KITSET SHEDS AVAILABLE NOW | LEARN MORE
KITSET SHEDS AVAILABLE NOW | LEARN MORE
Lifestyle sheds are an extension of your living space and a reflection of your style. They also offer practical solutions for storage needs. The American-style barn, for example, presents a unique opportunity to blend functionality with aesthetic appeal, housing seasonal items and recreational equipment while complementing any setting you put it in.
KiwiSpan steel barns and storage sheds are designed to work around your need for additional storage, featuring open floor plans that allow for efficient organisation and easy access to stored items. If you own a KiwiSpan steel storage shed and want a practical solution to maximising storage space, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we share innovative shed storage ideas to optimise your available space, ensuring your KiwiSpan barn or shed is as efficient as stylish.
The first step in maximising your shed or barn storage space is to declutter. Be honest with yourself about what you truly need and use. Discard broken items, donate unused belongings, and recycle anything you can. Once you’ve decluttered, categorise your remaining items by function or season; this will help you organise your storage solutions more effectively.
A well-thought-out floor plan can significantly impact the efficiency of your storage space. Take stock of what you need to store and plan accordingly. Allocate specific zones for different activities or items, such as workshop tools or recreational equipment. This will help you maintain order and make it easier to find what you need when you need it.
Maximising the vertical space in your shed can dramatically increase your storage capacity. Vertical storage solutions, such as shelving units, wall-mounted hooks, and hanging systems, allow you to store items off the floor, making them easily accessible while freeing up valuable ground space. Consider installing high shelves for less frequently used items and lower hooks for tools you need to grab on the go.
Alternatively, factor in a mezzanine floor into your shed during the design phase. KiwiSpan will be happy to help. Because of our smart designs, our sheds are built without obtrusive bracing or centre poles, so you can maximise every metre of your shed and enjoy top-to-bottom storage space!
Your walls are prime real estate for storage. Pegboards, magnetic strips, and slatwall panels are versatile options that you can customise to suit your storage needs. Pegboards, in particular, are ideal for organising tools, gardening supplies, and small items, keeping them visible and within reach. Magnetic strips are perfect for storing metal tools and accessories, while slatwall panels can accommodate a variety of hooks, baskets, and shelves.
Furniture that doubles as storage is a game-changer when maximising space in your KiwiSpan storage shed. Consider benches with built-in storage for seating and organisation or cabinets that can serve as workbenches. These pieces not only save space but also add to the functionality and comfort of your barn or shed.
Stackable containers are a space-saving solution that can help keep your KiwiSpan barn or shed organised. Choose clear containers to easily identify contents or label opaque ones for quick access. This approach keeps items tidy and dust-free while making the best use of your available space.
Incorporate mobility into your storage plan with rolling carts and tool chests. These can be easily moved around, providing flexible storage options and allowing you to bring your tools or materials directly to your workspace. This is particularly useful in multi-use spaces or when you need to clear an area for a specific project.
Finally, get creative with your storage solutions. Repurpose old furniture or containers for new uses, such as turning an old dresser into a tool cabinet or using wine racks for storing garden tools. Look for inspiration in unconventional places, and don’t be afraid to do some DIY to fit your specific needs.
Maximising your barn or shed’s storage space is not just about creating more room; it’s about enhancing functionality, improving accessibility, and infusing your style into the space.
Unlock the power of personalisation with KiwiSpan steel sheds! Our 100% customisable designs allow you to create a storage solution that perfectly reflects your style and meets your unique needs. From selecting the shed size to your ideal roofing, doors, and windows, you have complete control over every aspect.
KiwiSpan sheds have no obtrusive centre poles or bracing, allowing for more interior space, so you have the freedom to transform it into a well-organised, efficient, and stylish part of your property. Get started with a KiwiSpan shed and request a free quote today.
As the summer sun heats up, so does the need to properly care for your trusty NZ steel shed. Unlike some other sheds out there, KiwiSpan steel sheds offer a superior 50-year durability commitment. However, even the toughest sheds require seasonal attention to ensure they remain in excellent condition for generations. So, before the temperatures soar, roll up your sleeves and follow these essential tips for steel shed maintenance.
