If youre in the market for farm sheds in Toowoomba, then you should know what to look out for. For starters, would be shed must adhere to local regulations such as the Queensland Development Code.
That is why you should hire a local contractor. They would know whether you would need a building approval. And guess what, you will be held responsible for adhering to all applicable standards.
What to Look For When Buying Toowoomba Farm Sheds
Apart from making sure that the dimensions and design of your shed adheres to council and state regulations, there are other factors that you need to consider as well.
Here are some important things you should keep in mind:
1. Floor Material
Your contractor may recommend an oriented strand board (OSB) for the floor material. But that material is susceptible to warping when it is exposed to a lot of moisture.
Pressure treated plywood would be better but might cost you a bit. It is more durable to moisture. You can also opt to seal the floor material instead just to add a layer of protection.
2. Roof Sheathing and Rafters
Check the quality of the sheathing and rafters. Half inch plywood sheathing works much better. 2 x 4 rafters also perform better than OSB.
3. Siding
The sidings can add to the cost of a shed but you shouldnt skimp on this one. We recommend vinyl siding, which is virtually maintenance free. Low quality sidings will require periodic painting. Vinyl tends to save you money in the long run.
4. Door Quality
A poor quality door will tend to sag over time. When exposed to moisture they will warp too. We recommend a good quality metal door that doesnt warp or sag.
Look for rot-proof composite materials for the trim components. You should also make sure that there are window boxes installed.
6. Roofing Shingles
Make sure that the shingles are rated for installation over OSB. You should also check out the warrantypoorly made shingles only have a 15 year warranty while good quality ones will have as much as a 30 year architectural warranty.
Of course, quality roofing shingles will cost you more. But since they are more durable then you are spared a lot of maintenance costs in the long run.
Pitfalls to Avoid
Now that you know what to look for in an ideal farm shed, here are some pitfalls that you should watch out for:
Focusing on the cheapest price. Remember that more affordable isnt always better.
Underestimating storage needs. Talk to your contractor and mention what will be stored inside the shed so they can recommend the appropriate dimensions. Sectional Sheds and Garages can be a great solution when determining the shape and size that best fits your outdoor space.
Wrong location. According to state building regulations in Queensland, your shed shouldnt affect the structural integrity of other buildings as well as fences, retaining walls, and other adjoining property.
Importing materials from overseas. Construction suppliers all over the world buy Australian made sheds. Why should you import materials from abroad?
Failure to consider the climate. The type of material you choose should be able to withstand Australias climate if you want your shed to last a long time.
Conclusion
A farm shed in Toowoomba is a huge investment. Consider your options well and avoid the pitfalls. It would be better to spend more on quality materials since it saves you money in the long run.
