Studying your slope

Shed Boss is dedicated to building strong and building right, but premium commercial sheds depend on more than just quality materials and craftsmanship.

The land you plan to build on is just as important as the construction itself. Among issues like soil type and surface water, one of the key elements that can make or break potential construction is slope.

The angle at which land sits plays a major role in how commercial sheds are designed and built. While minimal slope can sometimes help with construction in the case of drainage, steep slopes can make building next to impossible, or, at the very least, more expensive.

Obviously, flat surfaces or those with gentle slopes are far easier to plan and build for. Steep slopes, on the other hand, come with a number of potential problems.

First, in order to create workable grades and prevent erosion, it may be necessary to to conduct cut and fill operations, which could include trucking in additional fill. You may also be forced to pay for retaining walls or special foundation in order to minimise erosion and ensure your custom designed shed meets building requirements.

Of course, what you plan on using your shed for could also be impacted by slope. For instance, if your shed is to act as a barn for cattle, a steep slope could make it far more difficult for animals to enter and exit the building, leading to slower cattle flow and potential injury.

Fortunately, Shed Boss is committed to not only building quality, great-looking sheds, but also making sure they're built for specific site requirements. We can help you determine the best place on which to build, and provide you with an estimate of site development costs.

Installing high-quality locks on doors is one good way to keep valuable items that may be stored in your shed safe.

Keeping your shed safe and secure

Whether your commercial sheds are being used as custom designed workshops, automotive garages, office spaces or anything in between, chances are security will be one of your chief concerns.

We here at Shed Boss understand how important it is to keep your construction safe, which is why we use premium quality materials like heavy steel galvanised anchor brackets that are specifically designed to withstand fierce weather.

However, not all threats are from Mother Nature. With this in mind, it can be a good idea to consider different ways to keep your shed and its contents safe and secure.

Accessibility

Only you and those you trust should have access to your shed, but this can be easier said than done. Therefore, when designing your shed, you'll want to pay special attention to any and all entrance points, as well as where windows are located and whether they could be used to gain access to your property.

Locks

Installing high-quality locks on doors is one good way to keep valuable items that may be stored in your shed safe. In addition to regular door locks, you may want to consider installing padbars, as well as securing door hinges with coach bolts or non-returnable screws.

Lighting

Illuminating the area surrounding your shed can be a good way to keep unwanted visitors away. This can be as simple as installing lights that can be turned on at night or opting for motion-detector lights that will illuminate once movement is detected.

Alarms

The last thing a burglar wants to hear is a loud alarm blaring, so installing some sort of alarm system could be another good way to minimise theft or vandalism concerns. Some alarms can even be programmed to contact authorities once they are triggered.

One key factor to keep in mind is how your custom designed shed will contribute to the welfare of your livestock.

Building for livestock

The experts at Shed Boss know that creating custom designed sheds means accounting for a number of variables, and nowhere is this more true than when it comes to barns used to house livestock.

Determining use

Before a single shovel meets dirt or a nail is hammered, you must determine how your barn will be used.

This means accounting for what type of livestock you will be housing, the size of the herd, number of pens required, how long and wide feed barriers need to be and where access points should be located.

The ways in which your space will be used determine how it will be designed, after all.

Ensuring welfare

Another key factor to keep in mind is how your custom designed shed will contribute to the welfare of your livestock.

Different types of animals feature specific welfare standards which impact how a building must be constructed. Whether you're working with sheep, cattle or horses, the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS) and Animal Health Australia (AHA) are on hand to ensure your barn meets national welfare standards and industry guidelines.

Considering site

Location is an essential part of shed building regardless of what it's being used for, but it can be even more vital in the case of housing livestock.

You must consider how your building site will be impacted by local weather, winds, exposure and surrounding buildings.

Additionally, you must account for biosecurity and disease risks when constructing multiple barns near each other housing different types of livestock.

The building experts at Shed Boss are on hand to assist you with everything from designing a barn to suit your specific needs to ensuring your custom designed building fits your site.

Regardless of how your custom designed shed will be used, we're dedicated to building strong and building right.

Sheds need to be properly winterised to deal with harsh weather.

Winterising your custom designed shed

Whether you're using commercial sheds to store vehicles and equipment or your utilising them for custom designed workshops, it's important to understand how changes in the weather may call for precautionary steps.

If your shed is not properly winterised, it could lead to damage of whatever you're storing within it. And if your custom designed shed is being used as an office space of some kind, chances are the people working within it will be mighty grateful for a little warmth during the colder and wetter months of the year.

Examine your shed

At Shed Boss we believe in building strong and building right, but it's still important to inspect your space to ensure there are no areas that might be vulnerable to winter's more extreme weather.

This is especially important when it comes to areas like doors, windows and roofs.

Sealing the inside of your shed off from the outdoors with weatherstripping is one good strategy to keep your shed interior protected from the elements.

