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At KiwiSpan, we understand that your aircraft is a source of immense pride and passion. Such a prized possession deserves the finest protection. The best aircraft shelters offer long-term defence against the elements and unmatched security – and there’s no better material for this purpose than steel. Below, we explore the wide-ranging benefits of steel hangar structures, from their unparalleled durability and strength to their unique customisation capabilities.

 

Comparing Hangar Materials

Traditionally, hangars have been constructed from a variety of materials, including:

 

Wood

While a cheaper option initially, most wooden hangars require significant maintenance and are susceptible to rot, mould, and fire damage. Wood hangars may also warp over time and may not be ideal for large or heavy aircraft.

 

Fabric

Fabric hangars are portable and lightweight, making them a good choice for temporary shelters in mild weather. However, they offer little protection from harsh weather conditions like wind, snow, or hail. They are also susceptible to tearing and generally have a shorter lifespan than other materials.

 

Steel

When it comes to protecting your valuable aircraft, hangar steel structures are the clear winner. Steel hangars cater to the long-term needs and protection of aircraft.

 

Benefits of a KiwiSpan Steel Aircraft Hangar

 

KiwiSpan is a leader in steel building construction. We can design bespoke steel hangars that offer numerous advantages over materials like wood or fabric. Let’s run down the top steel hangar benefits.

 

Superior Strength and Protection

KiwiSpan uses up to 3.0mm-gauge steel for structural elements and 0.4mm-gauge cladding, complemented by even more robust 0.55mm-gauge flashings. This thickness and quality surpass industry standards. Our hangars can withstand severe weather conditions like snow, rain, hail, and strong winds while also being resistant to corrosion and pest invasions. Our steel hangars can last for decades, offering secure and reliable shelter against the elements.

 

Fire Safety

The non-combustible nature of steel significantly lowers the risk of fire, a crucial consideration in hangar design given the value and vulnerability of the aircraft stored within. This inherent fire resistance adds an important safety layer, protecting the valuable aircraft and the hangar infrastructure from fire-related damages.

 

Minimal Maintenance Requirements

Unlike hangars constructed from materials like wood, which necessitate regular maintenance efforts like repainting and treatments against rot and insect damage, KiwiSpan’s steel hangars require minimal maintenance. This low upkeep requirement not only reduces ongoing costs but also ensures that the hangar remains operational with minimal downtime, providing a hassle-free storage solution.

 

We Use Quality Fixings and Fastenings

KiwiSpan takes pride in utilising high-strength bolts AND heavy-duty tek screws, coupled with brackets engineered and designed in New Zealand, to secure the hangar’s structure firmly. These industrial-grade components ensure a tighter, more durable connection, enhancing the overall stability and longevity of the hangar.

 

A Cost-Effective Choice

KiwiSpan’s steel hangars represent an economical choice over time. Their durability and minimal maintenance requirements contribute to lower overall expenses throughout their lifespan.

 

Customisation is our Forte

Understanding that each aircraft and owner has unique needs, KiwiSpan specialises in creating customised hangar solutions. Whether it’s specific dimensions to accommodate various aircraft sizes, aesthetic preferences in colour and design, or functional requirements like door types, windows, and cladding profiles, KiwiSpan can tailor your hangar to meet your exact needs, ensuring that your investment is practical and personalised.

 

Longevity Contributes to Sustainability

The durability and longevity of steel hangars mean they need to be replaced less frequently than those made from less durable materials. This longevity reduces the demand for new construction materials and the environmental impact of building new structures. By choosing a KiwiSpan steel hangar, you’re investing in a solution that will serve your needs for decades, minimising the environmental footprint of your aircraft storage.

 

What Types of Aircraft Can You House in a KiwiSpan Steel Hangar?

 

Steel hangars are incredibly versatile. Due to their strength and ability to be custom-designed, they can accommodate a wide range of aircraft, from small private planes to large commercial jets.