While steel is inherently strong, summer in New Zealand can throw curveballs that can weaken its defences. Intense heat leads to thermal expansion and contraction, putting stress on the structure. New Zealand’s harsh UV rays can speed up the rate at which colours fade, especially dark colours and on the north-facing side of your shed. In parts of the country, high humidity contributes to increased condensation, which feeds the growth of mould and mildew. Neglecting these factors can lead to costly repairs or even premature shed replacement.
KiwiSpan understands that your belongings deserve the best. And you can give them the protection they deserve with a KiwiSpan steel storage shed. While the steel we use is tough and built for NZ’s harsh weather conditions, there are practical ways to maintain its quality, integrity, and shape during summer.
Position the trees or vines strategically to maximise shade during the hottest parts of the day. Be mindful of root growth to avoid damaging the shed’s foundation. Alternatively, you could install shade sails or awnings for targeted protection.
When selecting your shed colour, opt for paint with a higher Total Solar Reflectance (TSR) for your roof and exterior walls. A higher TSR colour will deflect more heat, keeping your interior cooler.
KiwiSpan uses COLORSTEEL® paint designed for New Zealand conditions, ensuring durability and effective heat reflection. We offer a wide range of colour choices to ensure that your shed will stay cool and look cool, too.
Consider adding reflective foil or bulk insulation to your roof and walls, especially if your shed houses heat-sensitive items. This creates a barrier against heat transfer. Your KiwiSpan project manager will be able to advise you on this.
Inspect your roof for any cracks, holes, or loose fasteners. Prompt repairs prevent leaks and sun damage to the interior. At KiwiSpan, you can choose from MODNCOLOUR® and COLORSTEEL® cladding in various profiles to combat the heat, promote airflow, and prevent moisture buildup.
Regularly inspect the paint for fading, chipping, or rust spots—touch up with high-quality, rust-resistant paint to halt the accelerated oxidation which can take place in warm, moist environments.
Don’t let clogged gutters trap water and debris. Clean them regularly, ensuring proper drainage to prevent water damage and rusting.
Waterblasting is an important part of KiwiSpan shed maintenance, not just for the summer but all year round. This cleaning method uses high-pressure water spray to remove dirt, grime, loose paint, mould, algae, and other unwanted materials from your shed. Unlike traditional cleaning methods, waterblasting does not require harsh chemicals, making it an environmentally friendly option.
Remove unnecessary items from your shed to improve airflow and prevent moisture buildup. Organise remaining items efficiently to maximise space and prevent damage.
Pests can cause significant damage to your shed and its contents if not taken care of. Regularly inspect for signs of rodent or insect activity and address them promptly.
As summer winds down, prepare your KiwiSpan shed for winter by addressing any repairs, removing leaves and debris from the roof, and ensuring proper drainage to prevent any damage caused by the buildup of water, snow, or ice.
By following these simple yet effective tips, you can ensure your KiwiSpan steel shed thrives through the summer heat and wet winters, offering reliable storage for many years. Remember, regular maintenance is key to maximising the lifespan and functionality of your shed, saving you money, and preserving your valuable belongings.
Choose a shed that stands strong year after year – no matter the weather. Crafted from high-quality steel, KiwiSpan steel sheds can withstand harsh weather conditions and only require minimal upkeep. We offer a 50-year lifespan for our sheds’ structural frame and related brackets, assuming adherence to our durability and maintenance guidelines. Invest in quality and peace of mind – choose a KiwiSpan steel shed today! Get a quote here.
In today’s fast-paced industrial landscape, efficient storage solutions are essential for businesses to thrive. If you’re a business owner looking for an efficient yet cost-effective solution to secure your valuable business investments, we may have the solution for you. Whether you own a car care centre, run a trucking business, or are in the manufacturing industry, investing in a metal shed can be a game changer for your storage needs. Let’s explore how your business can benefit from building industrial storage sheds.
