BE INTO WIN A $1500 SWANNDRI GIFT VOUCHER | LEARN MORE
BE INTO WIN A $1500 SWANNDRI GIFT VOUCHER | LEARN MORE
New Zealand is a great country with many freedoms… one of which is the right to build your own shed. It’s not for everyone though. If you’re considering building your own shed, there are two main areas to ensure you have covered off; your local council rules, and the skills required to actually construct a shed. Let’s look at these in more detail.
Rules and regulations
Like with any other building, a new shed may require council consent or a building permit. This is to ensure a safe structure is created that doesn’t infringe on the rights of your neighbours or the local community. Before building a shed, you may need answers to questions such as…
As you plan a new shed design, it’s important you’re clear about what you can legally do. If you choose to build your own shed, it’s your responsibility to comply with local rules and regulations. If you get things wrong you may be required to remove the structure at your own cost. If you have any uncertainty in this area, it’s a good sign you should consider working with expert shed builders rather than attempting to build your own shed.
Building skills and the quality of workmanship
Everybody sets out to build a shed that’s safe and structurally sound, however it’s easy to get things wrong. Before you attempt to build your own shed, you should be comfortable answering questions like…
In most cases, building a shed is not as complex as say a house or a commercial building. However, that doesn’t mean it’s easy and without its challenges. It may seem obvious that skill and experience go a long way towards successfully building a safe, strong, good looking shed.
Kitset sheds
People often look to kitsets as a way of building your own shed where some of the work has been done for you. With a kitset shed you typically buy a building design, and get the materials required to build that shed design. It’s up to you then to put the pieces together.
A kitset can often cost less than getting a shed fully built and installed for you, and that’s because you don’t get everything with a kitset shed. The great thing about working with KiwiSpan is that you have the flexibility to get as much or as little support as you need. It’s your choice which tasks we complete and which you’d like to do yourself. For example:
If you’d like the full build experience, just the kitset, or something in between, KiwiSpan can customise the offering so you get exactly what you need, and nothing you don’t want. If you’re at all unsure about kitsets, it can save time, money, and a whole lot of stress by talking to our experts from the beginning. KiwiSpan support you all the way through your shed building journey, regardless of how involved in the build phase we are.
Whether it’s a workshop, tool shed, or commercial building, KiwiSpan has a customised shed solution for you. Contact us HERE today to get the ball rolling on your next project.
Owning a business is no small feat, and nobody knows that better than our KiwiSpan network. The network consists of over 20 independently owned licenses, that are based throughout the country. Together, they have helped build KiwiSpan’s reputation as one of New Zealand’s most trusted steel shed suppliers.
Here at KiwiSpan, we don’t let hard work go unnoticed. Every year, we hold an annual national Conference to host the network, share company updates, and most importantly, recognise those who stood out for their exceptional work and business savvy. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic we weren’t able to host the Awards Ceremony in person but we look forward to the event taking place later this year in Wellington.
We’re proud to announce the winners of the 2021 KiwiSpan Licensee Awards are:
Licensee of the Year – KiwiSpan New Plymouth
Owner and operator Joel Schrader, alongside his team, are awarded KiwiSpan’s top award for New Plymouth’s all-around commitment to driving success in their business.
Licensee of the Year Runner Up – KiwiSpan North & West Auckland
This award recognises KiwiSpan North & West Auckland’s relentless pursuit of success and their outstanding performance during 2021.
Highest Sales Achievement – KiwiSpan Waikato
This award recognises Waikato’s determination to succeed, and their admirable sales to show for it.
Highest Sales Growth – KiwiSpan Whakatane
Gary and Deb Woollett, along with the Whakatane team, received this award for their ongoing dedication to sales, and their drive to achieve great results.
Operational Excellence – KiwiSpan New Plymouth
Behind the numbers and margins, a great business is operated with integrity and efficiency. Joel Schrader and the New Plymouth team have shown excellence in operations in New Plymouth.
Operational Excellence Runner Up – KiwiSpan Rotorua
Phil Clark and Jacquie Mcleod, demonstrated outstanding leadership and efficiency throughout their Rotorua business.
Regional Marketing Champion – KiwiSpan Wairarapa
Relatively new on the KiwiSpan block, Tonya Harrison and Rowan Thornton from Wairarapa showed creativity and enthusiasm when it came to marketing in their local community and driving exposure for their business.
