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.
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
Here’s How to Maintain Your New Shed
No matter the season, shed maintenance is vital but in winter it can be a particularly tough time for your shed. From strong gusty winds to heavy rain and even snow, your shed will need to resist and stand up against harsh weather.
Whether you’re looking after a simple garden shed or a large structure, we have you covered with some handy tips for keeping your shed maintained and prolonging its lifespan:
Check the gutters
KiwiSpan sheds are known for their robust quality and durability which makes them ideal for a variety of purposes. They’re designed to hold up against the elements, making them an enduring solution all year round.
One of the many great things about steel sheds is that they don’t require a lot of maintenance. However, to make sure that your shed remains in tip top condition you’ll need to keep an eye on the gutters. Firstly, you’re going to want to make sure that all of the gutters are still firmly attached to the structure and remove debris including leaves, branches, twigs and other miscellaneous debris that has gotten caught.
Watch out for damage
Whether it’s a cracked window, hole or dent, it’s important to fix problems as soon as they happen. However, sometimes issues aren’t obvious so you need to be proactive with your approach to looking out for future issues in order to prevent them.
Roof maintenance
As with your home, inspecting the roof of your shed for any leaks or damage is also important. If you don’t keep an eye on this, leaks in the roof could allow water to drip into your shed and damage what’s inside. Even if your roof seems to be in good condition, water can still make its way in so look out for discolouration on the ceiling and walls which may indicate that water is getting in.
Like with the gutters, it’s important to keep the roof of your shed clear too. If you live somewhere that experiences snowfall you will need to keep on top of removing it as excess snow and debris can cause weight issues and the constant presence of moisture can be damaging to your roof.
Keep the pests out
Have insects or rodents made themselves at home in your shed? Not only can this be annoying to you but they can also play a role in the deterioration of both your shed and what you’re storing inside of it.
To keep your shed free from pests here are some handy tips:
- Keep the grass around the perimeter of the shed trimmed.
- Don’t stack firewood against the outside of the shed.
- Don’t store rubbish inside the shed as it will attract insects and rodents.
- Sweep or vacuum your shed semi-regularly. Pests like to settle in places which seem undisturbed so having a regular cleaning schedule will help keep them out.
Okay shed owners now you’ve got some tips and tricks to keep your shed maintained. However, maybe your current shed is in such a state that you’re considering a new one or perhaps you’re considering a second shed. Either way, KiwiSpan offers a great range of fully customisable sheds to meet your exact needs.
Explore our range of quality steel sheds today
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.
Some Great Things About Buying Kiwi-Made…
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 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.
The impact of COVID-19 has seen many local businesses severely impacted. A recent Auckland Business Chamber survey revealed nearly one in three businesses will not survive COVID-19, along with industries like tourism and hospitality being severely affected. On the flip-side, one of the positive trends of the pandemic has been the tendency amongst New Zealanders to support local manufacturers and retailers, in a bid to boost the local economy and jobs. There have also been several local campaigns urging kiwi-shoppers to buy New Zealand goods, which have helped to drive this purchasing patriotism.
A major advantage of being kiwi-made is KiwiSpan’s local know-how. KiwiSpan will deliver a shed, barn or carport that is suited to your needs, but perhaps more importantly, to your local conditions. Built to last, every KiwiSpan warranty is formulated on the basis of your site and its needs. Your local KiwiSpan licensee will supply a tailored warranty that is specific to your build and will work with you to ensure you understand your maintenance obligations and warranty terms.
Perhaps KiwSpan’s most important kiwi-made element is our people. We have a nationwide network of experienced licensees, all fully owned and operated here in NZ. With the increase in online purchasing habits, KiwiSpan encourages all of our customers to do their research online, but also understand that sometimes nothing beats sitting down and talking with the local professional about what KiwiSpan can do for you. With KiwiSpan teams spanning from Northland to Christchurch, there’s a local shed expert around every corner.
Whether it’s a shed, farm barn or carport, KiwiSpan has the solution for you. Contact us HERE today to get the ball rolling on your next project.
Your Barn, Your Way
KiwiSpan has been paving the way in the New Zealand outdoor building and shed market since the early 2000s. Whilst KiwiSpan started out with the kiwi dream of building the very best shed, over the years we have innovated into many different types of outdoor buildings to suit the New Zealand landscape, for example, a growing trend is the popularity of farm sheds and barns.
What is a barn?
A barn by definition is a large building used by farmers to store equipment or crops. Depending on whether it is a hay barn, or machinery storage shed, a barn’s framing system is one of the critical elements to maximising the use of your new space.
