Video summary

The Iron Empire - $40K SHED BUILD - How I Did It!

Main summary

Key takeaways

Lifestyle

Key summary (life/build tips + highlights)

  • Massive shed reset first

    • Do a full cleanup before you start filming or building: clear junk, remove clutter, organize parts, throw away unwanted items.
    • Plan improvements after the space is usable again.

  • Add natural light (and consider seasonal comfort)

    • Cut openings for windows to improve the shed’s feel and usability.
    • Plan for heat management:
      • Add a blind for summer sun to prevent overheating.

  • DIY shed built for function on a budget

    • Location: Adelaide Hills (Forreston area), on just under 5 acres; initially rural/undeveloped.
    • Track/build progressively:
      • Start with basics (porta potty, pergola, early planning).
      • Add landscaping (gravel driveway for winter grip, lawn, palm trees, gardening).
      • Eventually build the main shed and store/organize multiple cars/projects.

  • Shed dimensions & structure (what he built)

    • Shed size: about 9m wide x 18m long (~162m²).
    • Wall height: around 3m center, nearly 4m overall.
    • Built largely by hand (“hard yakka”), with occasional help.

  • Cost strategy: buy smart, reuse materials

    • Major cost-saver: he scored the shed shell in one color (Colorbond “Woodland Grey”) for about $11.5k (described as leftover/over-order stock).
    • He accepts mismatches (roller doors, windows) but plans to paint/trim later.

  • Concrete + flooring for heavy work

    • Concrete slab: over 100mm thick.
    • Poured for future use of a hoist, costing about $10k.
    • Flooring: used two-pack clear over prior automotive paint (about ~$1k+ total mentioned).

  • Insulation for productivity

    • Added high-quality insulation in roof/walls to reduce summer heat load.
    • Estimates around ~$2k spent on insulation so far (approximate).

  • DIY electricity + comfort upgrades

    • Electrical: a mate (Daniel) installed three-phase power, and he did most remaining work (trenching, running).
    • Added air conditioning:
      • Second-hand evaporative unit installed by cousin Shane.
    • Added heating:
      • Old-school fireplace plus inverter-style heat bars in each bay area to stay warm in winter.

  • Create zones: work, paint, clean, storage

    • 3x3m internal room for kitchen/cleaning/maintenance routines:
      • Budget kitchen using leftover cover sheets and cheap bench tops (Bunnings).
      • Second-hand fridge, DIY splashback, DIY shower screen/shower components, RV-style toilet.
    • Workshop planning:
      • Leave bays for cars and dedicate other bays to benches and paint/work setups.
    • Tool/workflow design:
      • Each bay has its own bench + light area so you don’t walk around the whole shed for basic tasks.

  • Benches built from repurposed materials

    • Uses scrap/leftover joinery cover sheets for bench/wall builds instead of buying new.
    • Notes:
      • Consider doubling bench tops for stability when working/belting heavy parts.
      • Install vises properly and mount benches securely to walls.
    • Repurposed “charging corner” bench:
      • For battery chargers and tool charging.
      • Storage underneath for oil/jacking stands.

  • Additional workshop gear

    • Ultrasonic cleaner for detailing/cleaning parts.
    • Lots of project parts prepped for ongoing car builds (including Raceworks parts for a Torana).

  • Exterior/landscape + long-term planning

    • Built a deck using recycled material (new top decking only).
    • Started retaining walls/paths/garden beds gradually.
    • Water storage:
      • Mentions a rainwater tank ~450,000 liters (approx stated as “four but 50,000 liters”).
    • Future house plan:
      • Container-to-house transition, owner-build / DIY, with plans in progress (likely multi-year).

  • Earthworks & logistics

    • Moved large dirt volumes to reshape the property (described as “80 tonne… dirt” and another estimate around “1500 bucks”).
    • Plans for future shed access:
      • Back roller door for car entry, view-facing openings, potential ramps/trail driving in future.

  • Overall cost approach + conclusion

    • He lost track of exact numbers, but estimated range:
      • Roughly $30k to $40k total so far.
    • Reflection:
      • Still has finishing work (painting mismatched parts, trimming, completion tasks).
      • Building himself saved money but was a huge learning curve.
      • If he had time again, he might hire the structure install to save time.

Notable locations/products/speakers (as mentioned)

Locations

  • Adelaide Hills, Forreston (property)
  • Adelaide Auto Expo (destination for the Torana build)

People

  • Daniel (helped install the electrical / three-phase power)
  • Shane (aircon installer—evaporative unit)
  • Markadian Empire (channel/brand referenced; also his online store shown in the description)

Products / brands / items

  • Colorbond “Woodland Grey” (shed shell color)
  • Bunnings (budget supplies mentioned)
  • Golden Fleece (old fuel tank; plan to fill “premium” for his own cars)
  • BP Bowser (mentioned—will swap to Golden Fleece concept)
  • Raceworks (parts for his Torana)
  • Paramount Browns (bench/joinery-related mention; also “Paramount Brown scenario” for cupboard/cleanup setups)
  • Cars referenced: Torana, Dodge Phoenix, Dali, parts Falcon, Farm hack (4WD), 440 big block, 500+ big block, Cleveland crossflow, plus Shark Renault and Fairlane/BF Tornado (future/other topics)

Online

  • markadianempire.com (online store / merch and contact for wheels as mentioned)

Original video