Focus on insulation

Installing insulation in your shed is a great way to keep warm air from escaping during winter.

In addition to insulating walls, it might be a good idea to insulate large, garage-style doors as well. There are plenty of insulation types to choose from, offering you a wealth of options for keeping your shed warm.

Take care of heaters

Heaters can be invaluable during winter, but they can also pose certain risks. 

For instance, turning heaters off completely can cause pipes to freeze and break, so it might be preferable to leave heaters on at a low level if your custom designed shed is built in an area where temperatures drop considerably during winter.

Also make sure your heaters are regularly serviced and repaired to ensure they work efficiently and effectively. Not only will this keep your shed comfortable, it could help lower your power bill.

Surface water can cause soil erosion and lead to flooding, while subsurface water can wreak havoc on septic systems.

Evaluating the land you plan to build on

Where you build can be just as important as what you build when it comes to commercial sheds.

A piece of land may look like the perfect location for a custom designed shed, but there are plenty of potential pitfalls hidden from the naked eye.

Potential problems

Perhaps the easiest problem to spot is sloping. A sloping site can cause a number of problems for construction, and can make building next to impossible if it interferes with foundation too much.

Soil type is another important issue, but less readily apparent. Some types of soil are just not meant to be built on, featuring low load bearing ability. This can make the construction process that much more expensive.

Water is also a potential problem to be on the lookout for. Surface water can cause soil erosion and lead to flooding, while subsurface water can wreak havoc on septic systems.

However, land issues go well beyond nature's hurdles.

Building restrictions

Even if you plan on constructing a custom designed shed on your own property, it's essential to obtain the proper permits.

For instance, perhaps the land you've chosen features special building conditions or covenants. If it has a strata title, there will no doubt be certain restrictions placed on it.

If you don't first receive approval from the local government, you could face steep penalties and see your project torn down.

Fortunately, Shed Boss can assist you in not only making sure the land you wish to build on meets site requirements, we can also help you obtain all the proper permits.

We take pride in ensuring our clients' building projects suit their site and are completed in accordance with local regulations.

It's part of our commitment to building strong and building right.

Besides making work easier, proper lighting is also an essential part of work space safety.

Efficiency and safety with shed lighting

Lighting may be the most fundamental aspect of a work space. After all, if you can't see what you're doing, not much work will be getting done.

If you're in the market for a custom designed shed that will be used as a work space of some kind, focusing on your lighting needs should be a priority.

Seeing the task at hand

At Shed Boss, we know that proper lighting is an essential part of getting work done. Poor lighting can make easy tasks hard and difficult tasks harder. Whether you're building custom designed workshops or constructing an industrial shed that will be used as an office, it's important to think about what your lighting needs will be and the most effective way to meet them.

For instance, if your workspace takes on an open plan design, chances are you'll want lighting that will saturate the whole space. However, if you're doing industrial work that requires special attention to detail, you may wish to install lighting that is more focused and designed to spotlight.

Our talented designers can help you explore your lighting options and determine which choice might suit your needs best.

Promoting safety

Besides making work easier, proper lighting is also an essential part of work space safety. 

Even if the work you'll be doing is not inherently dangerous, darkness can increase the chances of slips, trips and falls.

The simple truth is that if you're building a custom designed shed, it's your duty to make it as safe as possible. Lighting is a big part of that.

Going natural

Bulbs and complicated lighting systems aren't the only options to take into account. 

Exploring your choices when it comes to windows and skylights, as well as the very placement of your custom designed shed, can help you take advantage of natural light and maximise its benefits.

Why not bring in some of the beauty of outside while also reducing your power bills?

Potential home buyers want to imagine how they'll live in your home, and a patio just might have thoughts of BBQs dancing in a prospective buyer's head.

Top three benefits of owning a patio

Plenty of Australians know the benefits of building custom built patios for their homes. However, for those who don't, you may want to understand the advantages of having Shed Boss construct you a beautiful space to relax and entertain.

Outdoor opportunities

An Australian's home is their castle, so it only makes sense to build an outdoor sanctuary that allows you to take in the streaming sunshine and cool breeze in your own backyard.

In addition to providing the ideal space in which to relax after a long day, custom built patios also present a great opportunity for entertaining guests. Why opt for a boring old dinner party when you can hang up some lights and bring the festivities outside?

Shed Boss will build your patio with your specific goals in mind, be it a place to relax or a space to entertain.

Added value

Amenities like patios add value to a property, plain and simple. This means that if you ever decide to sell your home, chances are you'll be able to count on your patio bringing added interest and extra money to your sales price.

Potential home buyers want to imagine how they'll live in your home, and a patio just might have thoughts of BBQs dancing in a prospective buyer's head.

Less lawn care

You may take pride in an immaculate lawn and garden, but let's face it – most people aren't huge fans of the time and energy it takes to keep large backyards looking great.