Some examples include:
• Private planes (single-engine, twin-engine, etc)
• Helicopters
• Gliders
• Ultralights
• Commercial jets (depending on the hangar size)

 

Choose KiwiSpan & Get Steel Hangars Designed for Your Aircraft

 

Looking for long-term protection of your aircraft? Invest in a steel hangar and know your prized possession will be well-protected for many years. KiwiSpan specialises in steel garages, hangars, and more. Don’t let an inadequate shelter ground your investment. Connect with KiwiSpan today, and let us elevate your aircraft storage solutions to new heights.

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. 

 

Why Summer Maintenance Matters

 

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.

 

Keeping Your KiwiSpan Shed Cool

 

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.

 

Shade Strategies

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.

 

Reflective Paint

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.

 

Insulation Matters

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.

 

Proactive Maintenance Tips

 

Regular Roof Checks

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.

 

Paint Maintenance

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.

 

Gutter Cleaning

Don’t let clogged gutters trap water and debris. Clean them regularly, ensuring proper drainage to prevent water damage and rusting.

 

Waterblasting

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.

 

Declutter and Organise

Remove unnecessary items from your shed to improve airflow and prevent moisture buildup. Organise remaining items efficiently to maximise space and prevent damage.

 

Pest Control

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.

 

Winter Preparation

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.

 

Steel Sheds You Can Rely on All Year Round

 

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.

 

Reason 1: Increased Storage Capacity

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.

 

Reason 2: Enhanced Security & Safety

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.

 

Reason 3: Improved Organisation

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.

 

Reason 4: Cost-Effective Solution

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.

 

Reason 5: Customisation and Versatility

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.

 

Reason 6: Meet Customer Demands

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.

 

Maximise Your Business ROI with KiwiSpan

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.

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.

 

1. BUILD WITH MORE HEIGHT

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.

 

2. DON’T SCRIMP ON SIZE

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.

 

3. OPT FOR QUALITY

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.

 

4. CHOOSE A CLEARSPAN DESIGN

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.

 

5. CONSIDER DELAYS

When dealing with unpredictable factors, timing isn’t guaranteed. Your project can be delayed by a number of things including…

  • The weather; wet and windy weather can put construction on hold and cause delays if materials get too wet.
  • Council; resource consent, building consent, and site inspections can all take longer than expected due to your local council’s capacity and changing regulations.
  • Financing; it can take longer than expected to get finance approved as the banks have more lengthy processes and tougher rules in place than they used to.
  • Construction related; whether team members get sick or you request changes to the scope that delay things with new quotes or new trades, unexpected construction delays happen too.

 

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:

  • Built with heavier gauge steel and grunty bolts as well as tek screws; KiwiSpan steel sheds are stronger and more durable.
  • No knee braces; so you get more usable space for storage and manoeuvrability, and greater visibility across your shed.
  • Fully customised design; KiwiSpan work with you to create a shed that fits on the land you have available, meets your budget, and is personalised to your needs in terms of size, shape, openings, colour, roof style etc. You can even work on the design yourself with KiwiSpan’s 3D Designer Tool – this online tool helps you create your own dream shed in minutes and gives you the freedom to play around with design changes while you consider all of the options available to you… and of course, your local KiwiSpan team is available to add their expertise to your project whenever you’re ready.

 

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.

Fieldtorque started in 2006 and by 2012 the business was booming… it was time for a new building. A tractor and farm machinery business, Fieldtorque had started out in an old press printing building. “You’ve got to start somewhere, but it wasn’t ideal for a tractor shop” says Carl Hinton, General Manager and Director.

With more staff to support the growing business, Fieldtorque needed a bigger premise with a layout to better support their business operations. Their franchises were also putting pressure on the team about the appearance of the building… it was time to set a new standard with a more modern, appealing building to attract and welcome new customers.

“Word of mouth led us to Joel over at KiwiSpan – we talked to other companies as well, but it was Joel that won us over”, says Carl. “He was easy to get on with and understood us – we knew he’d be approachable for anything we needed to talk about during the project, and that was important to us”, adds Carl.