Do you have a fleet of vehicles or a host of products without the space to store them? Minimal storage space could hinder your business operations, negatively impact productivity, and cost you money. Industrial storage sheds offer an ideal solution by providing ample space to accommodate various items. With a KiwiSpan industrial building or storage shed, you can rest assured that everything will fit. From machinery and equipment to raw materials and finished products, our commercial sheds can house a wide range of assets, ensuring everything is readily accessible when needed. We can deliver clear spans of up to 18m without obtrusive bracing, providing more usable space for your operations from top to bottom.
The security of your valuable equipment and materials is paramount. You can equip your KiwiSpan industrial storage shed with robust security features to protect your assets against theft. In addition to security features, the durability of KiwiSpan sheds stands as a formidable defence against New Zealand’s harsh weather. These tough sheds are built with the highest-quality steel, shielding your assets from harsh elements, UV rays, and moisture while preventing corrosion and damage.
Maintaining a well-organised workspace is crucial in an industrial setting. KiwiSpan industrial storage sheds are incredibly adaptable, making it easy to organise, categorise, and store items systematically. You can utilise additional shelving, racks, and storage bins to optimise organisation within the shed, making retrieval and inventory management more efficient.
While initial construction costs may seem significant, KiwiSpan industrial storage sheds provide long-term cost-effectiveness. Compared to alternative storage options, such as renting warehouse space, our metal sheds often result in substantial savings. With minimal maintenance requirements, your shed remains secure and functional for years to come, eliminating the need for costly repairs or replacements. It is a wise investment that pays off in the long haul.
One of the greatest advantages of KiwiSpan industrial storage sheds is their versatility. You can customise them to meet your specific storage or business needs, tailoring the size, layout, and features to accommodate your unique requirements.
Such a high degree of adaptability not only improves the operational efficiency of your facility but also adds to cost-effectiveness, competitive edge, and customer satisfaction, all of which are vital for the success of your industrial endeavours.
As operations increase and expand, an industrial storage shed becomes a crucial asset to meet customer demand and attract more potential clients. KiwiSpan sheds offer the storage space needed to stock a wider variety of products, appealing to a more diverse customer base. With additional storage capacity, you can also store seasonal items in advance, ensuring they are readily available when customers start looking for them.
With KiwiSpan’s industrial and commercial sheds, your business has nowhere to go but up! Our unwavering dedication to crafting structures of enduring quality sets us apart. Whether you need a spacious warehouse, a state-of-the-art factory, or a meticulously designed workshop, our team has the experience and expertise to surpass expectations.
If you are interested in building an industrial storage shed, try our 3D Builder and start exploring the possibilities today. Talk to the friendly KiwiSpan team to further discuss your storage needs.
If you’re in the market for a new shed or workshop, you may have heard the term “kitset shed” thrown around. But what is a kitset shed? And why should you consider one for your next project? As a leading brand for high-quality DIY steel sheds in New Zealand, we are experts in the industry and can help you design steel sheds to suit your project needs and preferences. Today, we delve into everything kitset sheds, exploring what they are and the difference between off-the-shelf and made-to-order designs.
A kitset shed is a pre-fabricated shed delivered in pieces (in a flat-pack kit) to be assembled on-site. The kit includes all the necessary components for constructing the shed, including frames and hardware.
When choosing a kitset shed for your project, there are two types of shed kits to consider: off-the-shelf and made-to-order shed designs.
Off-the-shelf kitset sheds are pre-made in standard sizes by the manufacturer and readily available for purchase. This is not something that KiwiSpan offers – Our sheds are 100% custom-made. However, a downside of off-the-shelf kitset designs is that there’s no room for customisation as everything comes with set dimensions, meaning it’s unsuitable for those with specific requirements.
Made-to-order kitset sheds are excellent options for those wanting to customise their steel shed to suit project requirements. At KiwiSpan, we offer kitset sheds that are highly customisable. Whether your steel shed needs to accommodate tall machinery or include wider doors or tailored windows, we can design and manufacture it to suit your requirements!