Regional Marketing Champion – KiwiSpan Rotorua
When it comes to marketing, there aren’t many that do it like Phil Clark and Jacquie Mcleod from the Rotorua region. The Rotorua team showed great initiative, resourcefulness and creative thinking in 2021.
Network Appreciation Award – James Marsh
As the owner and operator of the Wellington and Kapiti Coast licenses, James secured the ‘good bugger award’ by consistently contributing positively to the network and showing support for other KiwiSpan business owners and their success.
Rowan and his partner Tonya were drawn to KiwiSpan for many reasons. The New Zealand brand, founded in 2003, designs and builds quality steel sheds that are tailored specifically to every customer. The Wairarapa team were excited by the product and reputation of KiwiSpan, as well as the opportunity for growth in their region. Tonya says that at its core, the business helps deliver dream sheds to everyday Kiwi’s around the country.
When the two saw the chance to own and operate their own KiwiSpan business, Rowan and Tonya jumped at the opportunity. It was a natural step for the couple who were craving to get more out of their respective careers and build something for themselves that would provide financial stability for their growing family. Before owning KiwiSpan, Rowan and Tonya founded RTC Construction, mainly subcontracting in the shed building industry. The pair say that owning their own construction business prepared them well for the career change and was a great stepping stone to KiwiSpan.
As a jack of all trades with experience in structural engineering, Rowan is no stranger to a construction site. He spends his time running all of the day-to-day duties on the building site. A typical day for Rowan includes managing customer quotes, visiting potential clients on site, liaising with subcontractors, organising material deliveries and overseeing projects. Tonya’s background is predominantly in administration and marketing, and much of her role in the business is supporting Rowan in delivering a seamless customer experience. Her duties include paying bills, invoicing out claims, and implementing marketing activity in their local community. It’s a perfect balance!
Tonya and Rowan knew from day one that they wanted to build a strong team around them. While their team is small and close-knit, every single member has been instrumental to their early success and navigating the challenges of starting a new business.
What they didn’t expect was the rapid first year growth of the business. Being in a location that was previously trading very little, Tonya and Rowan exceeded KiwiSpan’s own expectations within their first year of trading. In fact, the Wairarapa team have even rivalled their neighbouring regions in sales which is an impressive feat for the newcomers. It goes to show that Rowan and Tonya’s strengths, while different, are a great combination for success.
While this growth has been incredibly rewarding, it has brought challenges around ensuring that they could still deliver a high level of customer service. Adding Tonya’s sister Emelia to the team as an Office Assistant has been a great way to handle the increase in enquiry, while Tonya says it’s been rewarding to watch her sister flourish in the role.
When asked if purchasing a KiwiSpan business was the right move for them, the couple said yes – 100%. Even though it is hard work, and there are some late nights, the couple are proud to be working towards financial stability for their family. More than that, they’re proud to be involved in a collaborative network that supports them while delivering “cool-as” buildings!
If you’re interested in purchasing your own KiwiSpan license, you can learn more about our territories for sale here.
If you’re considering building a new shed, one of the biggest questions, if not the biggest, is ‘What will it cost?’. The answer to that is simple: it depends on the decisions you make.
At KiwiSpan all of our sheds are custom-made and tailored specifically to each individual customer, so each quote is different. We gather some key pieces of information from you to provide an accurate quote. It’s important to us that we don’t charge you for things that you don’t need, and likewise we don’t believe in providing you with a base level quote that has a long list of exclusions which you’d be charged extra for.
Transparency up-front means you know exactly what you’re getting and only pay for what you actually need. Read on to learn about the decisions you need to make that define the design of your new shed, and it’s price tag.
One of the biggest contributors to the cost is size. Consider how big you need your new shed to be, and whether you need all of that space to be fully enclosed or if some areas could be open on the ends or sides?
Openings and access points are another key consideration as the number and type of doors can make a difference to your shed cost. This includes roller or sectional garage doors, whether they’re manual or remote, personal access doors, and sliding doors. Another opening to think about is a window, which can add a lot of value to workshop and storage spaces alike. The number and size of windows will impact your shed price, and in some situations the use of clear perspex panels will do the job.
