What is a shed builder app and why do Australians use it?
A shed builder app is a 3D configurator that lets you design a compliant steel shed on your phone or laptop. It applies Australian Standards, calculates wind actions for your postcode, and produces a shed drawing, bill of materials and a fixed-price quote.
Our app is ideal for anyone looking to streamline the custom shed process. For more detailed guides and compliant drawings, discover comprehensive shed plans in Australia for your next project.
- Instant 3D shed drawing and elevations (PDF/DWG)
- Auto wind region mapping (N1–N4, C1–C4) via AS/NZS 1170.2
- Colorbond vs Zincalume material options with real-time pricing
- Base fixings, purlin spacing and footing schedule to AS/NZS 4600 and AS 4100
- Council-ready documentation and site plan overlays
- DIY shed kits or custom-built installation pathway
How does the shed building app work from design to delivery?
- Enter your site address. The app applies wind region, terrain category and topography.
- Choose size, bay spacing, roof pitch (flat, skillion, gable), and door openings (roller, PA, glass).
- Select cladding: Colorbond steel or Zincalume with your preferred profile and colour.
- Add extras: insulation, skylights, vermin flashing, gutters, mezzanine, cyclone tie-downs.
- Get instant price, engineer summary, and a council pack with a shed drawing and footing schedule.
- Book a site check for slab falls, setouts and service clearances; lock your delivery window.
You can customise everything from structure type to colour and roof style. If you’re interested in specific wood storage shed designs for residential properties, view our inspiration guide.
Need a custom Colorbond garage? The app supports custom-built double garages in Perth, triple-bay rural sheds in NSW, and cyclone-rated sheds in QLD with engineered upgrades.
What are the best shed materials for Perth’s climate?
Perth’s hot summers and coastal air demand heat-reflective, corrosion-resistant materials. Most homeowners choose Colorbond steel; Zincalume is a solid alternative for inland sites.
Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which is better for WA conditions?
| Criteria | Colorbond Steel | Zincalume Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Coating | Painted, baked-on finish over metallic coating | Aluminium/Zinc alloy metallic coating (no paint) |
| Heat performance | High solar reflectance in lighter colours; good Perth heat resistance | Reflective when new; dulls over time |
| Coastal suitability | Excellent within manufacturer-specified distances when detailed correctly | Good but can show patina; extra care needed near surf coasts |
| Colour range | Extensive Colorbond palette, Matts available | Silver/grey only |
| Cost | $$ (premium) | $ (more affordable) |
| Best for | Coastal WA, residential garages, premium finishes | Inland WA, farm sheds where budget matters |
Which shed type suits your property and budget?
Use these common shed categories to shape your design in the shed builder app:
- Residential: custom Colorbond garages Perth, garden storage sheds, backyard studios, affordable carports for Australian homes.
- Rural: rural sheds NSW, hay and feed storage, farm machinery storage, shearing sheds.
- Urban & coastal: steel sheds Perth, custom carports Melbourne, boat sheds with marine-grade detailing.
- Workshops: small business fit-outs with PA doors, insulation, and clear-span bays.
- Cyclonic: cyclone-rated sheds QLD with C1–C4 tie-downs, sheeting laps and fixings upgraded for Region C/D.
How to get council approval for your custom shed in WA
Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes
WA process (council-approved sheds WA)
- Check local planning rules for setbacks, heights and streetscape.
- Use the app to generate engineering, a site plan overlay and a stormwater plan.
- Submit a BA2 (unregistered builder) or BA1 (registered builder) with your engineer’s certificate.
- Provide wind classification (typically N2/N3 in metro; confirm via AS/NZS 1170.2) and slab details.
- On approval, book final setout and dial-before-you-dig service checks.
Our platform also supports engineering compliance and quoting on a range of custom steel sheds for all regions across Australia.
QLD highlights
- Many coastal councils require cyclone-rated sheds QLD (C2 or higher). The app auto-upgrades purlins, sheeting fixings and hold-downs.
- NCC and Queensland Development Code apply; ensure siting and overlays (flood/cyclone) are addressed.
VIC & NSW basics
- Wind ratings vary (N2–N3 common). Alpine areas require snow load checks (AS/NZS 1170.3).
- Rural sheds NSW may have exempt paths for certain sizes; always confirm local rules.
What wind rating does your shed need?
The app estimates wind region from your address and factors in terrain (TC2–TC3), shielding and topography. It then sizes members, connections and cladding to suit.
- Metro suburbs: often N2/N3
- Exposed coastal headlands: can be N4 or C1
- Tropical north and cyclone corridors: C2–C4 with upgraded tie-downs
- Alpine: wind + snow load checks
For remote or hilltop sites, a site-specific engineer verification is recommended.
Can I use a DIY shed kit or go custom-built?
Both options are supported by the shed building app.
- DIY shed kits: budget-friendly, ideal for straightforward single-bay storage or farm sheds. Clear assembly sequence, labelled components and slab setout included.
