Whether you’re planning a custom-built double garage in Perth, a lock-up workshop in Brisbane, or need to build a garage Melbourne homeowners love with street appeal, this expert guide distils what the best garage builders deliver and how to get council-approved, wind-rated results that last.
What makes a great garage builder in Australia?
Top garage builders and garage contractors near me consistently deliver on:
- Compliance: NCC 2022 BCA, AS/NZS 1170.2 (wind loads), AS/NZS 4600 (cold‑formed steel), AS 4100 (steel structures), AS 1397 (coatings), AS 3959 (BAL for bushfire-prone areas).
- Engineering: Site-specific wind region (A, B, C, D), terrain category, importance level and tie-down details for roller doors with wind-locks and portal frame connections.
- Materials: Genuine Colorbond steel or Zincalume from BlueScope with correct base metal thickness (BMT), fasteners with compatible coatings, and vermin-proofing, sarking and flashings done right.
- Council approvals: Drawings, structural certificates, energy considerations (insulation), stormwater plans and slab engineering.
- Design flexibility: Custom spans, eave heights, mezzanine storage, drive-through bays, boat and caravan covers, and matching architectural cladding to suit the house.
- Local climate detailing: Coastal corrosion mitigation, cyclone-rated sheds QLD, council-approved sheds WA, and BAL-rated sheds for high-risk zones in VIC/NSW.
- Aftercare: Install warranties, manufacturer warranties (e.g., Colorbond), and maintenance guides.
What Are the Best Shed Materials for Perth’s Climate?
Perth summers are hot and dry with strong afternoon sea breezes. For steel sheds Perth homeowners love, prioritise heat-reflective roofing, correct wind ties and coastal corrosion protection within 1–5 km of the ocean.
Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which finish should you pick?
Both are galvanised steel with baked-on coatings per AS 1397, but the top coat and corrosion performance differ. Here’s a quick Colorbond vs Zincalume comparison tailored to WA conditions.
| Feature | Colorbond | Zincalume |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Pre-painted colour top coat; matches home palette | Metallic/silver finish; industrial look |
| Corrosion options | Colorbond Ultra/Metallic for coastal; excellent cut-edge protection | Good baseline; consider additional protection near coast |
| Heat reflectance | Light colours improve thermal comfort | High reflectance initially; may dull over time |
| Cost | $$ (premium) | $ (economical) |
| Best use in WA | Custom Colorbond garages Perth, coastal carports, urban builds | Rural outbuildings, DIY shed kits, budget farm sheds |
For coastal suburbs, specify Colorbond Ultra and stainless or class 4 fasteners. Inland, Zincalume shed kits offer value for machinery bays and rural sheds WA & NSW.
How much does it cost to build a garage in Melbourne in 2025?
For garage builders Melbourne wide, pricing depends on span, height, doors, cladding and site works. Indicative ranges to help you plan:
- Single garage kit (supplied only): from budget-friendly, depending on BMT and wind rating.
- Custom-built double garage in Melbourne (installed, on slab): mid-range depending on finishes, doors and insulation.
- Large triple-bay with workshop/mezzanine: higher budgets, especially with architectural cladding and electrical fit-out.
Site costs (demolition, cut/fill, concrete slab thickness, piers) can add significantly. Always request an itemised quote that includes engineering, permits and stormwater. If you plan to build a garage Melbourne councils will assess overlays (e.g., heritage or flood), which can affect design and timing.
Council approvals, wind ratings and Australian Standards
How to Get Council Approval for Your Custom Shed in WA
Process overview for council-approved sheds WA:
- Site plan and setbacks: Check local planning scheme and R-Codes for height/eave limits.
- Engineering: AS/NZS 1170.2 wind region (mostly Region B near Perth), terrain category, shielding and topography.
- Drawings: Elevations, sections, connection details, slab plan with control joints and thickened edges if required.
- NCC compliance: Energy (insulation), drainage, overflow paths and downpipe sizing.
- Permit submission: Building permit and owner/contractor details.
Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes: Many coastal corridors now require upgraded tie-downs, wind-lock roller doors and verified fastener schedules. Ask your builder for a site-specific RPEQ/WA structural certificate.
VIC permits (Melbourne)
- Check with a Registered Building Surveyor for building permit and, if needed, planning permit.
- BAL assessment per AS 3959 if your property is in a bushfire-prone area.
- Front setbacks and title restrictions (easements, covenants) commonly shape designs.
QLD cyclonic design (Brisbane, coastal, and north)
- Wind Regions C/D north of the Tropic often need cyclone-rated sheds QLD with heavier connections, purlin spacing, door wind-lock guides and bracing.
- Roller doors must be rated for design wind pressures; verify test certificates.
Standards to reference: AS/NZS 1170.2 (wind), AS/NZS 4600 (cold-formed steel), AS 4100 (structural steel), AS 3600 (concrete), AS 3959 (BAL), AS 1397 (coatings). For best-practice guidance, see the Australian Steel Institute and HIA resources.
Helpful resources:
Housing Industry Association (HIA),
Master Builders Australia,
Bureau of Meteorology climate data,
Australian Steel Institute,
CSIRO bushfire research,
Energy.gov.au insulation.