Partitions and mezzanine floors are all possible and can give you great space utilisation, but again they impact your shed price. Have a clear idea of what you need versus what is ‘nice to have’ depending on your budget.
Finishing details are another big component of your quote. We’ll ask you to make decisions about the internal walls and insulation requirements, as well as exterior cladding including roof and gutters.
If you can answer these questions then you’ve probably put some good thought into a new shed design and know exactly what you need from the space. Now’s a great time to get a quote for your new shed.
Whether it’s a garage shed, workshop, sleepout or carport, KiwiSpan has a customised solution for you. Contact us HERE today to get the ball rolling on your next project.
Our KiwiSpan experts ensure your shed is built to last by customising the structure to your specific site terrain. Just as every building is unique, so is its location and the surrounding landscape. These factors need to be taken into account to ensure the constructed shed can withstand wind speeds on your site.
KiwiSpan’s shed designer tool allows you to factor in key aspects of the terrain such as:
One other aspect to consider is the possibility of harm your building could cause, if your shed can’t withstand the wind or weather conditions. This is clearly greater in densely populated areas and for commercial sheds which many people work in, than for small residential and rural buildings. Our experts will allow for this level of risk as they calculate the structural requirements of your proposed steel shed in NZ.
With KiwiSpan you can be sure we’ll think through these details – so you don’t have to. Our experienced shed builders understand how to engineer a shed to the site’s conditions. There’s always the option to increase the robustness of the design to your satisfaction too.
Talk to your local KiwiSpan team to start a conversation about your unique site. Or use our online 3D Designer Tool to visualise the options before requesting a free quote. When you choose KiwiSpan, you choose a quality steel shed, designed just for you.
Whether it’s a shed, farm barn or carport, KiwiSpan has a customised solution for you. Contact us HERE today to get the ball rolling on your next project.
Ensuring that your hay stays dry is undoubtedly one of the most important factors when it comes to hay storage. Investing in a new hay shed is a great way of making sure that your harvest is secure, protected, and safe, but a well designed steel shed can also make you some money down the line!
So, with that being said, let’s dive into some of the benefits of a steel hay shed:
Your number one priority when storing hay is making sure it isn’t exposed to moisture. Even the smallest amount of water finding its way into your hay bales could result in mould developing and ultimately spoilage. Similarly, if your hay bales are exposed to high heat for long periods this can also cause damage.
Therefore, proper storage is vital for avoiding these risks and having a shed structure with open bays is ideal for this purpose. Benefits of open bays include providing protection against New Zealand’s weather conditions and allowing for air circulation to keep your hay fresher for longer.
KiwiSpan’s steel hay storage sheds are designed to specifically protect your hay from all kinds of weather conditions, making sure you have minimal waste.
As you’re probably already aware, moving anything to or from your farm can be an expensive feat. If you can store your hay or grain on your property instead of with a third party provider you will be able to save yourself the costs of freight and trucking. Plus, you’ll have the added convenience of being able to use and store fodder without the added logistics.
While a steel hay shed may feel like a large investment, having your own allows you the flexibility of storage on your farm that can be utilised for years to come.
KiwiSpan hay storage sheds usually feature open bays along the front of the structure allowing you easy access to your hay. These open bays allow for your farm machinery, feed, and equipment to move easily.
However, the design of your shed is completely up to you. If you would prefer an enclosed structure we can include roller or sectional doors.
Not all farmers have the same needs, which is why KiwiSpan sheds are tailor-made to match your exact requirements. You decide on the width, height, span, colour, and sheeting, and we’ll build your structure to your specifications. Plus you have the ability to add additional elements such as doors, windows and flooring to ensure you have a fully functional hay shed.
Every hay shed we build is designed to prevent moisture traps and ensure proper air circulation so you can rest assured that your hay is always protected.
After all the hard work you’ve put into producing your hay, having somewhere to store it where the quality won’t be affected should be the least of your concerns. At KiwiSpan, we are leaders in building steel structures that will last the distance. Our approach, commitment, and expertise distinguishes us from the rest.
Discover the KiwiSpan difference today, get in touch with your local KiwiSpan team or try out our 3D Designer Tool to kickstart the process.
