Investing in a good farm shed can make an enormous difference to the efficiency of your farm’s operations, so it pays to get it right the first time. This, however, requires you to do some research as there are many different options on the market.
There are several different things that you will need to consider, from what you plan to do with it to what material it is made from. This guide will explain step-by-step everything you need to know to make sure that you do not overlook any details and make a good decision.
Choosing a good farm shed
There are plenty of choices when it comes to farm sheds in NSW, but at the end of the day, the one you pick will need to be useful for your specific requirements. To make sure that it does, these are the things you will need to think about:
Your need
This seems obvious, but have you thought about what you might need to buy in the future that will also need to go in there? It is not only the items you currently own that you need to think about when you are deciding.
The size
This is related to your needs and is one of the most important factors to consider. If your shed is only for tools, you might be able to get away with a smaller size. For vehicles or heavy equipment, you will need something larger, and it may be better to overestimate slightly just to give yourself more options in the future. Remember that extending a shed in the future might require you to seek new permission and will definitely cost you more in transportation and installation fees. It is a lot more economical to choose a larger size from the start.
Farm sheds tend to range from 6-15m in depth, 2.4-14m in height, and 3-6m wide. Shed manufacturers can also usually build them to your specifications. Click here for engaging articles on all topics.
The style
Sheds can be built in several styles, from traditional American-style barns to more modern and boxy mono-pitch sheds. But there is more to the style than simply the way the shed will look. Doors obviously have an effect on security, and you might need windows to let light in. If the latter is important to you, you will also want to think about the position of the windows so that you can maximise the light getting in during the day. Depending on the local climate, you may also need to consider if there is enough ventilation during the summer and enough protection from wind and rain during the cold months.
Functionality
Like the size of the shed, it is much easier to get functions factored into the design from the start. These are things such as automatic doors, lights, shelves, toilets, and so on. Getting these things installed later causes disruptions and is likely to end up costing you more. Most new farm and industrial sheds are customisable, so make the most of it right away.
Permission
Building or refurbishing outbuildings in NSW may require approval from the local authority, although there are some exemptions that apply to farm buildings.