From their high-quality design to easy assembly, there are many advantages to creating a kitset shed with KiwiSpan! Some of the benefits of our kitset sheds include:
KiwiSpan takes pride in delivering the best shed solutions to Kiwis everywhere. Our steel kitset sheds are constructed from the highest quality materials and are made to last. We use up to 3.0mm-gauge steel for the structural elements in our sheds and a minimum of 0.4mm gauge for roof and cladding steel (heavier than most competitors) to ensure high strength and durability. Our designs include premium steel gutters and flashings to ensure a watertight shed designed to withstand the elements and provide long-lasting durability.
At KiwiSpan, you can discuss with us the ideal size of your kitset shed, your preferred style, and what features you’d want to include, making your shed 100% customisable and tailored to your needs. For example, you can either choose from a sectional or roller door of varying heights. We can also tailor windows for your shed depending on what fits best. We also offer roofing and cladding profiles to ensure you get your desired style for your kitset shed. The possibilities are numerous! Rest assured that you won’t get a standard-looking steel shed. Our team works hard to personalise one according to your wants and needs!
We’ve been creating quality sheds since 2003. So, creating a steel shed you’ll love is not unfamiliar to us. Thanks to our nationwide network of experienced licensees, we can help you achieve the steel shed of your dreams no matter where you are in New Zealand! We have licensees spanning from Northland to Invercargill, so you can expect a local shed expert near you.
Our kitset sheds are DIY, but if you have any trouble along the way, you can ask our experienced licensees who can provide you with valuable and expert advice regarding building consents and the build process.
With all the necessary components included in the kit that is delivered to your site, assembly is straightforward and efficient! If you have construction experience, you can start building your kitset shed immediately. If not, you may need to employ a team of contractors who can build your kitset shed for you.
When you order a kitset shed, you’ll work closely with your local KiwiSpan licensee. Initially, we’ll discuss the size, style, and features you want. Our local licensee will provide you with a quote based on your specifications. Once we get the go-signal, you’ll receive a detailed plan and all the necessary components to assemble the shed on your property.
Our team can design and manufacture kitset components to your exact requirements. Depending on the size and complexity of the shed, an assembly can be completed quickly with the help of your construction team. But of course, you’ll also have the option to let our trusted licensees construct it for you. All that’s left is to get the keys and enjoy your brand-new steel shed!
Whether you’re looking for a residential storage solution or farm barns in NZ, a kitset shed is a durable and high-quality solution to consider. By choosing a DIY kitset shed, you can save money, customise the design to meet your needs and enjoy a durable, long-lasting structure. At KiwiSpan, we offer kitset sheds that are 100% customisable. We offer a variety of colour, cladding, and roofing options for you to choose from. No matter your need, we can work with you to create the perfect solution. Design your kitset shed with us today!
When constructing a shed for your business, lifestyle, or residential needs, you must ask yourself if you want a steel shed or a wooden shed. The material used for your shed building will impact its durability, functionality, and aesthetics, so it’s important to make an informed decision. Read on to learn the differences between steel vs wood and why we believe nothing beats NZ steel sheds.
Wooden sheds have hung around for centuries. They have a traditional look and can be somewhat flexible in design, making them a popular choice for the past few decades. Whether you’re looking to add a splash of colour or keep it all-natural with a wood stain, there are many design options to choose from.
Wooden sheds are also customisable. Designing a unique shed layout that suits your property when working with wood is easy.
However, while wooden sheds have been around for centuries, there are plenty of reasons we believe they should be left in the past. Wooden sheds are extremely susceptible to insects, fire, and weather-related damage. New Zealand weather conditions can be harsh and unpredictable, so choosing a shed that will withstand the elements is essential.
Wooden sheds are more suitable for short-term storage than long-term commercial and industrial purposes. They will require more maintenance, costing more money in the long run.
For KiwiSpan, the debate between steel sheds vs wooden sheds is an easy one. Discover why more and more Kiwis are opting for steel sheds over wooden ones.
Steel is not easy to damage and will provide long-lasting durability even in the harshest conditions. At KiwiSpan, we make all our sheds with galvanised steel, which protects against the rust and corrosion often caused by overexposure to rain. They’re also naturally fire-retardant. Our steel sheds have proven themselves time and time again in the harshest climates NZ has to offer.