Fieldtorque initially looked at using their current site and changing the building around, but after looking at designs with Joel at KiwiSpan, quickly realised it was going to cost more, and even then, they’d still not get their ideal building. ”We talked to Joel about the designs for our site – it just wasn’t going to work. The land area wasn’t right and we’d need a new premise. It took until 2018 to get the right site”, says Carl.

Fieldtorque’s own builder started doing some demo work and clearing the site while building preparations got underway with the KiwiSpan team. The designs didn’t change much from when they’d originally discussed the business needs back in 2012. “Joel really understood what the building had to do for us – he pretty much nailed the design and all we changed were a few offices and hallways”, says Carl.

Fortunately, during the design phase Fieldtorque were thinking about the finished building and had already begun looking at signage. “We had a great looking sign proposal, but it didn’t fit the building. We talked to Joel and he was great – he lengthened the front of the building and changed the roof line to give us the best street frontage”, says Carl.

“We started building at the end of 2019 and put our original premise on the market. It sold faster than we expected and we had to move out… fast!” says Carl. At this stage, only the foundations had been poured.

“We rented a temporary site in town and asked Joel to prioritise building the workshop”, says Carl. “We knew this would delay the overall building timeframes, but it gave us a better location to operate from. Joel was magic. He pulled builders out of everywhere and got that workshop built ASAP for us.” Fieldtorque’s sales and support teams continued to work in town but importantly, they had a great facility for the heart of their operations, with their new workshop. “We worked out of two sites for about ten months”, says Carl.

“Joel was so approachable – it really helped us through this transition. He was easy to talk to, open to changing scope as needed, and he talked us through the options. The whole time, he was focused on what our business needed”, says Carl.

With the workshop up and running, Carl could see what was happening with the build on a daily basis. “I had questions all the time, and to be fair, they did too”, says Carl. “The various trades could ask me exactly how we wanted things, so we were able to make lots of small changes just by being there at the right time.”

“KiwiSpan’s foreman did a great job of staying on top of all the daily changes and feeding them back to Joel. The project management worked really well”, says Carl.

Once the walls were up, the Fieldtorque team realised a key meeting room wasn’t as big as they’d hoped. After talking through the options they made the decision to remove an adjoining office to allow for a much larger boardroom. “By this stage we felt really comfortable talking about anything with Joel and his foreman, so this was an easy conversation”, says Carl. “It cost us a bit extra in structure reworks but we’re super pleased we did it.”

Fieldtorque moved completely into their building in May 2021. “The new premise has exceeded our expectations – turnover has lifted due to the improved presence and sharp new look”, says Carl. “It’s nice to have people walk right in and feel welcome in our inviting, modern showroom.”

Fieldtorque are now getting on with business and enjoying their investment with KiwiSpan. “Knowing our premise is built to last with heavier steel and heavy duty bolts, means we can relax knowing the place won’t fall over”, says Carl. “We wanted to build the place properly and not worry about ongoing repairs and costly, distracting fixes all the time. We’d recommend KiwiSpan every time.”

Whether it’s a 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.

Buildings require regular maintenance to ensure the lifespan of the components and to meet your warranty conditions. Your KiwiSpan steel shed is no different. Without programmed maintenance aspects of your shed may degrade due to the cumulative effects of…

 

  • Weather.
  • Airborne contaminants.
  • Grime.
  • Debris.
  • Corrosive atmosphere (due to NZ’s extensive coastline and the salt this disperses into the air).

 

It makes sense to get outdoor maintenance done in spring – it’s warmer to be outside, things start drying out after the cold damp of winter, and with warmer, more settled weather ahead you know your cleaning and maintenance efforts are likely to pay off for a few months to come.

