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.

More Than Just Sheds: Aircraft Hangars, Horse Stables, and Dairy Sheds

KiwiSpan have been leading the pack in the New Zealand shed and outdoor building industry since the early 2000’s. We started out with the kiwi dream of building the best sheds in New Zealand, and over the years we have expanded our range to include a variety of outdoor buildings to suit the kiwi lifestyle. So, not only is KiwiSpan your go-to for sheds, but we also offer a range of aircraft hangars, horse stables, and dairy sheds. Let’s take a look. 

 

Aircraft Hangars

Protecting your aircraft is an absolute imperative for not only your bottom line, but also for your own safety and welfare. KiwiSpan creates bespoke hangars tailored specifically to your aircraft, so whether it’s a helicopter, small plane, or something else, we’ll design the perfect hangar to protect your investment. 

When it comes to safeguarding your aircraft from the kiwi elements a KiwiSpan hangar provides the ultimate protection from damaging winds, direct sunlight, rain, and snow as well as pests and wildlife. 

With our innovative technology, flexible designs, and of course, the KiwiSpan can-do attitude, we can construct your hangar to your exact specifications. What’s more, our hangars are built with Kiwi fabricated steel, so you can rest assured your hangar will be a durable one. 

Explore our aircraft hangars

 

Dairy Sheds 

Looking for a dairy shed that puts in the hard yards alongside you? KiwiSpan’s extensive range of dairy sheds are designed to be tough and hard-wearing, just like the Kiwi’s we build them for. 

So whether you’re looking for a milking shed, dairy shed, or stock shelter, our team will work with you to create a high quality steel structure that will stand the test of time. Plus, we are completely adaptable with our building designs and we work with you to ensure that we incorporate the practical features you need to maximise your building’s functionality. 

A KiwiSpan dairy shed is constructed from the best quality materials and with an eye for detail, right down to the very last colour-matched screw. Our galvanised steel portal frame means that your dairy shed will be in it for the long haul, helping you to maximise your herds potential. 

Explore our dairy sheds 

 

Horse Stables 

Whether you’re a recreational horse owner or a commercial enterprise, we have your equine needs covered. When you need a shelter to house and protect your horses along with the food and equipment you need to care for them, we have the customised steel solution tailored exactly to your requirements. 

We will be there with you every step of the way from the initial design and planning, all the way through to installation, our solution ensures that every project we undertake is perfectly suited to your unique requirements. 

We know that if you need a stable, you’ll definitely want one that will stick around and we make it our mission to deliver strong steel structures that won’t fade with time. That’s why we use only the best quality steel and the most reliable builders around. 

Explore our horse stables

 

Whether it’s a shed, hangar, or stable, KiwiSpan has the solution for you. Contact us today to get the ball rolling on your next project.

 

Shedquarters: Make Working From Home Work For You

Shedquarters are growing in popularity amongst homeowners across New Zealand, but what exactly is a shedquarter and how could having one benefit you?

 

The first question you may be asking yourself right now is ‘what exactly is a shedquarter’? Essentially, a shedquarter is just another way of describing a tiny space in your backyard. Unlike a standard backyard garden shed which is typically only large enough to store your tools and maybe a lawnmower, a shedquarter is well constructed and acts more as an office space or retreat room which you can escape to in order to relax or focus. 

With COVID-19 forcing many people to work from home and children having to take school classes online, some people found their homes getting a bit crowded and opted to install a shedquarter in their backyard. Despite most of us having returned back to work these backyard offices are still an excellent way to create an inspiring and productive space that is close to home yet totally unique and separate from the rest of your house. They’re great for people who work remotely to have a space to escape to away from the distractions within their home. 

When you’re considering the design of the shedquarter it’s important to consider the visual elements including the colour, cladding, personalisations, and how it will fit in with your home and garden. Our environment has a huge impact on our energy levels, moods, and productivity so designing an effective space can be a total game changer. 

What style would you want the interior of your shedquarter to be? Is your preferred look cosy and decorative? Or do you lean more towards a minimalist and stylish aesthetic? Do you find yourself captivated by the latest design trends, or do you strive for classic elegance? A good place to begin is by deciding whether you lean towards modern or traditional stylings. If you like patterns, rich velvety colours, and lots of details then a traditional style could be perfect for you. However, if your personal style favours crisp colours, clean lines, and open space then you may be leaning towards modern design. 

