Buying Guide

Does your other quote check out?

1. Does your other quote have specific frame and component details?

transparent-green-checkmark-hiLockyer Sheds does, All of our Quotes show framing and purlin size and thickness.

2. Is it Shed Safe Accredited?

transparent-green-checkmark-hiLockyer Sheds does, go to www.shedsafe.com.au to see if they are listed as a shed safe accredited supplier. As a consumer this is your piece of mind, the right shed for the right area.

3. Does your shed come with site specific engineering?

transparent-green-checkmark-hiLockyer Sheds meets the new Australian standards required, is your shed designed to suit the location it is being built., Australian Standards AS4600, AS4100, AS2870, AS3600.

4. Do they have a physical office you can visit?

transparent-green-checkmark-hiLockyer Sheds have offices in Gatton, Warwick and Goondiwindi.

5. Is the company licensed to quote on the install of your project?

transparent-green-checkmark-hiLockyer Sheds is licensed in both QLD (QCCC1085544) and NSW (242225C). Many companies are only legally allowed to provide a price to supply you a Kit they are not legally allowed to give you a price on the concrete or the installation of your shed because their license extend to those skills and abilities..

6. Does the quote show the weight of the shed kit?

transparent-green-checkmark-hiLockyer Sheds Quotes always have the shed kit weight listed, more weight in steel = more strength in the building, and can they prove the weight.

7. Do they offer Australian Made Steel?

transparent-green-checkmark-hiAll Lockyer Sheds Kits are manufactured from Bluesope Steel coil, framing and sheeting.

8. Is your contract a fixed price contract?

transparent-green-checkmark-hiLockyer Sheds has a fixed price contract. No hidden extras such as delivery fee’s or equipment hire or engineering fee’s.

9. All sheds may look the same but are very different.

transparent-green-checkmark-hiAt Lockyer Sheds we use 0.42bmt 0.47tct on all roof and wall sheeting as standard.

10. Does the shed quote have any welded components?

transparent-green-checkmark-hiIf it does, is there still warranty on the components. at Lockyer Sheds we do a fully bolted portal, the blue scope warranty is not effected.

Ten Guidelines when buying a shed

Lockyer Sheds, one of Australia’s leading distributors of residential garages, carports, barns, farm sheds and industrial and commercial buildings, know how time consuming it can be when looking for a shed. So, to make this easier they have come up with the Ten Guidelines when buying a shed.

What is the purpose of the shed?

American Barn 1.jpgBoat or caravan storage? Workshop and hobby space? Or a man-cave for entertaining or wanting solitude? Make sure you consider this up front as it could affect the council classification of the building with implications for future use. You must also carefully measure up what is needed to go inside. If building a garage for a boat or caravan check how much space is needed to get in and out with ease. Check heights, dimensions with doors open and towballs attached. Think about what other items you might acquire in the future and whether a little bit more storage space would be useful. Consider how often and easily you need access to items. A mezzanine storage area can add significant storage space without necessarily increasing the floor space of the shed. You should also consider what light, access, water, electrical and security requirements will be required, as these are cheaper and easier to install before the shed is built.

Who will build it?

Do you want a kit you can build yourself, or will you need the services of a shed-builder? Not all companies provide high quality instructions and DVD’s to assist you in the construction of your shed or garage. Ask your supplier to see these beforehand to help you decide the best seller for your needs. If you plan to have the shed built, check what services your shed company provides, as some have in-house builders, whilst others use sub-contractors and assist with the project management. Either way, you should check their quality by asking to see testimonials or examples of their work. Reputable sellers will be happy to share this information. When considering whether to build yourself or engage a builder, you need to be aware of the steps associated with building a shed which are:

  1. Measure, design, quote and get engineered plans
  2. Submit for council approval where required (check your local council)
  3. Excavation and site preparation (plumbing, electrical)
  4. Footings and/or slab poured
  5. Frame assembly then cladding
  6. Connect internal provisions and fitout

When do you need it?

Researching, financing, ordering, delivering and building are only some of the steps in buying a shed or garage. You also need to consider council approval time and potentially excavation and site preparation. Talk to your Lockyer Sheds distributor for advice on council approval needs in your specific area. They have the local contacts and information to help. And with our advanced design and engineering software they can instantly create plans and quotes to help expedite the process – no more waiting a week (or more!) for quotes and drawings as we can provide these on-site for the majority of sheds and garages.

Make sure your shed is ShedSafe™ Accredited.

Lockyer Sheds is leading the industry to be one of the first businesses that have received The Australian Steel Institute’s (ASI) new industry benchmark for steel sheds – ShedSafe™. ShedSafe™ accreditation, which was officially launched in November 2010, came about after the ASI learned that most sheds that had structural failures during cyclone Larry in 2006, were not built to the standards set by the Building Code of Australia (BCA). Evidence of under-engineered sheds has since been discovered widely in areas across Australia.

Ensure you get a site-specific design

desengineersample2.jpgOnly some companies provide a garage or shed that is designed for the specific needs of your site. This can include topography, local wind speed, importance level and snow loading of your building to name just a few specific requirements of the Building Code of Australia. Only Lockyer Sheds provide a free structural calculations document to give you evidence that the shed is engineered for your specific site.

Choose a well-known brand.

Lockyer Sheds is a Licensed dealer of the Fair Dinkum Shed Group and is widely acknowledged as one of the largest networks of Cold Formed Steel Building distributors in Australia. With over 18 years experience and over 150,000 sheds and garages sold nationwide through our network of over 130 distributors, our experience speaks for itself.

Ask questions.

Will they help you with instructions over the phone if needed during DIY construction? Can they offer shed building services? Do they offer finance if needed? What is their deposit/payment schedule? Will they take care of council requirements? Can they prepare the site? By matching their services to your needs you get added value that will make the process smoother and less stressful. Also do your research, this industry has seen many providers come and go. Don’t fall victim to another short term player – research the supplier and ask for information on length of time in business as well as to see examples of local work and customer testimonials.

Customise your shed to suit your requirements.

All Lockyer Sheds designs can be customised according to the customers’ needs using their exclusive MultiBuild® software. This allows you to change the design on the spot as well as incorporate options such as sliding or roller doors, personal access doors, garaports, lean-to’s, mezzanine floors and more. MultiBuild® software will update your quote and drawings instantly based on ShedSafe™ engineering principles so you are assured your customisation requirements do not impact the safety of the structure.

Get a quote!

Ensure you understand whether the price includes GST and delivery and get an itemised list of materials so you can compare quotes easily. Lockyer Sheds can also supply you with free designs, council plans and structural engineering calculations within minutes for most designs, thanks to their advanced design and engineering software. Check out our quote checklist to see if your other quotes match up.

Make Sure You Get Council Approval For Your Structure!

The variation between councils is great however there are a handful of situations where you do not need council approval and there are some limitations you need to be aware of.

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