Tips For Getting Your Storage Shed Placement Right
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:
Purpose
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.
Accessibility
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.
Aesthetics
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.
Light
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.
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.
A Full Build or Kitset Shed? Balancing Your Options
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.
To clarify on the terms ‘full build’ and ‘kitset’:
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.
Still not sure?
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.
Kiwi’s Most Loved Sheds
KiwiSpan has been building Kiwi sheds, garages and workshops since 2003. Built to the highest standard and made to withstand the harshest of New Zealand conditions – KiwiSpan sheds are built to last. Kiwi’s love sheds – perhaps it’s our love of being in the outdoors, or our No. 8 wire attitude, New Zealanders’ around the world are known as true innovators – and a lot of this started in the shed or workshop!
Operating for nearly 20 years, KiwiSpan has built sheds and buildings of every shape, size and style to suit kiwi lifestyles. Here are some of our most popular sheds;
Everyone needs more storage. Whether it be for a hobby, your profession, or even a multifunctional space, a storage shed or workshop can be extremely valuable to your home. Built to New Zealand’s Building Code requirements, KiwiSpan storage sheds will stand the test of time, and increase the value of your property.
Strength combined with style, KiwiSpan’s American style barns have grown in popularity as they complement any setting while providing ample space for whatever you need – storage, machinery or stock feed. Besides being customisable in a variety of sizes, lengths and heights, you also have build options that include partition walls, awnings, garaports and more.
KiwiSpan farm sheds are a popular choice as they are the toughest around, designed with New Zealand’s harshest rural environment in mind. Built with hard-wearing and durable steel, by expert builders with years of experience, KiwiSpan’s unique framing system will provide as much space and flexibility as you need.
The kiwi classic. Garages have changed over the years from a small car-only building to now a multi-use space. Today we want garages not only to be super functional but also look stylish. From single, double and triple-bay garages, KiwiSpan’s success has been that we can totally customise a garage build to fit your needs, in most cases matching your rooflines and cladding for ultimate visual appeal.
Often called a sleep out, habitable sheds have grown massively in popularity over the last few years. The shape and size of Kiwi families is changing – whether for elderly relations to stay, or some additional space for your teenage children, habitable sheds can maximise the use of your property. Your habitable sheds offer serious comfort as every building can be finished with quality insulation and aluminium joinery, to ensure your private space is fully protected from the elements. KiwiSpan can also offer a minor dwelling (small house) as a build option, that can boost your income, as a short-term rental investment. Check-in with your local KiwiSpan team on whether habitable sheds are available in your region.
Whether it’s a shed, farm barn or sleepout, KiwiSpan has the solution for you. Contact us HERE today to get the ball rolling on your next project.
5 Everyday Hobbies You Can Take to the Next Level with a Custom Shed
It’s not only the woodworkers and the sheep shearers that benefit from having a trusty shed around. A shed that’s customised to facilitate your specific hobby is the perfect way to get the most out of your free time activities.
Home Gym / Yoga Studio
We all know the hardest thing to do at the gym is turn up. The second hardest thing is having to wait for your favourite machine to free up. So by having your very own personal space nearby to get your sweat on, you’ve already made keeping in shape that much easier.
Pumping irons not really your way of keeping active? Our sheds can also serve perfectly as home yoga studios for you and your favourite stretching buddies. Not only do you get to choose the music (every time), you can also talk to us about setting up some kitchen facilities too (because every yoga studio needs a juice bar).
DIY and Upcycling
If Pinterest has taught us anything, it’s that one man’s trash is another man’s really trendy (and often profitable) new conversation piece.
A shed makes for an ideal workshop for those looking to take their old furniture/pallets/beer crates (and so on) to the next level. It’s also a great place to use your inventive, upcycled creations if your significant other isn’t into the whole “pallet coffee table” trend.
The Arts
The cliche about the noisy next-door neighbour who always decides it’s time to practice the violin during the worst possible moments exists for a reason.