- Custom-built: best for complex sites, double garages with electrical fit-out, and council-approved sheds WA where timelines matter.
Planning a timber or firewood bay? Browse wood storage shed ideas for layouts, ventilation and materials.
Local climate design tips by region
- Perth and regional WA: specify anti-con, roof insulation and sarking to reduce heat and condensation. Coastal detailing needs sealed laps and marine-grade fasteners.
- QLD cyclonic design: choose higher-gauge sheeting, closer purlin spacings, and C-class door wind-locks.
- NSW rural: allow for dust sealing, vermin flashing and bigger awnings for machinery.
- TAS/SA coasts: corrosion zones call for correct edge distances and maintainable gutters.
Real builds designed in the app
Case study 1 — Custom Colorbond double garage in Perth
6 x 6 m, 20° gable, Surfmist roof/walls, insulated roof panels. App produced council pack and N3 engineering. Installed over a 100 mm slab with edge thickenings. Result: a cool, quiet garage that matches the home facade.
Case study 2 — Cyclone-rated farm shed near Townsville
12 x 8 m, skillion, C2 region. Upgraded hold-downs, heavier girts and wind-locked roller doors. The app added tie-down schedules and a terrain category assessment for council.
Case study 3 — Rural machinery storage, Dubbo NSW
18 x 9 m, 3 open bays + 1 enclosed. Zincalume walls for cost efficiency, Colorbond roof for heat control. Vermin flashing and 150 mm gutters for stormwater management.
What does the app check for compliance?
- AS/NZS 1170 series (wind, snow, dead/live loads)
- AS/NZS 4600 (cold-formed steel) and AS 4100 (steel structures)
- AS/NZS 1397 (steel substrate), AS/NZS 1562.1 (roof/wall cladding)
- NCC condensation management and roof drainage provisions
Outputs include member schedules, connection details, door wind ratings and footing designs suitable for local soil classes.
How much does a custom shed cost in 2025?
Pricing varies by size, wind rating, and finish. As a guide:
- Single-bay garden sheds: from entry-level DIY shed kits
- Custom Colorbond garages Perth (double): mid-range with insulation
- Rural sheds NSW (machinery): costs scale with bay width and height
- Cyclone-rated sheds QLD: allow for upgraded fixings and doors
Steel price movements in the 2025 Australian Steel Market Outlook suggest budgeting a contingency for regional freight and upgraded fasteners in coastal/cyclonic zones.
What accessories improve comfort and durability?
- Insulated roof panels or blanket to cut radiant heat
- Vents and whirlybirds for passive airflow
- Anticon/sarking to manage condensation per NCC
- Vermin flashing to keep pests out of farm machinery storage
- Gutter guards and larger downpipes for heavy rainfall events
5-Step Buying Guide for Custom Sheds in Australia
- Define use-case: storage, workshop, carport, or machinery. Size bays to suit vehicles or equipment.
- Set materials: Colorbond for appearance and corrosion resistance; Zincalume for budget inland builds.
- Check site: setbacks, services, slopes and stormwater paths. Plan slab falls and driveway tie-ins.
- Verify wind rating: confirm N or C classification and choose compliant doors and fixings.
- Get council-ready: export engineer drawings, site plan and footing schedule. Submit and book install.
FAQs about using a shed builder app
Can I export a professional shed drawing?
Yes — you can export plans, elevations and details as PDF/DWG, including the footing schedule and wall‑bracing notes. For council‑ready templates and checklists, see our Shed Plans Australia PDF.
How long does approval take?
Most councils turn around small sheds in 2–6 weeks. The app’s complete documentation helps avoid delays.
Do I need a slab?
Not always. You can use piers with a later slab. Many garages use a 100 mm slab with thickened edges; confirm with engineering and soil class.
What colours are available?
Full Colorbond palette, including popular Matts. The app previews walls, roof, gutters and flashings.
Will you deliver to remote areas?
Yes. We ship Australia-wide. Remote/regional deliveries may add lead time and freight.
Why this shed building app beats the competition
- Deeper engineering: member sizing and connection schedules tied to your exact wind region
- Local knowledge: council-approved sheds WA and custom Colorbond garages Perth pre-checked for common planning rules
- Cyclone-ready: cyclone-rated sheds QLD presets with C-class doors and tie-downs
- Transparent pricing: instant updates as you change size, bays or materials
Helpful resources and standards
- Bureau of Meteorology climate data to understand local wind and rainfall
- Housing Industry Association (HIA) for building trends and approvals
- Master Builders Australia (MBA) for construction guidance
- Australian Steel Institute for steel design best practice
- Energy.gov.au on insulation and energy performance
- CSIRO research on building materials and corrosion
Refer to AS/NZS 1170, AS/NZS 4600, AS 4100, AS/NZS 1397 and AS/NZS 1562.1 for structural and materials compliance, and the current NCC for performance requirements.