 

Cleaning

This is possibly the most important maintenance task. We’re lucky that it rains a lot in New Zealand. Rain naturally washes your shed which helps prevent degradation, however the rain can’t reach all areas of your building and doesn’t wash everything away. We recommend many parts of your KiwiSpan steel shed be cleaned multiple times through the year. This is especially important for those areas where the rain doesn’t reach. Spring is a great time to do a bigger clean that includes both the areas which need more frequent cleaning, as well as those needing less regular manual cleaning. 

We suggest the following aspects be covered in your spring clean:

  • Areas where the rain isn’t able to naturally wash your building need to be cleaned more frequently. These areas include:
    • Undersides of gutters, fascias and soffits
    • Exterior walls under the eaves
    • Garage doors
    • Around flues and television aerials 
    • Around and under solar panels, walkways and platforms.
  • Gutters and spouting, which should be cleaned several times throughout the year too.
  • Look for areas where birds like to roost and ensure droppings are cleaned off.
  • Exterior walls – while these tend to need a little less manual cleaning (depending on your environment), they still need a clean to ensure no degradation and that your warranties are maintained.
  • Interior cleaning – remove any built up dust, grime, and debris. Be sure to remove animal nests and droppings too. This is particularly important for sheds in rural areas and on farms.

 

Cleaning methods

When cleaning steel sheds, KiwiSpan recommend either:

  • Using fresh water and a soft bristled nylon brush, or, 
  • Water blasting at pressures no more than 1000 psi.

If you have any lichen, fungus, or pollen, some cleaning solutions will be needed to properly remove the problem. Please consult your individual maintenance guide for information on cleaning products and how to deal with the problem in a way that won’t harm your shed. (On completion of a KiwiSpan shed, all new shed owners receive a maintenance guide which is specific to their shed.)

 

Rust checks

Visually inspect the structure and cladding for any signs of rust. KiwiSpan use galvanised steel coatings which come with fifteen years of corrosion protection; however it’s still important to check the cladding for rust. The galvanised coating is a sacrificial layer that protects the strong steel base underneath. This coating may be damaged by scrapes and bumps as well as longer term degradation due to the elements. 

Look for rust stains or the growth of rust spots – at the first sign of rust, talk to your local KiwiSpan team who’ll talk you through the appropriate maintenance coating system. 

At any stage, you can reference the full maintenance guide created by KiwiSpan for your unique shed. The good news is that with a KiwiSpan shed, you don’t need to get out sandpaper and paint brushes as part of your maintenance schedule!

Whether it’s a residential, 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.

 

There’s a lot to consider in today’s market before taking the next step in your construction portfolio. Security, business potential, and brand identity can take years to build – especially in a quickly-changing market.

KiwiSpan offers experienced construction professionals the opportunity to own and operate their business with ongoing support from Donovan Group. With a national reputation for excellence, Donovan Group provides added security and growth opportunities for KiwiSpan licensees.

 

Is now the time to invest in a construction business?

It’s no secret that the construction industry is currently facing unprecedented challenges. Delayed shipping, limited supply, and rising petrol prices are being met with increased pressure and frustration from clients. It’s not an easy time to be an independent building professional.

With inflation on the rise and uncertainties clouding the future, it’s important to invest in security for your next business venture. Joining the KiwiSpan license network allows experienced construction professionals to maintain their independence as a business owner, while also reaping the benefits of a strong national support system.

Donovan Group has a proven track record of developing strong license systems, modelled to support each business owner with ongoing training, marketing exposure and engineering expertise. Plus, licensing has a lower statistical risk of failure – even through uncertain times.

 

Ongoing training and support

Working with Donovan Group means joining a network of driven business minds who consistently look for ways to improve, innovate and perform at a higher standard.

Part of being a licensee is receiving training through the KiwiSpan Support Office. Our Commercial Manager regularly visits licensees to monitor progress, and help achieve business and revenue goals. She also facilitates regional catch-ups for the network, as well as our annual conference, where licensees are able to share ideas, develop stronger relationships, and positively grow as business professionals.