The second important element in building a barn in a rural location is that it is made to last. The KiwiSpan range of farm sheds and barns have all been designed with New Zealand’s harsh environment in mind, built with hard-wearing durable steel of a higher spec than many other options in the market, and by expert builders with years of experience. So you can rest assured your KiwiSpan shed will stand the test of time.
How can I customise my barn?
Perhaps the most exciting feature is that your barn can be customised to your exact farming or lifestyle requirements. Optional extra’s include partition walls, awnings, garaports, as well as being able to design a variety of sizes, lengths and heights.
‘Barn living’ has become an international trend overseas, with more and more people leaving their city surroundings for a simpler life. KiwiSpan’s barns can be customised to include a home or hobby office or even a “man” cave. Your new barn can also easily be personalized with different choices in colour cladding, different window and door choices. This trend is growing in popularity because it represents the best of both worlds – a functional working space for your equipment or farm supplies, coupled with space that you can make your own – we’re thinking a man/ she-cave or new office.
Contact us HERE today to get the ball rolling on your new barn project.
No Consents Required
One of the hardest and most complex parts of building or renovating is the consent process and dealing with the council, but there has been some exciting news for homeowners in late 2020.
Recent changes mean that low-risk building work, such as sheds, carports and sleepouts, in many cases no longer need council consent to be built.
So if you’re considering a new addition to your home or property, it’s important to note that in a majority of cases, for the new building work not to require Council consent, these must be built by a manufacturer like KiwiSpan, or a licensed builder. With that in mind here are some options that no longer require Council consent;
- Buildings up to a maximum floor area of 30 metres – (these still can be built by non-professionals but require restrictions on building materials in accordance with the Building Code)
- Ground Floor Veranda’s or Awnings up to 30 metres
- Carports up to 40 metres
- Single-storey pole sheds and hay barns up to 110 square metres (but only in rural zones).
It’s important to note that any plumbing work to a new or current building still requires a building consent, and any electrical work will still have to be carried out by a registered electrician. Different councils can also have different local by-laws but some, like Auckland Council, have a handy online tool to check if your shed needs consent
For property owners, this has been welcome news, as it will save time and money when thinking about a new building or addition with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) predicting it will cut out the need for over 9000 consents and $18m worth of consent fees for homeowners.
However, it is also important to note that KiwiSpan is available to ensure that whatever your building size, shape or usage, that you will fully comply with the local council regulations before we commence building. Because KiwiSpan builds are entirely customised, we can give you a world of possibilities.
Whether it’s a shed, farm barn or carport, KiwiSpan has the solution for you.
Contact us HERE today to get the ball rolling on your next shed project.
How Our Sheds Withstand NZ’s Weather Conditions
New Zealand is a complex country to build for.
No really. We may not be a particularly large country, but you can find near-tropical climates up north and sub-arctic atmospheres down south. And because a decent percentage of New Zealand is within a half-hour of the ocean, salt deposits are a constant struggle when trying to maintain a building (it’s the reason paint costs so much more here than overseas).
Oh, and our position with regards to the ozone layer doesn’t help either. For our skin, and our structures.
So you can probably imagine by now, there’s a bit that goes into ensuring a shed built in New Zealand can stand up to whatever nature throws at it. And whilst we haven’t quite managed to manufacture tornado/tsunami/pink-and-white-terraces part II proof steel just yet (stay tuned), we can say with confidence that our sheds can – quite literally – take on most of what New Zealand chucks their way.
In fact, we’re so sure that we got the law involved. Being fully compliant not only with the 2004 Building Act, but we also decided to take on the 2002 Construction Contracts Act and the 1993 Consumer Guarantees Act as well.
We won’t bore you with the fine print, but in short – this all means we’re bound to ensure a quality product.
So, it’s all well and good to tell you that your new shed will be able to stand the test of time, but how exactly do we ensure this?
A unique analysis of the environment
Well firstly, when someone approaches us about getting a custom shed built for them, aside from purpose and size – we also have a look at what kind of environment the building site is.
This is because the different types of cladding are better suited for specific environmental situations.
NZ environments typically fall into one of three categories:
– Moderate
– Severe
– Very Severe
Based on which one your property falls into, we have a corresponding suitable cladding. There are also claddings made for specific purposes such as anti-condensation if required.
The best part of all this? From the outside, you’d hardly be able to tell the difference from one cladding to the next. So you don’t even need to worry about what your environment is like when determining what you want the shed to look like.
Technology these days, right?
If we’ve alleviated some concerns, or just piqued your interest, feel free to get in touch or learn more about the sheds we offer here.