The steel we use on all our sheds is the only material used in construction today that can be 100% recycled and reused. When you opt for a steel shed, you’re minimising your environmental impact and helping keep Aotearoa as green as possible.
Steel sheds go beyond durability and sustainability; they are also aesthetically pleasing! Steel looks much more modern than timber and will complement contemporary lifestyle property beautifully.
The debate between steel sheds vs wooden sheds is a matter of form or function. Here at KiwiSpan, functionality is the number one goal of any shed, so we create steel sheds that will maximise the use you get out of yours. Talk to our team about your requirements, and we’ll create a solution tailored to your needs. Give us a call today to discuss our range of sheds, from storage sheds to large commercial projects.
A KiwiSpan kitset shed gives you the flexibility to do as much of the construction and project management as you’d like to. By doing some of the work yourself, you can save on the cost of labour and start work whenever you’re ready.
In a nutshell, we design and manufacture the shed, you put it together. You have the flexibility to do as much or as little as you like with a KiwiSpan kitset shed. We can help you with engineering and council consents. When it comes to construction, you can do this yourself if you have the skills and experience, or you can choose your own contractors. A KiwiSpan kitset shed puts you in complete control of the construction costs and time frames.
KiwiSpan design kitset sheds for all sorts of uses – farm sheds and barns, storage sheds, workshops and more. Whatever the type of shed you need, when you choose a kitset shed with KiwiSpan it’s designed to your specific requirements. You still benefit from the input and experience of our licensees who are supported by our knowledgeable design and engineering teams. We work with you to design a shed that suits your needs and your specific site. It’s completely tailored in terms of size, shape, roof lines, colours, cladding, windows, doors and more.
When it comes to the quality of your kitset shed, this is as much about the materials and design, as it is about the construction. KiwiSpan sheds are more durable because they are made with…
If you’re looking for a durable steel shed which is fully customised to your needs, and, if you have the time and skill to do some of the construction yourself, then a KiwiSpan kitset shed may be just what you’re after. Contact us HERE today to get the ball rolling on your next project.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and highly frustrating at times too! When building a shed, there are some common components people wish they’d done differently. Luckily, you have the chance to avoid making these same mistakes – simply read on.
Everyone has a budget in mind and when designing a shed it’s easy to fall into the trap of limiting the shed height in order to save money. The height of your shed is particularly important when it comes to moving large vehicles or equipment around, storing big items, installing roller doors (which always hang down from the ceiling), or allowing for a mezzanine level.
Extra height very rarely has a significant impact on the building design or cost, so ensure you talk this feature through in detail with your KiwiSpan licensee.
It’s important to remember that sheds are designed based on the external measurements – if you provide measurements needed to house your belongings internally, then the external size will need to be bigger to accommodate framing and cladding. People often regret getting a shed that’s the bare minimum size as they end up having to squeeze their items in – they haven’t always allowed enough space to open doors and manoeuvre things around. An extra metre or two can make a huge difference in the usability of your new shed.
There’s nothing more disappointing than watching your brand new shed show early wear and tear. That’s why KiwiSpan design sheds with a heavier gauge steel to better withstand harsh weather conditions and the bumps and scrapes of daily use. Our sheds are made with heavy duty bolts for stronger connections too. It all comes down to having a shed that is durable and long lasting – a better investment over time.
Many people regret the decision to build a shed that doesn’t have clear spans. Clear spans offer wide open spaces with more internal room top to bottom – meaning you have greater manoeuvrability, more space for storage, and increased visibility within the shed. Plus, with fewer places for birds to roost, a clearspan design can help to prevent birds roosting in your shed.
KiwiSpan can build sheds up to eighteen metres wide without needing obtrusive centre poles or bracing – creating much more usable space on the same building footprint. The lesson here is that a building of the same dimensions doesn’t always offer as much usable space – it’s a big eye opener for some people planning a new shed.
When dealing with unpredictable factors, timing isn’t guaranteed. Your project can be delayed by a number of things including…
Every project is different in terms of the challenges faced – going in with an understanding of what may possibly happen ensures you have realistic expectations and don’t get stuck needing your shed before it’s fully completed. At KiwiSpan, our team will communicate any timing changes as they come up, and are always available to you for discussions on the progress of your project.
