garages Archives - Kiwispan

KiwiSpan: a Network Supported by Donovan Group

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.

The 2021 KiwiSpan Award Winners

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.

Your Top Shed Questions, Answered

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:

How long will it take to build my shed?

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.

Does KiwiSpan do the council paperwork for the building consent application?

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.

Could we have a look at similar sheds?

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

Farm 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.

Does my shed come with a warranty?

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.

How can I customise my new shed?

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.

Why KiwiSpan is New Zealand’s Shed Builder of Choice

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!

Tailor Made for You

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.

Built for the Long Run

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.

A Team You Can Trust

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.

An Evolution of a Kiwi Classic – The Garage

The garage has always played a special role within the Kiwi home. Whilst it has been used primarily as the place to store the family wagon, it has also housed old sporting memorabilia, family heirlooms and keen hobby equipment.

But garages have evolved over the years. Today we want garages to not only be super functional but also look stylish, regardless of size – from single and double to triple-bay garages. KiwiSpan can fully customise a garage built to fit your desired aesthetics, in most cases matching your rooflines and cladding for ultimate visual appeal.

More and more homeowners are wanting their garage not just for storage, but also for work and play. The opportunities can include a personal gym or yoga space, an art studio or a wine cellar. The modern garage can even have carpet on the floor, giving it a more polished homely feel. Other things to consider are, should the space be warm? The addition of insulation can create a significantly more comfortable extra living or play space.

Post COVID-19 the trend to work from home has grown hugely in popularity, and a new garage can offer a home office type set up that gives you the professional space to be flexible in this area.

One of the common complaints from homeowners is that their current garage becomes the ‘dumping ground’ for anything unwanted in the home. Taking inspiration from commercial warehousing storage, there is now a range of storage solutions that can get items like bicycles and golf clubs off the floor and properly stored. By doing so, you then have a range of creative options on how to use your space, from a workbench that can double as a table tennis table or bar leaner, or useful household items like hanging wall racks to dry clothes.

By maximising the use of your garage space, not only will this enrich your current lifestyle but also deliver value to your home or property when it comes time to sell. Depending on your use of your new garage, make sure you consider its role in resale and that it can deliver on being a multifunctional space.

The best bit about your new garage? With KiwiSpan, you’re guaranteed it will be built to last. Made with New Zealand fabricated steel, your garage will be built to the highest standard and made to withstand the harshest conditions. You can rest easy, knowing you are getting a functional, stylish and reliable garage that won’t let you down.

The A-Z’s of Sheds

The dictionary definition of a shed reads as simply “a structure on your property that isn’t connected to your home”. By that definition, the options of what a shed is, and what it can do for you is pretty limitless.

With our customised approach, this is a pretty accurate description. We understand that everyone has different needs, and we pride ourselves on our ability to meet those needs, whatever they may be.

However, sometimes, with such a wide range of capabilities and options, it can become harder to nail down exactly what you want (and therefore need) in a shed. So we’ve put together a rundown of the different basic categories of sheds to help you find a starting point for your next project.

Storage Shed

For those of you that grew up with parents that had a humble shack in your garden to store gardening equipment – that was technically a storage shed (although nowadays we tend to think bigger).

As the name implies, the purpose of these sheds is to, well, store things. The details of what specific features these sheds have will largely come down to what exactly it is you’ll be storing.

However, regardless of what you put in them, these sheds need to be able to protect your stored goods and keep them in pristine condition (read how we protect your valuables from NZ’s harshest conditions here.

Habitable

Another shed type that says what it does in the name – habitable sheds are sheds that can serve as short term accommodation or as an extra, detached bedroom for your main residence.

These sheds can also be combined with other shed types (such as garages and workshops) to serve as an area to relax in between long hours on the workbench (read: mancave).

Barn

We’ve all got an image of an old, red farmhouse when someone mentions the term “barn” (and we probably got it from a painting or childhood storybook).

Unsurprisingly, a barn has traditionally referred to a shed that is specifically for agricultural use. Their trademark shape and design actually come from this original usage, as they were built to accommodate for windy days and getting the most out of the passing sun.

Nowadays, barns can be used for general storage, and their trademark design is more for show (as weather mitigating technology has advanced a bit). With their aesthetically pleasing appearance and spacious interior, they are a great general-purpose asset for storage and vehicle housing, as well as continuing to excel in their traditional agricultural usage.

Has this helped clear things up? You can always contact us for further info or to discuss your next project here.

How to Make a Small Shed Feel Bigger

When it comes to sheds (something we’d like to think we know a bit about), there’s this idea that short of owning a multi-acre section, sheds are just a place to store tools and collect lichen.

Frankly, this is something of a tragedy, as there’s nothing quite like owning a shed. Whether it’s a man cave to escape too or a sleepout that provides your eldest with a small brush with independence (and more you-time for you) or a place to spend some quality time on a passion project.

The bottom line is, just about anyone, with any sized section (yes, even city folk) can own the kind of shed worth spending time in. However, if size still seems like an issue for you, here are a few tips you can use to make any small shed feel bigger.

Colours

Interior designers have been using colours to manipulate how big or small a room seems for years. Whilst dark colours tend to create a cosy and intimate (or simply put, a smaller) atmosphere, lighter, more neutral colours have been shown to make indoor areas seem instantly more spacious.

Our favourites lighter neutrals include Zincalume, Tatiana, Cloud and Gull Grey. You can make further use of this trick by incorporating the chosen colour of the walls into your furniture (i.e. a similarly painted workbench for a workshop, or by using the same shade in your furniture upholstery for sleepouts), as this will strengthen the feelings of extra spaciousness.

Invite in the Natural Light

Whilst aiding the “largening” effect that neutral colours create, natural light is also a reliable tool unto itself when it comes to making smaller spaces feel bigger – due to the airy and relaxed atmosphere it creates.

KiwiSpan offers a range of window configurations and translucent shed roofing. Consider making use of this natural resource when designing your next shed.

Choose Multi-Functional Furniture

One of the simplest ways to keep a smaller space from feeling claustrophobic is to keep it from becoming overcrowded, either due to excess clutter or by having too much furniture.

The easy fix for this is to simply opt for multi-functional furniture when possible. A common example of this would be to use a workbench that also has a compartment for storing your tools. Other common examples include a sofa bed for sleepouts.

Have any of these tips inspired you? If so, feel free to check out our website and custom shed designers to explore what possibilities may be available to you as a future shed owner.