How Long Does it Take to Build an Industrial Shed or Commercial Structure?
7 July 2021. By Joshua Wiggins, General Manager
How Long Does it Take to Build Your Structure?
IN BRIEF
- In Victoria, Vicsmart planning approvals can take around 10 days, but standard planning permits take up to 60 days. Meeting the specific conditions of the planning permit can take around 5 weeks.
- Digital modelling of the structure’s design is the next step, which takes around 2 weeks.
- Then we source Australian steel and all the other components, which has a lead time of around 4 to 5 weeks. Structures take at least a week to fabricate in our factory, then an additional 2 weeks for galvanising.
- All up, the kind of commercial and industrial structures we normally handle can take 4 – 6 months to complete if weather and site conditions are favourable.
Understanding the Timeline
The idea of building the perfect industrial shed or commercial warehouse has been on your mind for a while. You can picture it clearly, and now you're ready to bring it to life. But the big question remains: how long will it take to complete my warehouse project?
“Designing and building the perfect structure is what we specialise in,” says Steelcorp’s Business Development Manager, Shane Barker.
“After constructing hundreds of buildings over the years, we’ve developed a reliable process for estimating timelines. Of course, every project is unique, but there are some key factors that influence how long it takes.”
Let’s explore these factors to give you a better understanding of the timeline for your next industrial building.
Permits and Approvals
The first step in any warehouse project is obtaining the necessary permits. At Steelcorp, we oversee the building permit phase, liaising with local councils and certifiers to keep things on track.
How long do permits take in Victoria?

Shane explains, “In Victoria, Vicsmart applications, suitable for certain structures, take around 10 days. For others, a standard planning permit may take up to 60 days.”
Once planning is approved, you’ll need to meet permit conditions, which could include drainage requirements, engineering plans, energy rating reports, or soil tests. This stage usually takes 4–5 weeks. Once all conditions are met, the building permit can be issued.
Tip: Having qualified architects prepare your plans can streamline the approval process and prevent delays.
Digital Modelling: Visualising Your Industrial Shed
After permits are secured, our design team creates detailed concept drawings of your industrial steel building. These drawings help you visualise the final structure and ensure everything is accurate before moving to the next stage.
Depending on our workload, this step typically takes around 2 weeks.
Steel Availability and Lead Times
The availability of materials is a critical factor in the timeline. At Steelcorp, we only use premium-quality Australian steel to ensure your structure stands the test of time.
“Lead times for steel are generally consistent,” Shane explains. “However, as steel is a commodity product, occasional fluctuations can occur. Typically, sourcing steel takes 4–5 weeks.”

This stage also includes procuring fixtures, insulation, guttering, and other components essential for your project.
Current Project Pipeline
Once materials are ready, your project is slotted into our manufacturing pipeline. Our state-of-the-art factory and skilled fabricators ensure your structure meets the highest standards.
For instance, a basic industrial shed might spend 5–6 days in the factory, followed by up to 2 weeks for galvanising, depending on the galvaniser's workload.
Weather and Site Conditions
While we strive to keep projects on schedule, some factors are beyond our control:
- Weather: Rain or high winds can cause delays, particularly during roof installations, as safety remains our top priority.
- Site Conditions: A flat, dry, and accessible site speeds up construction. However, some sites may require soil stabilisation, access road upgrades, or stormwater management to meet project requirements.
Estimated Timelines
So, how long should you expect?
- Farm sheds: Typically 3–4 months from start to finish.
- Commercial and industrial buildings: Structures like warehouses, factories, or multi-tenant facilities take 4–6 months due to their complexity and additional requirements.
These estimates include every step, from initial consultation and permit approvals to fabrication and final construction.
Let’s Bring Your Project to Life
Whether you're planning an industrial shed, a warehouse project, or a custom-designed commercial structure, Steelcorp's experienced team of industrial steel builders is here to help.
Get in touch with our building design consultants to discuss your project today. We’ll provide clear timelines and guide you through every step, ensuring your new space meets your vision and stands the test of time.
