Bond Kit Homes: 2025 Guide to Colorbond Kit Homes Prices, Sheds, Garages & Council Approvals

24 Oct Shed Kits

If you searched for “bond kit homes”, you’re likely looking for Colorbond kit homes or a high-spec Colorbond steel shed, garage or carport that looks house‑grade. This guide unpacks design, engineering, council approvals, and real‑world pricing so you can choose the right solution—whether that’s a custom Colorbond garage in Perth, a cyclone‑rated shed in QLD, or rural sheds in NSW.

What is a “Bond Kit Home” and how does it differ from a Colorbond steel shed?

“Bond kit homes” is a common shorthand for Colorbond kit homes—houses that use BlueScope steel frames and Colorbond cladding. They are Class 1a buildings under the NCC (formerly the BCA). A Colorbond steel shed, garage or carport is a Class 10a structure. Both can use Colorbond, but their approvals, engineering, insulation and fitout requirements differ.

Quick definition — Colorbond: Painted, pre‑finished steel by BlueScope, specified by top shed builders for durability, colour range and long warranties. Common base metal thicknesses (BMT): 0.42 mm and 0.48 mm.
Quick definition — Zincalume: Aluminium‑zinc‑magnesium alloy coated steel. Often cheaper than Colorbond; silver appearance; great base for rural or internal applications.
Quick definition — Class 1a vs 10a: Class 1a is a dwelling (kit home). Class 10a is a non‑habitable shed/garage/carport. Different energy, fire and amenity rules apply.
Quick definition — Portal frame: The rigid steel frame system (columns, rafters, purlins, girts) that gives sheds their clear spans and wind resistance.

What Are the Best Shed Materials for Perth’s Climate?

Perth’s hot summers, sea breeze, and coastal corrosion (C3–C4 in some suburbs) favour Colorbond for external cladding, gutters and flashings. For inland WA or regional WA farm machinery storage, Zincalume can be cost‑effective on non‑street elevations. In all cases, specify wind‑rated frames to AS/NZS 1170.2, and consider Anticon blanket under roof sheets for heat and condensation control.

Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which is better for WA conditions?

Feature Colorbond Zincalume
Best use External roof/walls, premium look, coastal suburbs Rural/internal linings, budget‑savvy areas
Thermal performance Lighter colours reflect heat; pairs well with insulation Reflective but can glare; often combined with Anticon
Corrosion resistance Excellent with correct maintenance and detailing Very good; avoid harsh coastal splash zones
Warranty BlueScope backed when installed to spec BlueScope backed when installed to spec
Visual options Modern Colorbond palette incl. Matt finishes Single metallic look
Typical price impact (kit) + approx. $8–$14/m² over Zincalume for wall/roof sheets Lowest material cost
Pro Tip: Using insulated roof panels or Anticon blanket (anti‑condensation + insulation) under Colorbond can reduce internal shed temperatures by up to 10°C in summer, cut condensation, and improve acoustic comfort.

How Much Do Colorbond Kit Homes and Shed Kits Cost in 2024–2025?

Here are typical Australia‑wide ranges based on 2024 supplier pricing and the latest HIA/Master Builders market outlooks. Your site wind region, BAL rating, access and finish level will move the needle.

Colorbond kit homes prices (shell only vs turnkey)

  • Kit home shell (steel frame + external Colorbond cladding/roof, no slab, no internal fitout): typically $1,200–$2,000 per m².
  • Turnkey build (foundations, services, interiors): commonly $2,500–$3,500+ per m² depending on region and specification.

Note: Habitable “kit homes” must meet NCC energy efficiency, services, fire, ventilation and amenity rules that do not apply to Class 10a sheds.

Colorbond shed, garage and carport kits (Class 10a)

  • Single garage kit (3 x 6 m): approx. $4,500–$8,000.
  • Custom-built double garage in Perth (6 x 6 m, Colorbond, motorised door): approx. $8,500–$15,000 for the kit; installed from $14,000–$24,000 plus slab.
  • Workshop sheds Brisbane (7 x 9 x 3 m): approx. $12,000–$25,000 (kit) depending on openings and BMT.
  • Rural sheds NSW (12 x 6 x 3.6 m, open bays): approx. $12,000–$22,000 (kit).
  • Custom carports Melbourne (double, 6 x 5.5 m): kit from $3,200–$7,500; installed from $6,500–$12,000 plus footings.
  • Cyclone‑rated sheds QLD (C2/C3): allow +10–25% for heavier frames, hold‑downs, wind‑locks and engineering.