Your design choices for your KiwiSpan shedquarter isn’t solely limited to the interior. We offer a fully customisable design experience which puts the power of choosing the size, cladding, doors, windows, roofing and colour scheme in your hands. We know that you don’t want to settle for a run of the mill shed, and with us, you don’t have to. 

Versatile and functional, KiwiSpan shedquarters are designed and built in New Zealand using high-grade materials and are completely customisable to your needs. With your existing landscape in mind, we work with you to create the perfect space for you to work, relax, and play. 

 

Explore our range of quality steel sheds today

 

Kiwi’s Most Loved Sheds Your Barn, Your Way No Consents Required Thinking of Building Stables? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re considering getting some stables made, you probably don’t need to be told that there’s a bit to consider. Unlike other types of storage units, stables are used to house living, high-maintenance animals. And as we’re sure you’re aware, rearing horses is more of a lifestyle than it is a hobby, and requires a ton of time and effort – so you’ll also want to get their accommodation just right (remember, the better they feel, the easier they’ll be to handle). 

To help make this process a bit easier, we’ve put together a list of things to consider when planning your stables (although rest assured, when building with us, we’ll be with you all the way). 

 

Breathing Space

Being active animals, horses don’t like being stabled. In fact, they’d rather be out in the field all day and night. So in order to make their stay that little bit more comfortable, you’ll want to make sure they’re given enough space to rest comfortably.  

The minimum size requirement for a sleeping bay is 3.6mx3.6m, but you should go bigger if you can. The general rule of thumb is that all sleeping bays should be big enough for the horse to lie down comfortably in, without having to bunch up against the wall. 

Likewise, you’ll want to keep any entrances as wide as possible, giving your animals plenty of room to pass in and out of (this is typically between 1.5-2m). 

 

Materials

When it comes to internal structures (such as the walls between individual sleeping bays), we recommended you use a mesh-like design rather than a solid wall. 

This allows for two things. Firstly, the animals will be able to see each other, which will make them less prone to distress (and again, make them easier to work with). 

You’ll also experience superior ventilation around the stables, which is optimal for the health of its residents. These are also good reasons to include a few windows in your stables too (not to mention the increase in sunlight they’ll allow for). 

 

Security 

Getting the right locks for your stables is a fine art. Because you’ll often be guiding an animal whilst dealing with, locking and unlocking your stables, you’ll want a locking system that’s simple enough to operate while multitasking (and often with only one hand to spare). 

That said, horses are not unintelligent animals. It’s not unheard (no pun intended) of for horses to figure out how to unlock a simple hatch lock and go for a nightly galavant. In fact, it’s even been reported that some horses will not only break themselves out but will then also proceed to bust their friends out too. Whilst you can’t fault their loyalty to each other, this could be somewhat disastrous to deal with. 

As with so many things in life, finding that perfect locking system is all about balance. 

 

Flooring

There are quite a few options when it comes to stable flooring, each with their own pros and cons. 

 

• Sand is probably the flooring that is used most often. It drains waste/water very well and is gentle on the horses’ hooves and legs. However, it will need to be replaced somewhat often, and seeing as horses tend to eat off the floor, it can get in amongst their feed and can cause health issues if too much is digested. 

 

• Wood is another common (and more traditional) flooring option. It’s easy on the animals themselves and is warm, and slip-resistant when dry. It will need to be treated as not to retain odour and stand up against waste, however, and repairing it over the years will build up in cost. 

 

• Concrete has become quite popular in recent years. It’s durable, affordable and low maintenance. What it isn’t, however, is good for the animals long term, and you may need to consider fitting certain areas of the stables with rubber mats for the comfort of your horses. 

 

• Lastly, we have asphalt. It’s easier on the animal’s legs and can be long lasting when applied correctly. However, due to its porous nature, it will need to be disinfected somewhat often and can crack if applied too thinly. 

 

Happy homes make for happy horses. Contact us here today to get the ball rolling on your next shed-based project. 

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.