The Hidden Permit Problems That Can Delay (or Destroy) Your Shed Project
What You Must Know About Council Approvals Before You Spend A Cent On Your New Shed
Building a shed may seem like a pretty straightforward project (and it can be). You’ve got space on your land. You have money set aside. And you (mostly) know what you want.
However, one little-known challenge can turn your dream shed into a nightmare that drags on for months (sometimes years), blows your budget by thousands, forces you to compromise on the shed you really want, and can even land you in legal hot water.
- It’s not just about choosing the right style and size of shed to ensure it enhances your property and meets your needs (now and in the future).
- It’s not just about choosing a trustworthy supplier who gives you the right advice, price, and ongoing support.
- It’s not even about finding a skilled installer who can build your shed (properly), without headaches, hassles and delays.
While all these things are critical, this hiccup happens way before all that (and can stall your project before it gets off the ground – literally).
The little-known challenge that derails many sheds – big and small - is knowing…
How To Navigate The Murky Waters Of Permits And Approvals
Imagine this: You've found the perfect shed (with the size, style, and features you want), purchased it online for (what you think is) a fair price, and had it delivered to your property. But just as you prepare for construction, you find out local regulations require you to make changes to the size of your shed. And even where you planned to build your shed on your land.
And so there, in a pile in your yard, your shed sits (for months, maybe years) while you struggle to navigate the bureaucracy of permits and approvals.
The True Cost Of Overlooking Permits
This exact scenario is more common (and costly) than you may think. Because many homeowners believe permits are optional for projects on private property. The result is not just delays (that can last years), and added costs (in the thousands). You can also be required to change the size, style, and location of your shed, forcing you to…
- Compromise what your shed looks like (so it detracts rather than enhances your property)
- Compromise on the size of your shed (so it no longer meets your needs)
- Compromise the location of your shed (limiting access to your shed and other areas of your land)
- And worst of all, land you in legal hot water that drags on for months and costs thousands.
What seemed straightforward, has suddenly turned into a costly, drawn-out ordeal that threatens to jeopardise what you thought would be an easy, attainable dream.
Consider The Case Of Jason & Sarah
Eager to begin building their dream shed, they unknowingly skipped the permit process, only to find themselves in a maze of regulatory red tape. This unexpected detour not only caused a significant delay but also required costly rework to meet compliance standards they were unaware of.
What Types of Permitting Considerations Do You Need to Be Aware Of?
Permit requirements can vary widely depending on your location and specific property. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
Size of Shed: The footprint of the shed will influence what permits you might need. Larger sheds often require more extensive approvals due to their impact on the land and environment.
Height of Shed: The overall height can affect structural integrity and visual impact, which is why councils often have specific height restrictions to ensure safety and aesthetics are maintained.
Proximity to Boundary of Your Land: Close proximity to boundaries may require special permissions to avoid encroachment issues.
Land Zoning: Your property’s zoning classification dictates what structures can be built. Understanding your zoning is crucial for ensuring your shed complies with local regulations.
Easements on Your Land: Easements grant others certain usage rights on your property, such as utility access. Knowing where these are is essential to prevent any legal issues during construction.
Intended Use: The purpose of your shed -- whether for storage, residential use, or a home office -- can influence the type of permits required, as different uses may entail different regulations.
Impact on Neighbours: The permitting process may assess how your shed affects neighbouring properties (including views and shade), to ensure community harmony and adherence to local laws.
Bushfire Rating: In bushfire-prone areas, additional standards may apply to shed construction to enhance fire resistance and adhere to important safety regulations.
So How Do You Avoid These Permit and Approval Pitfalls?
You can try to navigate the process yourself. But as you now know, it can be tricky and time-consuming.
The quickest and most certain solution is to work with experts who understand the complexities of permits and approvals (and handle them for you). At Outdoor Steel Solutions, we've spent over 20 years helping more than 5,000 property owners navigate these challenges successfully.
Unlike most shed companies that simply sell you a shed and leave you to figure out permits and construction yourself, we handle everything. Our in-house team of specialists manages the entire process, from initial design through to final construction.
Here's what makes our approach different:
- We assess your property before design begins (checking everything from slope and drainage to easements and council requirements)
- We handle all permit applications with the relevant authorities
- We take full responsibility for compliance (no finger-pointing between different contractors)
- We provide a fixed-price contract that includes everything (so you won't face surprise costs)
But Don't Just Take Our Word For It…
Take Jason and Sarah (mentioned earlier). After their initial permit troubles, they came to us frustrated and worried their shed project would never happen. Within weeks, our team had sorted their permits, adjusted their design to meet council requirements, and got their project back on track. Today, they have exactly the shed they wanted - just with proper approvals in place.
The Bottom Line? Don't Let Permit Problems Derail Your Shed Project
Building a shed without addressing permits upfront is like trying to board a plane without a passport - you simply won’t get past the first checkpoint.
But with the right guidance, your shed project can progress smoothly, on time, and on budget.
Want to Learn More About Building Your Shed the Right Way?
Download our comprehensive Shed Buyer's Guide. It's packed with essential information about:
- Different types of sheds and their uses
- Customisation options to meet your specific needs
- Quality materials that stand up to Australian conditions
- The complete building process from design to completion
- How to avoid common (and costly) mistakes
Don't let permit issues delay your project or force you to compromise on the shed you really want. Get your free guide today and take the first step toward building your perfect shed -- the right way.
*Disclaimer: Names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals. These stories are based on realistic events, and any resemblance to actual persons is coincidental.
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