Allow for site and upgrade costs:

  • Concrete slab and footings: typically $120–$180 per m² for 100 mm slabs with thickening, to AS 3600 and local soil classification (AS 2870).
  • Insulation (Anticon or roof panels): $12–$45 per m² area depending on R‑value.
  • Roller door wind locks and wider openings: +$300–$900 per door.
  • Colorbond upgrade over Zincalume: approx. +$8–$14/m² of sheeted area.

These figures reflect 2024–2025 market conditions from industry reporting like the 2024 Australian Steel Market Outlook and HIA’s outdoor structures updates. Always seek a site‑specific, engineered quote.

How Do I Choose the Right Kit: Shed, Garage, Carport or Kit Home?

Match the use‑case, site constraints, and compliance class to your choice.

Common use‑cases and keyword clusters

  • Vehicle storage: custom Colorbond garages Perth, double garage kits Adelaide, affordable carports for Australian homes.
  • Work and hobby: workshop sheds Brisbane, barn‑style sheds Victoria, DIY shed kits, mezzanine storage systems.
  • Farming and acreage: rural sheds NSW, farm machinery storage, wind‑rated sheds for cyclonic areas, rainwater harvesting gutters.
  • Coastal and heat: Colorbond vs Zincalume comparison, anti‑condensation blanket, insulated panel roofing, corrosion category C3/C4 detailing.

Roof style and structure

  • Skillion/flat: modern look, fast to build, ideal for solar fall.
  • Gable: classic profile, better hot‑air stratification, easy ridge ventilation.
  • Portal frame engineering to AS/NZS 4600/AS 4100; specify N3/N4 or C1–C3 as per AS/NZS 1170.2 span tables.

How to Get Council Approval for Your Custom Shed in WA

Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes Council‑approved sheds WA require site wind classification (usually N2–N4 in Perth metro; higher in coastal or hill suburbs) and compliant documentation. Process steps:

  1. Site check: Dial Before You Dig, setbacks, services. Confirm soil type (AS 2870).
  2. Engineering: Site‑specific engineering certificate (RPEQ/WA‑registered) for frame, footings and hold‑downs to AS/NZS 1170.2.
  3. Drawings: Elevations, slab plan, drainage, colours, openings, site plan with contours.
  4. NCC compliance: Class 10a details—no plumbing (unless specified), stormwater, energy (if conditioned), and boundary fire separations.
  5. Application: Lodge with local council or via a registered private certifier (where applicable). Approval times are usually 2–6 weeks.

Elsewhere in Australia, processes are similar. In QLD, check region C wind rules; in NSW, some sheds qualify for Complying Development. Always confirm with your council or a private certifier.

Do You Need Cyclone or Bushfire Compliance?

  • North QLD and WA north: cyclone‑rated sheds QLD and WA (Regions C/D). Use C2/C3 engineering, wind‑locked roller doors, extra bracing and hold‑downs.
  • BAL (bushfire) areas: Design to AS 3959. Even for Class 10a, bushfire attack level (e.g., BAL‑12.5, BAL‑29) can affect ember protection, sarking, mesh and gutter guards.
Quick definition — BAL rating: Bushfire Attack Level (AS 3959). Determines construction measures for ember, radiant heat and flame exposure.

Design Options That Add Real Value

  • Sheet thickness: 0.42 vs 0.48 BMT Colorbond—stiffer panels, better dent resistance in hail and high‑wind zones.
  • Frames and fixings: hot‑dipped galvanised purlins, cyclone washers, high/low fasteners, and edge distance per the engineer’s details.
  • Openings: high‑cycle motors, wind‑rated roller doors, PA doors with sub‑sills, and extra eave height for 4WDs and boats.
  • Moisture control: sarking/vapour barrier, Anticon blanket, ridge vents, whirlybirds.
  • Energy: solar PV on skillion roof, LED high‑bays, light‑coloured Colorbond for heat reflectivity. See government guidance on energy efficiency at Energy.gov.au.
  • Coastal detailing: sealed laps, stainless screws in splash zones, sacrificial coatings, and frequent washdowns per BlueScope care guides.