Garage types, use-cases and keyword clusters
- Urban residential: custom Colorbond garages Perth, garage builders Melbourne, affordable carports for Australian homes, custom carports Melbourne.
- Rural and regional: rural sheds NSW, farm machinery storage, American barns Australia, drive-through hay and machinery bays.
- Industrial and commercial: portal frame steel buildings, industrial workshops Brisbane, mining camps and site sheds.
- Lifestyle: boat and caravan covers, double garage with workshop, mezzanine storage, DIY shed kits for weekend projects.
- Technical needs: wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas, BAL-rated sheds, council-approved sheds WA, Colorbond vs Zincalume comparison.
Roof styles and build method comparisons
Flat vs Gable vs Skillion roofs
| Roof type | Pros | Considerations | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gable | Classic look; good ventilation; simple water shedding | Slightly higher ridge height | Custom garages, suburban streetscapes |
| Skillion (mono) | Modern aesthetic; easy PV solar orientation | Check height at boundary; wind uplift on high side | Urban infill, architectural carports |
| Flat | Low profile; cost-effective | Needs controlled falls, box gutters and overflows | Carports, additions near height limits |
DIY shed kit vs custom-built (turnkey)
| Option | Pros | Cons | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY shed kits | Lowest cost; fast delivery; great for simple rural bays | Owner manages slab, permits and trades; limited customisation | Experienced DIYers, regional sites |
| Custom-built (turnkey) | One contract; engineered for site; smoother council approval | Higher upfront cost; lead times for approvals | Time-poor homeowners, premium urban builds |
5-Step Buying Guide for Custom Sheds in Australia
- Define use and size: car sizes, clearance for 4WDs/roof racks, workshop space, storage wall and door widths.
- Choose materials: Colorbond for urban aesthetics, Zincalume for rural economy; specify BMT and fastener class.
- Engineer for site: confirm wind region, terrain, shielding, BAL; select wind-lock roller doors and tie-down details.
- Plan services and comfort: insulation R-values, roof ventilation, power/data, skylights and whirlybirds, rainwater harvesting.
- Compare quotes apples-to-apples: inclusions list, slab specifications, permit handling, lead time and warranties.
Recent build examples
Case Study 1 — Custom Colorbond double garage in Perth (skillion roof)
- Size: 6.5 m x 7.2 m x 3.0 m eave, Region B, Terrain Cat 2.5.
- Cladding: Colorbond Matt with insulated panel roof; stainless perimeter fixings within 1 km of coast.
- Features: 2x wind-lock roller doors, rear roller for through-access, sarking and vermin flashings.
- Outcome: Lower internal temps in summer and compliant with coastal corrosion requirements.
Case Study 2 — Double garage with workshop, Melbourne (gable)
- Size: 7.0 m x 9.0 m with 1.5 m workshop bay, BAL-12.5.
- Approvals: Building permit via RBS; no planning permit due to compliant setbacks.
- Upgrades: Anticon blanket, LED lighting, mezzanine storage over rear workbench.
Case Study 3 — Cyclone-rated shed in QLD (industrial workshop)
- Region C design, wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas with increased purlin thickness and door wind-locks.
- Use: Service bay for utes and farm machinery storage.
FAQs
Do I need council approval for a garage?
In most cases, yes. Permits vary by state and council. Your builder should prepare plans, engineering and energy details and submit on your behalf.
Colorbond or Zincalume for my garage?
Urban/coastal: Colorbond (often Ultra). Rural/budget: Zincalume. Check compatibility of fasteners and flashings, and specify BMT to suit spans and loads.
How thick should my concrete slab be?
Commonly 100–125 mm with mesh for domestic garages, but engineering and soil class determine slab thickness, beams and piers. Follow AS 3600 and your engineer’s details.
Can you deliver and install Australia-wide?
Most established garage builders ship nationwide; installs are more readily available in metro and major regions. Remote installs may require a hybrid kit + local contractor model.
Lead times in 2025?
Allow time for permits (2–8 weeks) and fabrication/installation (3–10 weeks) depending on complexity and demand. Market conditions per the 2025 Australian Steel Market Outlook suggest stable but lead-time-sensitive supply in some regions.
Are BAL-rated sheds more expensive?
Yes. BAL upgrades add cost for ember protection, metal mesh screens and non-combustible linings. Your builder should price to AS 3959 for your assessed BAL.
Quick definitions (jargon buster)
How to choose the right garage builder
- Ask for signed, site-specific engineering with wind pressures and tie-down schedule.
- Confirm materials by brand, profile and BMT (e.g., Colorbond Ultra roof, 0.48 BMT).
- Check proof of council approvals handled on similar jobs in your suburb.
- Review door ratings (wind-locked roller doors) and hardware warranties.
- Compare inclusions: sarking, vermin proofing, gutters/downpipes, stormwater, and electrical allowances.
- Read recent reviews for your area (steel sheds Perth, garage builders Melbourne, rural sheds NSW) and inspect a completed build if possible.
Notes and references: Industry guidance aligns with NCC 2022, AS/NZS standards listed above, and insights from HIA and the Australian Steel Institute. The 2024–2025 period has seen steady demand for outdoor structures per HIA’s Home Improvement commentary, with material supply generally stabilising. For local climate data, consult the Bureau of Meteorology. Always obtain site-specific engineering and council advice for your address.