There you have it, the top five ‘I wish I’d known’ topics we hear about. To avoid these common mistakes, it’s very beneficial to have a clear idea of how you’ll be using your new shed – that way our team of experts can help you ensure it functions as needed without incurring unnecessary costs.
When you’re ready for a discussion about the options, contact your local KiwiSpan licensee. Our experts can help you understand what you really need and customise your shed design accordingly
Whether it’s a storage shed, workshop, farm shed or an industrial building, KiwiSpan has a customised shed solution for you. Contact us HERE today to get the ball rolling on your next project.
As 2022 draws to a close, we’ve been reflecting on all of the amazing work we’ve done this year. While there is no end to the range of sheds the KiwiSpan team design and build, there are some types that are asked for again and again. So without further ado, are the top five sheds kiwis have built with us this year, and why they’re so popular.
1. STORAGE SHEDS. With the rise in remote and flexible working, New Zealanders are spending more time at home than ever before. So, in order to fully utilise their living spaces, homeowners have been looking for smarter storage solutions for their tools, knick-knacks and prized possessions. KiwiSpan’s customised shed designs mean you can tailor a storage shed to your unique needs. KiwiSpan’s storage sheds are in demand due to the wider clear span on offer versus many other shed suppliers – you can get up to eighteen metres clear, without obtrusive bracing or centre poles. You get more value for money when you build a storage shed with more usable interior space – that’s more top-to-bottom storage within the same floor space.
2. WORKSHOP SHEDS. These are buildings in which items are repaired or manufactured – either for personal or commercial purposes. Workshops have long been one of our most popular shed types due to their versatility and the complete customisation options available through KiwiSpan. KiwiSpan’s smart designs enable wider clear spans which is a great feature for many workshops… It means you get more storage space, more manoeuvrability, and more visibility under your roof.
3. COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS. If you need to upgrade from your current business premise or build a space to start your new enterprise, KiwiSpan has a solution to suit. Retail centres, showrooms, offices, and workshops are just the beginning – our team works with you to customise the building to your unique needs. KiwiSpan is a popular choice with business owners as we use a heavier gauge steel and heavy duty bolts to make our sheds stronger and more durable… so you can get on with business knowing your premises will stand strong and look good for years to come.
4. AMERICAN BARNS. These sheds are chosen for their visual aesthetic – they’re a great option when you need a shed that doesn’t look like a shed. The American barn style offers good storage and high roof lines. Lots of customers have chosen to add mezzanine floors to their American barn to utilise the extra height for storage. Their unique appearance combined with versatility of use helps to make these a popular shed type for kiwis.
5. INDUSTRIAL SHEDS. These are a popular request for KiwiSpan because of the wide open spaces we can create. Building without obtrusive knee braces gives business owners more usable space and better visibility across the building – and thus, greater value under the roof. We build strong durable steel sheds that are designed to last, so business owners can rest easy knowing their premise will hold up to the daily usage and wear often experienced in industrial situations.
These are just a few of the most popular types of sheds we’ve built in 2022. Whilst different, they all have a few things in common:
Whether it’s a personal, commercial, or industrial building you need, KiwiSpan has a customised shed solution for you. Contact us HERE today to get the ball rolling on your next project.
Background “I needed a new, purpose built workshop”
Glenn’s involvement in the car racing industry meant he needed a good amount of workshop space as well as storage area for car parts and mechanical equipment. He’d run out of space in his current barn which also housed his tractor and other non-racing equipment. Glenn was considering an extension when a conversation with his neighbour convinced him a new, standalone building would be a smarter choice. “It seemed obvious after that chat,” says Glenn. “A purpose-built space for the race cars was what I needed.”
Supplier selection “Things just gelled with KiwiSpan”
Glenn looked at the local options and decided to proceed with KiwiSpan. “They seemed to be doing the sort of thing I was looking for,” says Glenn. “And a good referral gave me confidence it was the right call,” he adds.
“They asked what I needed in a building, and showed me lots of their work to compare styles and features – lots of valuable stuff came out of that and it really cemented the deal. Things just gelled with KiwiSpan.”
