Shed Bonanza – Dandenong – a company to use for a new garage or shed

My journey with Shed Bonanza began with an initial phone consultation with David Idolovich, followed by an in-person visit to their Dandenong South location. Reading other customer reviews on Product Review gave me some confidence in their capabilities, but seeing their work in person truly solidified my decision to proceed with them for our garage build.

We needed to replace an old, dilapidated shed that had served its time and was no longer functional. Our aim was to have a modern, durable, and practical garage that would not only store vehicles but also provide additional space for various needs. Choosing the right company to handle this project was crucial, as it involved a significant investment in terms of both time and money.

Highlights	Shed Bonanza built our 12m x 6m garage with quality Bluescope steel. A complex process, but worth it! Spacious, secure, and great service. Highly recommend!
Cost	Depends on the size of your build, but ours in total was just over $50k.
Location	26-28 Greens Road, Dandenong, Vic 3175
Website	https://shedbonanza.com.au/

Planning and Consultation

Initial Discussions and Design Considerations

The first step was determining what exactly we needed from the new structure. We considered various sizes and designs before settling on a garage measuring 12 metres long by 6 metres wide. Our primary requirements included:

• Adequate space for vehicle storage – We wanted enough room to comfortably fit at least four SUVs (but no plans to have four SUVs).
• Aesthetic appeal – We wanted a sleek, modern design that complemented our home.
• Practical features – This included insulation, power supply, and proper ventilation.
• Durability – Given the Australian climate, it was essential that the materials used were resistant to weather conditions.

David and his team were extremely helpful in guiding us through the various customisation options. We opted for:

• A sliding door for easy access.
• Several windows for natural light.
• An electric roller door for convenience.
• High-quality Bluescope steel and Colorbond materials to ensure longevity.
• Vermaseal to be applied around the garage’s edging.

Understanding the Costs and Budgeting

One of the biggest concerns for any large-scale project is cost. From the start, we knew this was going to be a significant investment. Here’s a breakdown of the main expenses:

• Garage structure and materials – This made up the bulk of the cost.
• Demolition of the old shed and smokehouse – Required hiring a professional team.
• Building permits and approvals – Necessary for compliance with local council regulations.
• Concreting the foundation – Needed to be durable enough to support the structure.
• Electrical work – Required wiring for lights, power outlets, and an electric roller door.
• Stormwater drainage – To prevent flooding and water damage.
• Labour costs – Various tradespeople including assemblers, plumbers, electricians, and concreters.

The price ended up being higher than we initially expected, but after considering the longevity and functionality of the build, we decided it was a worthwhile investment.

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The Build Process

Step 1: Demolition and Site Preparation

Before the new garage could be built, we needed to clear out the old structures. This involved demolishing the existing shed and smokehouse, which had been standing for decades. Finding a reliable demolisher was initially challenging, but David provided some tips on where to source one. Eventually, we used Airtasker to find someone suitable, which turned out to be a good experience.

Once the old structures were removed, we needed to prepare the site for construction. This included:

• Clearing debris
• Levelling the ground
• Ensuring the area was suitable for concreting

Step 2: Obtaining Building Permits

A crucial part of the project was obtaining the necessary permits. Shed Bonanza assisted with this process by providing the required plans and documentation. The approval process took some time, but we were fortunate to get it done without major delays.

Step 3: Concreting the Foundation

A strong foundation is critical for any garage. We hired Shed Bonanza’s recommended concreter to pour the slab. Given the size of the garage, we also decided to extend the concrete to include:

• A side path for easy access
• A new concrete area in front of the garage to create additional outdoor space

The concreting process took a few weeks to complete, allowing for proper curing and sealing before the next phase.

Step 4: Delivery of Materials and Assembly

Once the foundation was ready, Shed Bonanza delivered the materials. The assembly process involved constructing the frame, installing the walls and roof, and securing all the components. While we could have paid extra for a more hands-off approach, we chose to coordinate the various trades ourselves to save costs.

Step 5: Electrical and Stormwater Piping

With the garage structure in place, the next steps were:

• Installation of an electric roller door (for us, this happened at the same time as the garage assembly)
• Electrical wiring for lighting and power outlets
• External floodlights for security
• Stormwater drainage to prevent water accumulation

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Final Outcome & Features

Space and Functionality

Now that the garage is fully operational, it provides an incredible amount of versatility and convenience. The 12m x 6m space easily accommodates four SUVs while still leaving room for storage. We also plan to use the garage for events and gatherings.

Additional Features We Love

• Vermaseal Edging: This was a fantastic addition, keeping out water, dust, and pests.
• Electric Roller Door: Offers ease of access with a simple remote control.
• Windows and Sliding Door: Help with ventilation and natural lighting.
• Floodlights: Enhance security and visibility at night.

Future Plans

While the garage is fully functional, we still have future upgrades planned:

• Adding insulation to maintain temperature control.
• Installing an air conditioner for added comfort.
• Creating a partition to set up a home gym.

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Final Thoughts

Pros:

✔ High-quality materials (Bluescope Steel, Colorbond) ✔ Customisable design ✔ Professional support from Shed Bonanza ✔ Spacious and versatile layout ✔ Secure and durable ✔ Help with permits and documentation

Cons:

❌ Higher-than-expected costs ❌ Some stressful moments managing trades ❌ Lengthy project timeline (~9 months)

Would We Recommend Shed Bonanza?

Absolutely. Despite the challenges and financial commitment, we are extremely satisfied with the final result. Shed Bonanza delivered on their promise, and our new garage is everything we envisioned.

For anyone considering a similar project, be prepared for some unexpected hurdles, but rest assured that with careful planning and patience, the outcome will be well worth it.

Would I go through the process again? Given the result – yes. Would I recommend Shed Bonanza? Without hesitation.

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