If you’ve decided that you want to invest in a storage shed then one of your next decisions will likely be where you’re going to put it. Where you put the shed will of course be influenced by its size, your property as well as building and council requirements but there are a few other elements you should also consider including:
How are you planning on using the shed and what will be the most convenient spot for it to be located based on it’s intended usage? These are two questions that are important to ask yourself when deciding on where to put your storage shed. For instance, if you intend to use the shed to store garden supplies and equipment then it makes sense for it to be easily accessible in your backyard or, if the shed will be for bike storage then you may want to install it closer to the front of your house.
Another consideration for choosing where to put your storage shed is how convenient, safe, and easy it will be for you to access. If your shed is located a fair distance away from your house hidden away behind trees and overgrown shrubbery it’s unlikely that you’re going to be keen on venturing out to it very often, especially if you’re lugging heavy equipment with you. It’s a better idea to have the shed positioned closer to your home in an open area which is easily accessible.
We know that KiwiSpan sheds are a sight to behold but it’s up to you to decide whether you want your shed to take centre stage on your property or if you would like to tuck it away in your backyard. We believe that an appealing and well planned shed can add value to your home, so don’t be afraid to show it off! To help your new shed assimilate into your property you may want to have the shed painted a similar colour to your home or to build a path between your home and the shed.
Whether your shed is located in direct sunlight or a shady spot can have a great impact on how comfortable your shed will be and how often you’ll use it. Having a shed which is in full sun most of the day can have negative impacts on your gardening supplies. Plus, if you plan on converting your storage shed into an office, studio, or workshop down the line then you could find the heat most unpleasant.
By putting careful consideration into the location of your new shed you are bound to get the best use from your structure. KiwiSpan sheds are incredibly durable and custom built to last a lifetime, so give us a call to get the ball rolling on your storage shed project.
When it comes to building quality sheds for Kiwi’s, KiwiSpan sets the standard.
One of the keys to our success since 2003, is that 100% of our sheds and buildings are made with quality New Zealand fabricated steel. This means they’re built to the highest standard and made to withstand the harshest NZ conditions. It also means that KiwiSpan is supporting the local community and economy as a true kiwi-made product.
There are several questions which regularly come up when we meet with potential shed owners which we will break down for you now:
This is a question we hear quite a lot! Given that every single KiwiSpan shed is tailored specifically to the customer, the time it takes to build each one will always differ. Obviously smaller builds like garages and smaller sheds can be constructed a lot more quickly than larger shed buildings, so size is definitely a factor. We design our sheds to make them as quick as possible to build, and in some instances, they could take as little as one week to build.
However, it’s important to note that elements such as the weather, supply delays and subcontractor availability all play a role in the timeframe that your shed can be delivered. Given the current climate, there are some additional considerations that need to be taken into account regarding steel supply in New Zealand which may cause delays to the process. Not to worry, our licensees are extremely experienced and will make sure your building process goes as smoothly as possible. Plus you can count on us to keep you in the loop and up to date throughout the entire process.
Yes, the KiwiSpan team can help guide you through the entire building consent application process. We’ve helped many customers through this process and all of our licensees have a deep understanding of their local council requirements.
Sure thing! You can take a look through a gallery of our past projects based on categories by following these links:
Lifestyle and Residential Sheds
Commercial and Industrial Buildings
You can explore these galleries to find inspiration and if you do find one that you like the look of, you can quote the reference number on the image when submitting an enquiry. Plus, each local licensee has a portfolio of sheds that they have constructed for you to browse through.
When it comes to quality sheds, we’re proud to say that KiwiSpan truly sets the standard. Our premium products are made with New Zealand fabricated steel, built to the highest standards, and made to withstand even the harshest weather conditions.
One of the most important factors to take into consideration with your new shed is what your warranty and durability will cover. Our products are governed by the 2004 Building Act, the 2002 Construction Contracts Act and the 1993 Consumer Guarantees Act, and we also provide a 50-year structural durability statement.
This means that your local KiwiSpan licensee will supply a tailored warranty based on your building use and location which will clarify both your maintenance obligations and warranty terms.
Every single shed we build is tailor-made for each customer. We offer a huge range of customisation options including cladding, roof pitches and windows, and you can check out this blog to see all the choices you can make for your new building. So why settle for a standard shed when you could have exactly what you want.
