1. BUYERS GUIDE
& CHECKLIST*
BUYERS GUIDE
& CHECKLIST*
This Buyers Guide & Checklist has been prepared to ensure you know the
legal requirements when building a shed or garage.
The ‘Checklist Questions’ (to ask your shed retailer) have been included to
assist with your selection.
Building a shed or garage may seem like a straightforward task,
but you should be aware of the legalities that may adversely impact on you.
Most domestic sheds or garages require a building permit.
Some constructions with a floor area of less than 10m2 may be exempt.
If a building permit is required and the building work (inc. supply and
installation) costs more than $5000, you must enter into a contract with
a registered building practitioner to carry out the work. Do not submit
an owner-builder application if you intend to engage one builder to do
all the building work – you will not qualify as an ‘owner-builder’. Instead,
the builder will need to use their building registration number on the
application before approval will be granted.
Engaging an unregistered building practitioner may void the validity of any
Domestic Building Insurance you obtain or the Owner-Builder Warranty
Insurance you are required to provide when selling your property.
Be wary of shed companies insisting you be an ‘owner-builder’.
Be aware that as an ‘owner-builder’, if you sell your property within 6½ years of completion of the work
you must have the building inspected and provide a report to the purchaser. You are also responsible
for providing warranty insurance to the new owner if you sell within 6 years of completion of the work.
Entering into arrangements with shed retailers who suggest that you become an ‘owner-builder’ but manage
the project for you (organising builders and plumbers) may be putting you at risk.
Plumbing work (roof and gutters) must be carried out by a registered or licensed plumber.
Make sure you familiarise your-self with the risks detailed in the Owner-Builder Application Kit (44pages)
available on the Victorian Building Authority website (www.vba.vic.gov.au).
* The condensed information in this ‘Buyers Guide & Checklist’ has been sourced from the
Victorian Building Authority (www.vba.vic.gov.au) and the Ranbuild ‘Ethical Guidelines’.
“Do not sign the building permit as an ‘owner-builder’
unless you intend to take full responsibility for the project.”
- Consumer Affairs Victoria
Ask the CHECKLIST QUESTIONS.

2. BUYERS GUIDE
& CHECKLIST*
BUYERS GUIDE
& CHECKLIST*
First things first
• Will I have to be an ‘owner-builder’ or can I use your building number?
• Do you have a display site so I can see building examples?
Pricing & Payments
• Can you provide a fixed price (not estimated) for the complete concrete and construction works?
• Do I pay you for the concrete and construction or are payments made direct to contractors?
• Does the price include clean-up of site and removal of left over steel/rubbish?
Plans & Permits
• Will the construction be designed for my specific location?
• Can you obtain the required building permits on my behalf?
• Will you arrange the necessary building inspections?
Insurance
• Does the price include Domestic Building Insurance?
Materials
• Is the framing supplied by Bluescope Steel or imported?
• Is the cladding ColourBond® or ZincAlume® supplied by Bluescope Steel?
Construction
• Is the company taking full responsibility for the construction project?
• Are the works being completed by professional concretors?
• Are the works being completed by a registered building practitioner?
• Are the works being completed by a licensed or registered plumber?
• Do the personal access doors open 180 degrees?
Warranties
• Does the shed or garage have a warranty backed by Bluescope Steel?
• What is the warranty on the roller doors?
• Is the supplier ‘Shedsafe’ accredited (refer www.shedsafe.com.au)?
Problems
• Can I make one phone call to you to resolve any issue during the construction process
or will I need to discuss concrete/construction issues with other contractors?
CHECKLIST QUESTIONS
These are the important questions to ask your shed or garage supplier
to enable you to determine the quality of the product and service offered.
If you are happy with the answers you receive from these questions...
You know you have a shed or garage company working in your best interests.
125 Breen Street BENDIGO 03 5442 8266
820 LaTrobe Street BALLARAT 03 5336 2366
7982 GV. Highway SHEPPARTON 03 5823 2868
www.outdoorsteelsolutions.com.au