A custom shed can make the perfect space to practice your art of choice. From experimental interpretive dance to your own personal painting studio, KiwiSpan can help you build the ideal place to express yourself, without gaining the neighbour’s ire.
Car Restoration
There’s nothing quite as cool as the art of taking a run-down car and injecting new life under the hood. And whilst this popular pastime of the mechanically inclined has typically taken place in the garage, this can cause issues when it’s already occupied by other vehicles (and to be fair, ones that actually run).
A larger shed can serve as an equally suitable holding zone whilst you restore your latest find at the scrapyard to its former glory. It’s also an ideal venue for the big unveiling party, so that’s a bonus.
Furthermore, there are quite a few custom features KiwiSpan can offer you – such as footings for a hoist to take on some of the heavy lifting involved.
Socialising
Having your nearest and dearest around for a cold one (two, three and four) is possibly the most iconic of all the great kiwi pastimes. And having a backyard bar on-site only makes it greater. Not only does it provide you with a space to host an event, but you’ll also get a bar to serve the drinks and a space to store them between get-togethers.
More and more, folks around the nation, and beyond, are getting trendy outdoor entertaining spaces built in preparation for the long summer evenings. And it only takes a quick google for inspiration to see why.
Do you indulge in any of the above hobbies? Perhaps you’ve been inspired to take another pastime to the next level with a shed? Feel free to peruse our wide range of shed plans here, and get in touch to talk through some of the personalised options we can offer you.
Your Space: How to Create the Ultimate Mancave/Sheshed
The idea of owning a room just for yourself – and no, we aren’t talking about your bedroom – but a room specifically designed for you, and only you, is something just about all of us have dreamed of owning.
What we’re describing has historically been known as a “Mancave” – and if you like that title, by all means, stick with it – but regardless of whether you call it that, or a SheShed, a MeShed or just “My Room” – here’s how to put together the ultimate space to elevate your spare time to a new level.
Getting starting
Planning is never the part of a project you most look forward to, but it’s vital to ensuring you end up with the best end product. You don’t have to have every detail down, but there’s a few things to consider before you start.
What are the features you absolutely can’t live without? How much space do you have to work with? Do you have enough power sources available? Is there adequate lighting? Will you need to install some form of climate control (i.e. heating or air-conditioning)?
Basically, what you’re ultimately figuring out is “how will you be able to achieve the space you’ve envisioned for yourself given the space you’ve got to work with?”
Filling it Up
Now comes the fun stuff. The only right way to create the ultimate “you space” is to fill it up with whatever works best for YOU. However, should you find yourself needing a little creative nudge, we’ve got you covered with some hints, suggestions and a few general must-haves below.
- Comfort – regardless of what you’re into, your space should be a place of relaxation, so comfortable seating should be your no.1 priority. Grab more than one, because sometimes the best ‘you time’ is spent with your best mates.
- Mini-Fridge – in the spirit of relaxing, an easy beverage should always be nearby so you aren’t constantly having to get up and leave just to have a drink. What those drinks are – beer, soda, or good old water – is largely immaterial, just as long as what you want is always nearby. Same goes for snacks.
- Coffee Machine – And whilst we’re on the subject of having your favourite beverage nearby, for many of us – that’s a good cup of coffee. Thankfully, the days when paying a barista was the only way to experience a warm cup of quality espresso are gone, as the user-friendly home espresso machine market is blooming. Making it incredibly easy and not too bank-busting to make your own café favourites without the café. So where better to enjoy some homebrewed caffeine than your private space?
- Themes – Make this place truly yours. The traditional image of a man cave often involves a big TV to catch the game, and if that’s what you’re into, have at. If you’re more of a movie buff, consider said big TV but with a surround sound system and a few movie posters to boot. If you have a particular passion, why not go all out with it? Fill it with maps, books, hang guitars on the walls – Whatever you’re into. You could even put up some relevant memorabilia on the walls. Create a place to totally immerse yourself in what you love.
Have we given you mancave (or she-shed) brain? Why not browse some of the sheds we offer.
