5 things you need to consider for your new farm shed

Farm sheds for sale NSW

A well-designed farm shed allows you to run your farm more efficiently. By creating a practical space for storage, animals, machinery, or whatever you need, you can ensure everything runs smoothly.

If you’re building a farm shed for the first time or are upgrading what you already have, there are crucial factors to consider.

In this article, we explain the key considerations when planning your new farm shed. We also cover the strict guidelines and consent requirements you need to know to get started.

5 considerations for a farm shed

We’ve outlined the top 5 things to think about when planning your new farm shed.

Shed size

The first consideration should be the size of the shed. An undersized shed will impact your storage capacity and ultimately be less flexible for your farm’s ever-changing needs. This may lead you to spend more money on a second shed, ultimately costing you more overall.

On the other hand, if you build a large shed for the first time, it will offer more protection for your valued assets and be adaptable to the future. This way, you only need to go through the process once, but you have ample storage, plenty of available room, and a shed that adds to your farm’s value.

You should also pay close attention to the roof height because it needs to be high enough to accommodate large machinery. You may also need to account for door clearance, which may need 500mm of additional clearance for the roller door drum or sliding door beam.

These measurements are vital to the functionality of your shed, especially when you need to access equipment or manoeuvre vehicles frequently. If you’re unclear on the amount of space you need, ask our experts for advice.

Our sheds and buildings are engineered to span from 12 metres (30 feet) up to 60 metres (200 feet) clear span and further if needed.

Location

The next consideration for your shed is its location on your farm. If you get a lot of wind and rain in your region, try to find the most sheltered site as it will give your shed and everything in it the most protection.

Another thing to consider with the placement of a farm shed is making it easily accessible, particularly for frequently used vehicles. Accessing your shed should be convenient and effortless so consider a drive-through machinery shed or a smooth driveway up to the entrance.

Materials

Most Australian farm sheds are constructed from steel because it’s extremely durable, which is particularly critical in areas that are prone to extreme weather or forest fire. While steel is a durable material in and of itself, we also recommend reinforcing the structure with hot-dip galvanising.

Hot-dip galvanising is a further measure that will ensure you get a long-lasting, weather-resistant structure. The process involves immersing steel fabricated components in molten zinc/alloy which forms a barrier to prevent oxidation. The coatings are much thicker and more corrosion-resistant. Which is particularly important for coastal areas.

Our quality building materials and rigorous manufacturing process ensure that all ABC sheds are compliant with the Australian Building Code. With us, your shed is designed for you and built to last.

Permits and consent

Every state has different requirements in terms of consent, permits, and compliance.

In New South Wales, the Rural Housing Code contains complying development provisions for outbuildings in rural areas which apply to balconies, decks, terraces, cabanas, garden sheds, carports, garages, rainwater tanks, sheds, and farm buildings.

For example, guidelines could dictate the maximum shed height and the minimum setback from the boundary. These rules can be confusing and vary slightly from state to state so consult us to make sure you don’t face any surprises and we can direct you to the best people for that information.

All our structures are engineered for the site by an independent structural engineer and we use UB columns and open web truss construction. This means your shed will exceed all building standards and be safer and stronger, so you don’t need Shed Safe accreditation.

Farm shed uses

A farm shed offers a multi-use space, both now, and in the future. If your shed will be used primarily for storing machinery there’s no reason why it couldn’t also be used in the future as a storeroom. Make sure careful planning goes in at the early design stages so you can make the most of the space.

Common uses for farm sheds include:

When designing a shed, we recommend planning ahead. Depending on your current and future needs, you may require lockable roller doors, a motorised door for easy access, a mezzanine, a drive-through layout, wide bays, or a high roof.

Design guidelines for farm sheds

We have specific guidelines in place that we follow when we design any farm shed so that they're practical and free of hazards. These guidelines are:

Bird proofing

If birds can perch inside your farm shed, they can pose a health and safety risk and cause costly damage to your equipment. By using our bird-proofing techniques, you can prevent birds from forming nests. Please note that this is an option that can be discussed for your project.

Downpipes

Any shed must have correctly positioned downpipes to allow for water to flow off the roof to a drain. Our team can help with this and ensure your shed meets local standards.

Roof clearance

To ensure your vehicles can safely move around without causing damage to the shed or vice versa, you need to ensure there are no obstructions. This includes support beams in the middle of the space, which can be avoided if you opt for a wide-span design.

Farm sheds Australia

If you’re considering a new shed for your farm, the ABC Sheds team is here to help. With many years in the construction industry, we’re well-equipped to help you with your specific requirements.

We know that a farm is a demanding environment, which is why our team handles all aspects of your project to complete your new shed on time. From completing the necessary council forms to erecting your new structure, we will take care of every step of the process. If we can’t complete all documentation for you we will direct you to the appropriate professional support. What’s more, our erection quotes include all of the following:

All pier hole boring
Crane hire
Scissor lift hire
Accommodation for the erection crew

The only additional expense for our customers is concrete for the piers. Click below to learn more about our range of farm sheds or browse our completed projects for inspiration.