Design phase “I knew what I needed, but their input made the designs even better”
To Glenn, it was obvious where the new building had to go. He was based in the country and his piece of land had a relatively flat area near the existing shed.
As a separate, standalone building Glenn could opt for a more modern aesthetic than the current building. He planned to keep the tractor and other things in the old shed, leaving this new building as a, dedicated space for the race cars. It would be clean, tidy, and dust free… and the exterior needed to emulate the clean modern tone.
“KiwiSpan helped enormously with the designs”, says Glenn. “With their expertise, I got the best possible outcomes for my money.” For example, when KiwiSpan told Glenn it wouldn’t cost much more for wider roller doors (only higher doors), he opted for really wide doors. “This has helped enormously with access and manoeuvrability,” says Glenn.
Another feature that added huge value to Glenn was the awning which extends over the roller doors. ”It’s added a lot more usable space by keeping the doors covered – if it’s raining you don’t lose any workspace or have to worry about things getting wet,” says Glenn. “The cantilever style was my idea – there’s no support poles to worry about the cars hitting. Visually, the lack of external structure makes things look really clear and tidy too.” Cladding the underside of the awning in white Colorsteel also helped with lighting the working areas. “The white surface reflects light down into the space, both during the day and night,” says Glenn.
Glenn needed a mezzanine level for extra storage space. Originally it didn’t fit in the plans so KiwiSpan worked with Glenn to raise the height of the whole building to accommodate a high functioning mezzanine level. “It didn’t dramatically change the overall cost, but added value in many ways” says Glenn. “The extra height is great for bigger vehicles and in manoeuvring our car hoist. It’s also made the mezzanine more usable as we can stand up there and have more space to move large car parts around.
KiwiSpan designed a roller gate on the mezzanine lever to allow for easier access to the storage space. “Some large parts won’t fit up the stairwell, so this gate opens up the balustrade and now we can hoist big items straight up there,” says Glenn. “I’d requested a gate and KiwiSpan came back with this rolling gate suggestion – it’s better, more space efficient, than a swing gate. Their solution has worked, it’s good.”
A ventilation unit installed in the ceiling ensures heat doesn’t build up and fresh air continues to circulate. “It’s something I wanted – KiwiSpan estimated the price to gauge how serious I was, and then the quote came in very close,” says Glenn. “They were on the money, and I went with it.”
KiwiSpan also suggested underground pipework from the tank to the shed. “Little things like that were great,” says Glenn, who had assumed the pipes would run overground.
Construction “It was done really well, very professional”
One of the reasons Glenn had chosen KiwiSpan was that they could project manage the whole job – from getting quotes and council permits through to managing all the sub contractors. “They knew what was needed and just made it happen – all with complete transparency of costs,” says Glenn. “It meant that when it came to construction, I didn’t need to do anything except stay out of the way, and it worked.”
Built recently, Glenn’s project suffered delays due to Covid-19. “It was difficult to get going with all the supply issues,” says Glenn. “But KiwiSpan were very honest about the delays and timing – it was an evolving story and they kept the communication lines open.”
It was all done really well – very professionally managed,” says Glenn. “I wouldn’t have got the same result if I’d tried to do it myself.”
The sales guy at KiwiSpan had persuaded Glenn to paint the floor which he highly recommends to others now. “Poxy resin is such a pain, but you MUST do it,” says Glenn. “It really finished the shed.” With painted concrete floors, Glenn’s new shed looked better and became far easier to keep clean. “Various people have come to use this space but because it is clean and looks clean, they keep it that way,” he says.
Finished result… “It’s perfect – I’m very happy indeed”
With no changes during the construction phase, the final costs were in line with what had been agreed. “KiwiSpan were really good at always talking about the cost impact during design changes – they were really transparent so I knew what to expect all the way through,” says Glenn.
It’s one thing seeing a design on paper and another thing altogether to use the finished building. “It’s working really well, in fact, it’s perfect,” says Glenn. Having a dedicated building for the race cars gave Glenn the clean, tidy space he needed, along with sufficient storage for the equipment and parts needed to maintain those cars. “It works really well – I’m very happy indeed,” says Glenn.