Plus, our 3D Shed Designer Tool allows you to build a visual representation of your perfect shed from the comfort of your home or office. Once done, simply submit it and we will be in touch to make your vision a reality.
Chat to your local licensee about your project and they’ll provide a free quote based on your exact specifications. Contact us today to get the ball rolling on your ideal shed.
When it comes to quality sheds, you know that you can trust KiwiSpan to deliver on promises. The sheds we build are backed by unrivalled experience, premium materials and products, and an unmatched attention to detail.
In fact, we’ve been creating high quality steel sheds that Kiwis love since 2003. We take great pride in providing an experience which is transparent, straightforward, and cost effective. That’s why we’re the Kiwi choice!
KiwiSpan have been pioneers in the New Zealand shed market since our inception. During this time, there is nothing that our extensive network of licensees hasn’t been confronted with. Think you have an out of the box or hyper specific requirement? Well chances are, it’s something we’ve faced before so you can bet that we can build a shed to meet your needs.
Your KiwiSpan shed will be designed and tailor made just for you. We have a totally flexible approach because our sheds don’t come straight off plans. We customise your shed to the land you have available, what you plan on using it for, weather and environmental conditions, and future purposes. With KiwiSpan, you can have your dream shed.
With KiwiSpan, you’re guaranteed a shed that is built to last. This is why we only use the highest quality materials and products available.
We proudly build our sheds with New Zealand fabricated steel, to the highest standards, and foolproof in even the harshest weather conditions. You can have peace of mind knowing that you’re getting a strong and reliable shed that won’t let you down.
At the very core of who we are is our people. We have a national network of passionate, dedicated and trustworthy licensees who are equally as proud of their sheds and customer service.
With KiwiSpan teams spanning the country from Northland to Christchurch and everywhere in between, there’s a local shed expert around every corner. Every single one of our licensees has years of building experience, are knowledgeable about the sheds they construct, and are passionate about seeing happy customers.
Our team will be with you every step of the way throughout the process. Right from the first meeting and initial quote through to the building consent, managing the build process, and celebrating with you once your shed is completed; we’ll be there with you throughout the entire journey.
When it comes down to it, we want you to have the perfect shed.
So whether you’re looking for a shed for work or play, or a mixture of both, KiwiSpan should be the first name you think of.
Our approach, commitment, and expertise distinguishes us from the rest. Discover the KiwiSpan difference today, get in touch with your local KiwiSpan team or try out our 3D Designer Tool to kickstart the process.
We’ve been pioneers in the New Zealand shed and outdoor building industry for almost 20 years and a question that comes up fairly often is what exactly the difference between the kitset and full build processes is.
Both of these options have their own merits with the key difference being who constructs the shed. KiwiSpan can guide you through both of these processes, whether you choose to let us spearhead the project or have your own licensed builder construct the shed. Ultimately, we want to help you to make the decision which is best for you and your needs.
Full build: You leave all the heavy lifting to us (literally) and we will have a KiwiSpan contractor construct your shed.
Kitset: You employ your own licensed builder to construct the shed.
If you find yourself conflicted about which route to go down, you may want to sit down with one of our experienced licensees to talk through the different options. However, it’s important to note that there isn’t any difference in materials for either of these processes, you will receive exactly the same materials either way.
We believe in giving you the flexibility to construct your shed in the manner that you please so we offer both kitset and full build options. If you do choose to go with the kitset approach, the KiwiSpan team will be available to support you and/or your licensed builder along the way.
If you do decide to choose the path of a full build with KiwiSpan you will have the benefit of letting our team take care of all the stress. With the full build, KiwiSpan takes care of organising a building team so that you don’t have to worry about the logistics. Plus, you’ll have the benefit of having the experienced KiwiSpan team behind you who have built hundreds of sheds over the years – making your build less of a headache.
As if building with KiwiSpan wasn’t easy enough, we are also committed to keeping to both timeframe and budget. We’ve been building sheds for almost 20 years so we have an established way of doing things and our project managers will always keep you in the loop, helping to ensure that you feel confident about your build.
Ultimately, the choice between Full Build and Kitset comes down to your own personal preference. So, whether you have your own building team or you would rather use one of ours, KiwiSpan can make your plans a reality and craft the perfect shed for you.
Get in touch with us today so we can work together to make your dream shed a reality.
