Step 1: A building site should be level and clear of any obstructing objects or previous foundations. A slight ridge should be created to the site, so water runs away from the construction area in all directions. The area you intend to construct your building should be clear of all foliage. Its also recommended that you prepare all site works yourself as this will save you a lot more time and money.
Step 2: You may be aware of the type of soil your land has, if not your local council should have this information. A soil test should be conducted to determine the suitability of the building and site, this also aids in the design of footings.
Step 3: In addition to a slab, buildings require concrete footings below each column. There are many different types of footings such as: Cast-In straps, Dynabolts, ChemSets, HD Bolts & Post in Ground. Consult the footing plan provided with the building before commencing any work. If you already have a concrete slab poured its best to let your shed supplier know as this will affect the type of footings used for your building.
Step 4: Screeding is the point where you remove excess concrete while levelling your slab. Bringing the air bubbles to the surface is known as trawling and this must be complete before the concrete sets. Although the concrete may look hard and finished, it can be easily damaged and should be protected and kept moist while curing. A good way to tell if your concrete is NOT set is to see the colour of it. If you’re concrete still looks ‘green’ this means it has not hardened properly yet.
Throughout the process of purchasing your building, you will receive different forms of paperwork. These will include footing plans, layouts, bill of materials (BOM), punching details and when your building is delivered a full erection manual. Please thoroughly check all documents and each component before commencing any concreting or erecting. If unsure please call your All Style Sheds & Structures representative with any questions you may have. See how quickly & professionally your shed or garage can be constructed. With the high quality, easy to follow step by step construction manual, you can build it yourself or speak to your local All Style Sheds & Structures agent who can organise a highly skilled & experienced construction team to take care of it for you.
Step 5: After the slab has hardened and you have thoroughly checked all components, assembly of the steelwork can begin. Start by standing up the intermediate frames attached to the brackets that are embedded into the slab. Add the stability of the frames and begin connecting them to each other with wall girts and roof purlins. One diagonally braced bay will support several other bays.
Most buildings are not designed to withstand wind/storm factors during construction and erection. Even a fully constructed building has slight movement when the wind factor is high, so imagine what it would be like on a semi-erected building. When you have a fully erected building, it will be able to tolerate the loading, structures and pressures it was designed for, therefore a partially constructed building will have greater risk of permanent damage. This is why so often you hear of a building collapsing while under construction.
Until this has taken place, a building utilising portal frames must be securely braced in at least two directions in the assumption that a ‘design wind event’ will take place. One diagonally braced bay will support several other bays. It is the builder’s responsibility under duty of care and basic construction standards to determine the type, number and method of construction bracing to be utilised during the full construction period. Talk to someone at All Style Sheds & Structures to get the most out of your steel building and find out the best ways to sufficiently protect your investment from damage.
Step 6: Do one wall at a time and fit insulation (if required). Taper cut the tops of end wall sheets for a better fit, but don’t add flashings or barges at this time. Finish off all external walls before cladding internal walls or partitions. Cladding may or may not require trimming at corners depending on the building dimensions.
Step 7: With the building at lock-up stage, additional options may be added. Now is the time to arrange a plumber or electrician, or add internal lining if required.
Step 8: Leave the roller door towards the end of any install.
Step 9: Join and fit the rainwater guttering with a slight fall to the outlet spouts. Connect the down pipes then complete the building by adding the remaining flashings and barge mouldings. If you have the intention to erect your building near the existing boundary line, your local council may suggest using a “box gutter”, this will help prevent water from running over the fence and into your next door neighbours yard.
Done, now its time to fill it!
This page is intended as a general guide and you should consult with a professional prior to undertaking any work yourself. Note that the information provided is only intended as a brief outline of the basic steps required to prepare a site, place a concrete slab and erect your shed. These are best left to qualified and licensed tradespeople. Contact your local All Style Sheds & Structures seller who can arrange an experienced building erector for you.