Self Storage Units vs Custom Colorbond Sheds in Australia: Costs, Council, Wind Ratings
Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes
What do Australians mean by “self storage units” today?
For many Aussies, searching “self storage units”, “self storage near me”, or “storage units near me cheap” means short-term offsite storage lockers. But more homeowners and investors are choosing a permanent solution: a custom-built Colorbond steel shed or double garage at home. It’s secure, adds value, and beats ongoing fees at nearby storage facilities.
Why homeowners are switching to on-property sheds
- Convenience: No driving to a storage facility; access 24/7 in your backyard.
- Security: Roller doors with wind-locks, deadbolts, and monitored alarms rival self storage lockers.
- Value: A well-designed Colorbond shed can enhance property value and rental yield.
- Versatility: From DIY shed kits to custom Colorbond garages Perth-wide, configure as workshop, boat storage, or home business space.
Renting vs building: which saves you money?
Typical 3x3m storage units in metro areas can cost $180–$320 per month. Over five years, that’s $10,800–$19,200 with nothing to show at the end. A comparable 6x3m custom Colorbond shed (roller door plus PA door) installed on a slab in non-cyclonic regions often sits from the low $9k–$15k mark depending on site, wind rating, and finishes. Over the same period, your total outlay can be similar—yet you own the asset.
Searching for “cheap storage” or the “cheapest storage near me”? Consider total cost of ownership. With a shed, you also avoid annual rent increases and fuel/time to visit nearby storage facilities.
What Are the Best Shed Materials for Perth’s Climate?
Perth heat, coastal air, and afternoon sea breeze demand high-spec materials. For steel sheds Perth owners typically choose:
- Colorbond steel cladding (on Zincalume substrate) for durability, colour retention and heat reflectivity.
- Galvanised RHS portal frames with site-specific engineering to AS/NZS 1170.2.
- Anticon or insulated roof panels to reduce radiant heat.
- Heavy-duty roller doors with wind-locks and sealed jambs.
How to choose the right storage shed for your property
Sizing and layout for your use-case
- General storage: 6x3m with 2.4–2.7m eave height suits household goods, bikes, and tools.
- Custom-built double garage in Perth: 6x6m with 2x roller doors and a PA door.
- Rural sheds NSW: 9x6m+ with sliding doors for farm machinery storage.
- Boats/caravans: Consider 3.0–3.6m eave height and extra-wide roller doors.
Roof styles: flat/skillion vs gable
| Roof Type | Best For | Pros | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skillion (mono-pitch) | Modern look, boundary setbacks | Simple drainage; good for solar orientation | Check height at boundary; wind uplift on high pitch |
| Gable roof | Classic barn/garage aesthetics | Great ventilation; strong portal frame geometry | More ridge/flashings; watch overall height |
Doors, security and ventilation
- Roller doors with wind-locks and 0.6–0.8 mm curtains for high-wind regions.
- PA doors with deadbolts; add alarm and CCTV to surpass typical self storage lockers.
- Vents, whirlybirds, and insulated panels to reduce condensation.
Site works and slabs
- Concrete slab commonly 100 mm 25 MPa with SL72 mesh; edge thickenings to engineering.
- Anchors: M12–M16 chemical anchors as per engineer detail.
- Stormwater: Connect gutters to soakwells or legal point of discharge per council.
How to Get Council Approval for Your Custom Shed in WA
council-approved sheds WA need two streams: planning (if required) and building approval. Processes vary by LGA, but typically:
Planning consent (where applicable)
- Check R-Codes for setbacks and height; some smaller sheds are exempt.
- Heritage or special control areas may require development approval.
Building permit
- Provide certified engineering (site-specific to AS/NZS 1170.2 wind loads), architectural drawings, and energy/ bushfire notes if relevant.
- Nominate registered builder or owner-builder where allowed.
- Allow 10–25 business days depending on LGA workload.
Tip: Engage an engineer familiar with WA wind regions (A/B non-cyclonic, C/D cyclonic in the North-West). Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes ensure cladding screws, girt spacings, and door wind-locks match your certified wind class.
Wind ratings and engineering for your region
- Non-cyclonic (N1–N6): Most metro Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, and inland NSW.
- Cyclonic (C1–C4): Coastal and northern QLD; parts of NT; North-West WA.
Ask for site-specific engineering with importance level, terrain category, and topography per AS/NZS 1170.2. For QLD, look for cyclone-rated sheds QLD with upgrades: higher girt/purlin sections, closer fastener spacing, and reinforced roller door wind-lock systems.
Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which Is Better for WA Conditions?
| Attribute | Colorbond (on Zincalume substrate) | Zincalume (AZ150) | Winner (WA use) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | Excellent with paint system; good in urban/suburban; consider coastal upgrades | Excellent metallic coating; can mark aesthetically over time | Draw (depends on exposure) |
| Colour and aesthetics | Wide Colorbond range; superior fade resistance | Metallic silver only | Colorbond |
| Heat performance | Light colours reflect more heat | High reflectance; can glare | Tie (choose light colours) |
| Coastal performance | Specify coastal grades, rinsing, or extra coating near surf zone | Requires careful detailing; frequent rinsing | Colorbond (coastal variants) |
| Cost | Higher | Lower | Zincalume (budget) |
| Warranty | Typically robust if installed per spec | Robust if detailing is correct | Check project specifics |
Pro Tip: Did you know using insulated roof panels can reduce internal shed temperatures by up to 10°C in summer? Great for workshops and home gyms.
Real build examples
Perth, WA — custom Colorbond garages
A 6x6m custom Colorbond double garage in Perth’s north (N2 wind class) with 2x 2.4m roller doors, Anticon insulation, and a 100mm slab costed mid-$14k installed (site level). The owner replaced a “storage units near me cheap” rental and recovered costs in under four years.
Townsville, QLD — cyclone-rated shed
7x4m workshop, Wind Region C (C2), upgraded purlins and wind-locked roller door. Site-specific engineering and cyclonic screw patterns ensured compliance. cyclone-rated sheds QLD often include heavier frames and additional hold-downs.
Rural NSW — farm machinery storage
12x9m rural shed with 3.6m eaves, sliding doors, Zincalume walls, Colorbond roof. Optimised for tractor clearance and hay storage. “Rural sheds NSW” considerations included terrain category and large door bays with bracing.
5-Step Buying Guide for Custom Sheds in Australia
- Define use and size: List what you’ll store now and in 5 years (tools, boat, business inventory).
- Confirm site constraints: Check setbacks, easements, powerlines, sewer, and driveway access.
- Choose materials: Colorbond vs Zincalume, insulation, roller vs sliding doors, security.
- Engineering and approvals: Get site-specific certification to AS/NZS 1170.2 and lodge council permits.
- Build and handover: Concrete, delivery, erection, stormwater, compliance certificate, warranty pack.
FAQs
Is a DIY shed kit better than “cheap self storage” rentals?
DIY shed kits can be cost-effective if you’re handy and comply with permits. But many owners prefer turnkey builds for warranty and speed. Over 3–5 years, even a modest shed can beat rental fees for cheap storage or storage options near me, especially once you factor travel and time.
What wind rating do I need?
Your engineer determines wind class from AS/NZS 1170.2 using location, terrain, and topography. Metro areas are often N2–N3; coastal/cyclonic areas may be C1–C3. Ensure doors and fasteners match the class.
How long do council approvals take?
Allow 2–6 weeks depending on LGA and whether planning consent is required. Straightforward compliant sheds can be faster; complex or boundary-hugging designs take longer.
Will a shed add value to my property?
Well-built Colorbond garages and carports can improve saleability and rental yield, especially in suburbs with limited storage. Buyers often compare against ongoing costs at nearby storage facilities.
I searched “storage units units” — is a shed still relevant?
Yes. If you need space beyond a few months, owning a shed often outperforms renting in cost and convenience while giving you asset value.
Keyword clusters to explore with your builder
- Local: steel sheds Perth, custom carports Melbourne, rural sheds NSW, workshop sheds Adelaide
- Technical: wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas, Colorbond vs Zincalume comparison, site-specific engineering, BAL-compliant sheds
- Lifestyle/Usage: farm machinery storage, DIY shed kits, affordable carports for Australian homes, American barns, garaports
- Gap terms: council-approved sheds WA, cyclone-rated sheds QLD, custom Colorbond garages Perth
Standards, climate and industry notes
- Design loads: AS/NZS 1170.2 Wind actions.
- Bushfire: AS 3959 for BAL requirements (e.g., ember seals, metal mesh, non-combustible cladding).
- Steel: AS 4100 for steel structures; corrosion protection AS/NZS 2312.1.
- Roofing and walling: AS 1562.1.
- NCC (BCA) compliance and local council planning schemes apply.
2024–2025 outlook: Industry sources report steady demand for outdoor structures and stabilised steel supply after earlier price volatility, with homeowners prioritising energy-smart upgrades like insulation and light-coloured roofing.
Helpful references
- Housing Industry Association (HIA) — Outdoor structures and compliance guidance.
- Master Builders Australia — Builder selection and contracts.
- Bureau of Meteorology climate data — Wind, heat and rainfall references.
- Australian Steel Institute — Technical notes on steel performance.
- Energy.gov.au on roofing insulation — Energy and comfort benefits.
- CSIRO — Building resilience and bushfire research.
Your next step
If you’re weighing up “self storage near me” versus a shed, speak with a local shed designer about wind class, site access, and approvals. Ask for an itemised quote with engineering, slab, erection, and stormwater so you can compare true total cost with rental storage.