Whether it’s a workshop, farm shed or industrial building you need, KiwiSpan has a customised shed solution for you. Contact us HERE today to get the ball rolling on your next project.
Fieldtorque is Taranaki’s most experienced tractor and farm machinery team. A family-owned and operated business, Fieldtorque was started in 2006 by David and Kathryn Hinton. 15 years later, in May 2021 the business moved into a new premise with a modern, custom designed KiwiSpan building. We spoke to David’s son Carl Hinton, now the General Manager & Director, about their experience with KiwiSpan.
We chose Joel and the team at KiwiSpan because we found them easy to get on with and talk to. We knew that with a project of our size things would come up along the way, and we needed a building partner who was approachable and easy to communicate with. We made the right decision.
KiwiSpan was competitive on price, but it wasn’t just about price for us… the total value is what we were looking at. The detailed upfront conversations about how the building would be constructed really made a difference in our decision to go with KiwiSpan i.e. heavier steel, without knee braces, and using bolts instead of tek screws. We wanted a solid building that would last, without incurring downtime and costs on repairs.
Throughout the project communication was good. During the design stage, Joel was incredibly patient as every ten minutes we were tearing up plans and making changes! Our Project Manager, Mike Preston, also had a lot of involvement in this stage so between ourselves, Joel and Mike, we had great ideas and advice… it just took a few rounds to test out all of our thinking. And the original plan Joel drew up didn’t really change much, just a few hallways and offices changed a bit. It shows how well Joel had listened to us. Right from the start he understood our business and what we needed.
Once the build started, Joel put a site foreman on the project and he was great for day-to-day updates and discussing things as they cropped up. He kept on top of anything we discussed with the electrician, the cameraman etc, and communicated it all back to Joel. Then Joel showed up regularly to check in, and discuss progress and the impact of any changes we’d made. He also covered off any possible supply issues, which were just starting to kick in as we finished the project.
Yes, the washup of our budget at the end was where we expected. Everyone always tells you to allow for 10%-15% over and that was right for us… however we’d added lots of little extras so knew we’d bumped up the spend too. For example, talking to the electricians when they were on site allowed us to customise how many power points there were and their positioning, and change the lighting to better suit our usage… we knew changes like these would increase the costs a little but it was worth it to get things exactly right for us.
Yes, every time. We had such a good experience with Joel and the team and they really pulled out all the stops to support our business moving premises and working from split locations during the build phase.
The new building has worked out fantastic, even giving us the ability to grow beyond our expectations. Our turnover has lifted due to the sharp new presence and modern look. The appearance of our building is smart – it’s welcoming and customer friendly, and it’s really nice to have people walk into a building we’re proud of. This building better represents Fieldtorque and the business we always wanted to be seen as.
Firstly, take your time with the design work. Spend time doing your research and planning things out – that way when you’re ready to go, there’ll be no holdups and less scope changes throughout the build. One of the best things we did was go out and visit a lot of other tractor dealerships. We learnt a lot by looking at their facilities, how they had things laid out, and the way they went about their business. We took the best of all their ideas and our own!
Also, remember there are a lot of hidden costs you don’t think of. It’s not just the building, but all the other stuff that comes with having a new building. Think about if you’ll need new furniture – we didn’t want to put our old furniture in this smart new building, it didn’t look right… but it cost quite a bit to replace it all. Then there are things like building signage, new showroom displays etc. Our new building wasn’t just a new building, it was a whole new front for our business and we invested in all these extras, and we are really pleased with the final result and it’s reflected in our increased turnover, but if you don’t plan for it, the extra costs could catch you out.
My last piece of advice would be to share the load. With a build of this size, you can’t just have one guy making all the decisions and trying to think of everything. We split it by out-the-back functionality versus all the showroom and external signage stuff. It was great to have a few people from our business working on this – there was always someone to bounce ideas off and bring a different perspective. We definitely got a better result this way.
Like Fieldtorque, a customised steel shed may be just what your business needs. Contact us HERE today to get the ball rolling on your next project.