Day-to-day support is also available with full access to Donovan Group’s in-house engineers. Being a part of the network allows licensees valuable support from experts with a wide range of skills, experience and knowledge.

 

Marketing an established brand

KiwiSpan is one of the leading New Zealand brands for quality and experience. Operating under the name offers new licensees immediate business momentum and authority in the industry.

The national marketing team delivers cutting-edge exposure of the KiwiSpan brand on an industry-wide scale – while also providing individualised support for local marketing initiatives.

KiwiSpan promotes the success of each licensee with the Donovan Group reputation for quality and innovation. A national backing doesn’t just offer clear and proven marketing tactics – it also helps provide a sense of security to new clients.

 

National pricing agreements

Quoting and costing in a constantly shifting market can put additional pressure and risk onto independent business owners.

KiwiSpan licensees can predict better financial stability with national pricing agreements for top-quality inventory and supply. The collective buying power of Donovan Group means immediate and significant savings for material costs when operating under the KiwiSpan brand.

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We are dedicated to long-term partnerships with our licensees. More than half of the current KiwiSpan business owners have been operating for over ten years. We believe that speaks to the ongoing strength and support offered through Donovan Group.

To learn more about KiwiSpan’s licensee opportunities and our territories for sale, get in touch with our expert business team.

 

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…

  • Do I need a permit?
  • What’s the biggest shed I can build without needing permits?
  • How close to the fence or boundary can my shed be?
  • How high can I build a shed without needing permission?
  • Can I put a toilet in my shed?

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…

  • Do I need foundations?
  • Do I have the skills to build and erect a level shed?
  • Can I follow the building plans?
  • Am I capable of installing windows and doors, and ensuring they both work and are watertight?! Or will I need to hire someone to help me with this component? 

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:

  • Council permits and confirmation that building a particular shed in the place you wish to put it, is actually legal.
  • Putting a solid and level foundation in place for your kitset shed.
  • Constructing your shed and ensuring a sound, level, water-tight structure with properly functioning windows and doors.

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.

 

Before committing to a new steel shed, it pays to get into the nitty-gritty of your quotes and see if you’re really comparing apples with apples. Not all steel sheds are created equal and it’s worth checking the details to understand exactly what you’re getting before you buy.

At KiwiSpan we’re transparent about what you’re getting because we stand by the quality of our buildings. We’re proud of the work we do and believe differences in our buildings make a significant difference to the value of your shed – now and in the future. 

 

Thicker steel = greater structural durability

When your shed is built with a heavier grade of steel, you can rest easy knowing it’s built to last. KiwiSpan uses a thicker steel that is better able to withstand harsh conditions as well as bumps and knocks. So not only is your shed going to be strong and reliable, it will look good for longer too.

 

Stronger connections = a stronger shed

KiwiSpan chooses to use heavy duty bolts rather than lightweight tek screws, giving a stronger connection. All sheds are made up of many parts, and the stronger the connections between those parts, the stronger the overall build is. Our bolts also look a lot tidier than lots of messy screws, giving the inside of your shed a more streamlined visual aesthetic. 

 

Knee braces = more usable space

With the same dimensions on paper, a KiwiSpan shed will give you more usable space because we don’t use knee braces. Knee braces protrude into the internal space and can limit your storage and manoeuvering area. KiwiSpan’s smart designs allow for bigger sheds to be built without knee braces, optimising your space from top-to-bottom, and helping you make the most of every square meter.

The clear open spans of a KiwiSpan shed also allow for greater visibility with a clean and clear visual appearance.

The team at KiwiSpan are always happy to discuss these features with you, and can show you the parts to enhance your understanding of the impact. With KiwiSpan, you get a steel shed that offers greater usability right away, and retains strong value in the longer term. 

Whether it’s a commercial building, a garage, or something in between, KiwiSpan has a customised shed solution for you. Contact us HERE today to get the ball rolling on your next project.