings can reduce solar heat, lessening the discomfort of both employees and customers inside your building. They can also help you save on power bills by lessening the need for air conditioning.

Come see examples and talk to the awning experts at your nearest ShedBoss outlet.

Not only does steel construction eliminate the danger of termites, it also provides you with a building that can withstand extreme weather conditions.

Eliminate termite exposure with steel buildings

As all too many property owners in Australia know, termites can be more than just a pest – they can also ruin buildings.

According to the Australian Termite Research Centre, there are more than 350 species of termites in the country.

While most prefer to eat leaves and dead grass, 10 per cent are drawn to the wood often used in constructing houses and custom deigned sheds.

Termites hollow out timber while leaving a thin layer of the wood intact on the surface. This protects them from being seen and dealing with predatory creatures.

However, the damage they do inside the wood can be costly and unsightly. This may include earthen masses on doors, walls and stairs, as well as blistered or building paint on windows and doors.

More important than the ruined appearance of wood is the danger termites can pose. First, damage to flooring and roof timbers can present a very real physical hazard for individuals working in commercial sheds.

Secondly, termite infestations can lead to electrical failures thanks tot he wiring located in subfloor areas and roof cavities. In turn, this could lead to fire.

While there are plenty of strategies you can use to try to identify, prevent and eliminate termite infestations, the simplest action is constructing your custom designed sheds out of materials that are not vulnerable to termites.

Building with ShedBoss steel

Here at ShedBoss, we're committed to quality craftsmanship, and that includes building with premium materials. Our steel buildings are designed to not only comply with the building codes of Australia, but ensure your commercial sheds stand the test of time.

Steel construction eliminates the danger of termites while also providing you with a building that can withstand extreme weather conditions.

This is just one example of how ShedBoss is dedicated to building strong and building right.

Workshop lighting doesn't just have to be a light bulb hanging from the centre of the ceiling.

How to light custom designed workshops

While the type of work being done in your custom designed shed will certainly impact lighting design, there are some general things to keep in mind to ensure your space meets your needs.

Be bright

When it comes to lighting custom designed workshops, too much is typically preferable to too little.

Proper lighting is an integral safety factor, and having a brilliantly lit workshop will reduce the likelihood of accidents occurring in dark corners or shadowy areas.

Also keep in mind that light is essential to whatever work you're performing. If you can't see what you're doing, there's no doubt your work is going to suffer.

Plan ahead

Your lighting needs today may be different down the line. Therefore, when designing the lighting system for custom designed workshops, try to keep the future in mind.

The work you use your shop for may change or expand, after all. Plus, it's a fact of life that light becomes more integral as we age.

Your eyesight will most likely deteriorate over time, requiring more light to perceive the same level of brightness.

This could make investing in dimmable lights a good option. How much light you use can be changed from job to job or increased over the years.

Explore your options

Workshop lighting doesn't just have to be a light bulb hanging from the centre of the ceiling.

There are many unique options available, some more suitable for your needs than others.

For instance, fluorescent overhead fixtures are a classic and relatively inexpensive choice.

Meanwhile, under-cabinet lighting could be used to illuminate specific work areas. This type of lighting can be invaluable for work that requires specific attention to detail in smaller areas.

You might even want to consider portable floodlights that can be used for specific jobs, allowing you to adjust height and direction on the fly.

There are certain questions our clients can expect to be asked when they request a quote for custom designed sheds.

Questions for a quote

ShedSafe-accredited organisations such as ShedBoss have undergone careful inspection from an independent third party to ensure we meet specific design and documentation criteria.

Accreditation also means we're dedicated to building strong and building safely for your specific site. With this in mind, there are certain questions our clients can expect to be asked when they request a quote for custom designed sheds.

First, we'll ask you what the shed will be used for. As an example, do you plan on storing industrial equipment, housing livestock or building commercial sheds to be used as multi-purpose classrooms?

We'll also inquire as to how far from the coastline the shed will be built. Next we'll ask whether the shed will be subjected to extreme weather conditions, such as snow or cyclones. Understanding the severity of local climates ensures we construct a product that suits your needs.

It's also important for us to know what the surrounding area is like. Will your shed be built in a suburban setting? Is it to be located on open plain? Potential exposure is a key issue for us to identify before construction begins.

Next comes site specifics dealing with hills, slopes and escarpments. Variations in the land can play a major role in how commercial sheds are constructed, after all.

We will also need to know if there are existing structures near your building site, as well as how far away these buildings are.

Your answers to these questions will help us determine the design strength of your custom designed shed, as well as how much such a project will likely cost.

In the meantime, if you're looking for an indicative quote for your shed, fill out the form here. The more accurate you are, the better the results. Also keep in mind that we may need to ring you for more information.

Regardless of how your carport will be used, there are considerations to keep in mind.

Considerations for a quality carport

Compared to some construction projects, such as large industrial sheds, a carport may seem like a somewhat minor concern.

Then again, the term carport can be misleading. In addition to the small sheds many people picture housing one or two domestic vehicles, carports can also be used to store boats, caravans or even whole fleets of commercial vehicles.

Regardless of how your carport will be used, there are two main considerations to keep in mind.

Following local laws

As with any construction project, from carports to custom built patios, ensuring you follow local laws to the letter is essential. Every region has its own unique regulations in place relating to construction, and whether your carport is used for residential or commercial purposes, it's up to you to obtain the proper permits and meet local building codes.

Fortunately, the team at Shed Boss is happy to help our clients every step of the way, from obtaining necessary building approval to designing carports that meet building requirements in your area.

Deciding on dimensions

How your carport will be used is an important construction factor.

For instance, if it's going to sit beside your house, used by you and your family for your vehicles, you need to account for surrounding buildings during construction. You must also keep in mind how the number of vehicles you own, as well as their sizes, may change in the future.

Chances are your carport will outlast your current vehicle, so it's important to plan ahead.

This is even more vital for carports used at commercial locations. If you're looking to provide vehicle shelter for employees or customers, you'll need to ensure you meet the needs of a wide range of vehicles.