Building quality kitset sheds since 2004

The Shed Building Process

How is a shed built in NZ?

The process of building a shed in New Zealand typically starts with design and pricing, followed by engineering and building consent. Once approved, the shed is manufactured while site preparation and foundations are completed. After delivery, construction begins, and once finished, the project is signed off with final inspections and compliance.

Each step is important to ensure the building meets regulations and performs as expected.

Concrete slab construction during the shed building process in New Zealand

Step 1: Obtaining a Quote

The process begins with obtaining a quote. It’s important that the building matches your requirements and is suitable for your needs.

We recommend discussing how you plan to use the building with us first, as we may be able to suggest ideas or solutions you haven’t considered. Once the design is finalised and the price agreed, a contract and purchase agreement are signed with both parties’ interests in mind.

After a deposit is received, we produce a full set of plans along with a producer statement, including engineering calculations specific to your building and property. These documents support your council building consent application.

Step 2: Building Consent Application

Your building consent application must comply with local council zoning regulations, including:

  • Intended use of the building
  • Building height
  • Building-to-land ratio
  • Distance to boundaries

Wastewater and stormwater systems must be installed by certified professionals. Power, phone, and site access should also be considered.

The application should include a scaled site plan showing the building’s position and intended services. Drawings from plumbers, drainlayers, and electrical professionals are recommended for a smoother consent process.

Step 3: Producer Statement and Documentation

We provide a producer statement along with structural calculations, drawings, and all required documentation for council.

Council consent fees vary depending on the council, building size, and complexity, but typically range from $2,800 to $3,800 for residential or rural storage sheds. Councils generally take around 20 working days to process applications.

Step 4: Manufacture and Site Preparation

  • Manufacture of your building begins
  • Delivery is scheduled to your site
  • Concrete foundations and slab work can begin at the same time
  • Construction of the building follows

Step 5: Completion and Compliance

After construction is complete, a Code of Compliance can be issued, provided all inspections and consent requirements (such as stormwater, wastewater, and plumbing) are completed and signed off.

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A Code of Compliance Certificate is issued by your local council once the building is completed and all consent requirements have been met. This includes passing required inspections and ensuring work such as stormwater, drainage, and any other consented elements are completed correctly.
Once everything is signed off, you can apply to council for (CCC) by submitting an Application for Code of Compliance Certificate (Form 6). This confirms the building has been constructed in accordance with the approved plans and building consent, and that all required documentation has been provided.

The number of inspections depends on the size and complexity of the shed. Most builds will require a siting and foundations inspection to confirm the building location matches the approved plans and that the footings are correct sizes and reinforcing is installed correctly.
A drainage inspection may also be required, which can sometimes be completed at the same time as the final inspection. The final inspection confirms the building has been constructed in accordance with the approved plans.
Additional inspections may be needed if the project includes services such as drainage or plumbing. Your building consent will outline the required inspections, and your council will confirm when each stage needs to be checked.

Your Options

We can supply, build, and manage your entire project, or you can choose to assemble the building yourself to save money.

Want to manage the build yourself?
See our guide to managing your own shed build.

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