A patio is much easier to clean and maintain and can reduce the lawn care obligations of homeowners.

Also, for Australians who live in areas where heavy rainfall and flooding are issues, custom built patios are the ideal way to avoid a swampy, muddy mess.

Building to suit a specific site is always an important part of construction, but this can be even more essential when it comes to barns.

Building the best barn

The days of a barn just being a plain wooden structure are far behind us.

Whether you need to house animals or store valuable assets like farming equipment, a modern, well-made barn can meet your needs and add value to your real estate.

Site is essential

Building to suit a specific site is always an important part of construction, but this can be even more essential when it comes to barns, especially if they're being used to house animals.

For instance, say you need a space to keep your horses. Deciding which site works best is about more than just space requirements, you also need to account for things like the general direction of winds and how best to maximise natural sunlight and airflow.

After all, you probably don't want to live downwind of a group of animals, and ventilation and warmth are important for keeping livestock healthy.

Shed Boss can assist you in identifying the best site on your property to build.

Building for efficiency

No two property owners are the same, and this should be reflected in their barns.

For example, if your barn is intended to house a certain type of livestock, its design should be much different from a barn used to store heavy equipment.

Built with premium-quality Australian steel and the patented Morinda Glove Bracket System, Shed Boss has two popular barns our clients have found most useful – the Stockman and Stockman Pop-Top. 

We can customise each type to suit your individual needs and ensure your barn is effective and efficient for what you'll be using it for.

Don't forget the details

From flowing lines to single, double or triple bays, modern steel barns can be customised with a number of details to better suit your requirements.

Consider the width of your barn, how high you want its roof to be and whether internal columns make sense for how you plan to use it.

Also be sure to consider how many points of entry you want and whether a roller door would be preferable to another type.

Finally, think about which colour steel you're in the market for. After all, there's no law that says all barns have to be boring.

We take pride here at Shed Boss in being at the forefront of commercial shed construction.

Ensuring your builder fits your needs

If you're in the market for a commercial shed builder, it's important the professionals you work with suit your goals.

Defining wants and needs

Your first step should be figuring out exactly what you want. If you're in the market for a custom designed shed, consider your price range and your space requirements. What will the building be used for? Will it act as a workspace or a storage unit? 

After all, there's no point in hiring a contractor if you're not sure what you want and need yet. At Shed Boss, our designers can help you figure out what type of building will best suit your needs, as well as how much such a project may cost.

Seeking specialists

You wouldn't hire an electrician to work on your plumbing, so why would you hire a contractor who is used to one type of construction project to build something they have no experience with? 

We take pride here at Shed Boss in being at the forefront of commercial shed construction. Our years of experience, industry knowledge and satisfied clients illustrate our expertise. 

From warehouses and workshops to gymnasiums and aircraft hangars, if you're looking to build commercial sheds, it pays to work with the best in the business. That means putting your trust in a company that is dedicated to working with its clients every step of the way, utilising premium-quality materials and producing great-looking custom designed sheds.

Focusing on the fine print

Words are all well and good, but it doesn't count for much if the builder can't back it up with the proper paperwork.

Shed Boss is committed to only working with licensed and ensured builders to ensure our clients receive quality craftsmanship and proper protection.

We're also happy to assist our clients in obtaining permits of their own when it comes time to build.

A missed phone call or two may not be a big deal, but if you find it a chore to actually get in touch with your builder, it's not a good sign.

Top 3 warning signs of substandard contractors

We at Shed Boss take pride in providing our clients with professional craftsmanship, but not all builders are the same.

Hiring a substandard contractor for your construction needs can cause you a lot of headaches, not to mention cost you considerable amounts of money.

Fortunately, there are certain red flags you can use to determine if you may have chosen the wrong builder.

Ignoring permits

Obtaining the proper permits is an essential part of the building process. Different areas of Australia have unique regulations in place regarding building. If you plan on constructing a commercial shed, you'll need to make sure you have the authority to do so.

If your contractor says that applying for a permit is not necessary or asks you to withdraw an application for one, that should be a big warning sign.

Shed Boss will help you obtain the proper permits and ensure your custom designed shed is built in accordance with the law.

Hard to reach

A missed phone call or two may not be a big deal, but if you find it a chore to actually get in touch with your builder, it's not a good sign.

Shed Boss is dedicated to keeping our clients informed of progress every step of the way, from the designing stage to the finished product. When it comes to something as important as your building needs, we believe open communication is essential.

Won't sign a contract

If a builder makes you an offer, they should be willing to put it in writing. A contractor who refuses to sign a contract is a major red flag.

It's also important to understand what contractors are legally obliged to ask for as payment throughout each stage of the project. The terms of a sales contract can differ from from region to region based on state and territory contract laws.

Shed Boss believes in contracts that let our clients know exactly how much construction will cost without any hidden fees.