DIY Kit vs Fully Installed — What’s Right for You?

DIY shed kits suit:

  • Experienced owner‑builders or tradies with time and tools
  • Simple footprints, non‑cyclonic regions, good access

Fully installed suits:

  • Time‑poor property investors and homeowners
  • Windy, coastal or BAL sites, complex openings (wide roller doors, mezzanines)

Either way, ensure the supplier provides engineering to AS/NZS 1170.2 and draws to the NCC. Ask for BlueScope material certificates and installation manuals.

Real‑World Build Examples (2024–2025)

  • Perth suburb, N3 wind: 6 x 6 m custom Colorbond double garage in Monument, 2.7 m eaves, 2 x 2.4 m roller doors, Anticon 60 mm. Kit approx. $10–$14k; installed $16–$22k plus slab. Council approval in 3–4 weeks.
  • Townsville region, C2 cyclone: 9 x 7.5 x 3.2 m workshop with wind‑locked door, extra knee bracing, heavier hold‑downs. Kit approx. +20% over N3 equivalent. Certification via RPEQ engineer.
  • Central West NSW, rural: 12 x 6 x 3.6 m farm shed, Zincalume walls with Colorbond roof, open‑front bays, guttered to tanks. Kit $14–$20k; slab optional (piers used instead).

5‑Step Buying Guide for Custom Sheds in Australia

  1. Confirm intent and class: storage, workshop, carport or habitable? Class 10a vs Class 1a dictates approvals and cost.
  2. Check site conditions: wind region (N or C), soil class, BAL, corrosion category. Use BoM wind maps and local council overlays.
  3. Specify materials and finishes: Colorbond profile and colour, BMT, insulation, doors, gutters, vermin flashing, drainage.
  4. Get engineered drawings and quotes: ensure AS/NZS 1170.2 wind design, AS 4100/AS/NZS 4600 steel, and BlueScope warranties.
  5. Lodge approvals and plan delivery: book slab/footings, confirm lead times, schedule installers or your DIY team.

FAQs

How long are lead times in 2024–2025?

Most regional suppliers quote 2–6 weeks for standard kits, longer for cyclone upgrades or custom spans. Seasonal peaks can extend this—order early.

What wind rating do I need?

Varies by address. Perth metro is often N2–N3, some coastal/hills N4; North QLD uses C regions. Your engineer will certify to AS/NZS 1170.2. Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes

What maintenance does Colorbond need?

Annual washdowns, clear gutters, and avoid dissimilar metal contact. Follow BlueScope care guides for warranty compliance.

Can I upgrade later?

Yes—design portals and purlins with future openings in mind. Add mezzanine storage systems, lean‑tos or extra bays with engineered connections.

Are “kit homes” the same as sheds?

No. Kit homes are Class 1a and must meet dwelling standards. Sheds/garages/carports are Class 10a and simpler to approve.

Standards, Climate and Industry Resources

  • AS/NZS 1170.2 Wind Actions, AS 4100, AS/NZS 4600, AS 3959, AS 2870, AS 3600, AS 1397.
  • Bureau of Meteorology wind and cyclone info: BOM
  • Housing Industry Association reports and approvals guidance: HIA
  • Australian Steel Institute technical notes: Australian Steel Institute
  • CSIRO bushfire research and guidance: CSIRO

Why Choose a Premium Colorbond Steel Shed Over a Cheaper Import?

  • Site‑specific engineering and council approvals included (council‑approved sheds WA and nationwide).
  • BlueScope Colorbond with long warranties and Australian supply chain resilience (see “2024 Australian Steel Market Outlook”).
  • Better detailing for coastal and cyclonic regions, plus optional BAL‑ready packages.

Ready for a Quote?

Need a price on a custom Colorbond garage, a DIY shed kit, or a cyclone‑rated farm shed? We’ll engineer to your wind region, provide council‑ready drawings, and lock in current steel rates.

Local Gap Mentions

  • council‑approved sheds WA with N2–N4 engineering and documentation.
  • cyclone‑rated sheds QLD with C2/C3 wind locks and hold‑downs.
  • custom Colorbond garages Perth designed for coastal corrosion categories.