The Shed Building Processes
What is the process of building a shed 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.
Step 1: Obtaining a Quote
The building process begins with obtaining a quote. It is important that the building quoted matches your requirements and is suitable for your needs. We recommend discussing what you will be using the building for with us first, as we may be able to offer ideas or solutions you hadn’t considered. Once a design is finalized and a price agreed upon, a contract and purchase agreement are signed with both parties’ interests in mind. After a deposit is received, we produce a set of plans and a producer statement with engineering calculations unique to your building and property, along with supporting documents for your council building consent application.
Step 2: Building Consent Application
Your building consent application must comply with local body zoning regulations, including:
– Intended use of the building
– Building height
– Building-to-land ratio
– Distance to boundaries
Wastewater and stormwater disposal 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 smooth council consent process.
Step 3: Producer Statement and Documentation
We provide a producer statement with structural calculations, drawings, and all documentation required by the council. Council fees for building consent vary depending on council, building size, and complexity, typically ranging from $2,800–$3,800 for residential or rural storage sheds. Councils generally take around 20 working days to process applications.
Step 4: Manufacture and Site Preparation
Once building consent is granted:
– Manufacture of your building commences
– Delivery is scheduled to your site
– Concrete foundations and slab work can begin simultaneously
– Construction of the building follows
Step 5: Completion and Compliance
After construction is finished, a Code of Compliance can be signed off, provided all inspections and consent requirements (e.g., stormwater, waste, plumbing) are completed and connected.
Your Options
We can supply, build, and manage your entire project, or you can choose to assemble the building yourself to save money.
The timeframe depends on the size, complexity, and consent requirements of the project. Engineering and documentation are usually completed first, followed by council processing. Once approved, manufacturing, delivery, and construction can take several weeks, with smaller sheds completed faster than larger or more complex builds.
After you order a shed, the design is finalized and engineering documentation is prepared. This is followed by the building consent process where required. Once approved, the shed is manufactured, delivered to site, and construction begins, leading through to final completion and compliance.