Author: Lisa Smith
Building a farm shed in New Zealand can be a rewarding project that enhances your operational efficiency and provides vital storage space. Whether you're storing farm equipment, feed, or livestock, a well-constructed shed is essential to a farm’s daily operations. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to plan, design, and construct a farm shed in NZ.
Step 1: Planning and Legal Considerations
Before any construction begins, it's crucial to plan your shed meticulously and consider all legal requirements:
- Resource Consent: Check with your local council if you need resource consent for your shed. This varies depending on its size and location, and whether it affects the landscape or local fauna.
- Building Consent: Most farm buildings in New Zealand require a building consent. This ensures that your shed meets the New Zealand Building Code. Information can be found on the New Zealand Government’s Building Performance website.
- Purpose and Usage: Consider what you will be storing in the shed, as this will help determine the size and materials. A metal shed for example may be an issue if you are storing tools or machinery due to rust and condensation concerns.
Step 2: Designing Your Shed
Designing your shed effectively is vital to ensure it meets your farming needs:
- Size and Layout: Consider what you’ll be storing in the shed and how much space it will require. Include space for future needs as well.
- Materials: Common materials include wood, steel, and aluminium. Wood is popular for its durability and natural insulating properties.
- Environmental Factors: Think about wind, rainfall, and sun orientation to optimise the shed’s location and structure for protection and durability.
Step 3: Laying the Foundations
A solid foundation is critical for the longevity of your farm shed:
- Site Preparation: Clear the land and ensure the site is level. Remove any vegetation and topsoil to reach a stable soil layer.
- Foundation Type: Concrete slab foundations are typical for farm sheds, providing stability and weight distribution. Make sure to reinforce the concrete with steel mesh or bars, especially if you plan to store heavy machinery.
Step 4: Construction
With your plans, consents, and materials ready, it’s time to start building:
- Framework: Construct the frame using your chosen materials. Steel and Wooden frames are often prefabricated, making assembly quicker and easier.
- Roofing and Walls: Install the roofing and wall cladding. Consider insulated panels if you need to regulate temperature within the shed.
- Doors and Windows: Fit doors and windows as per your design. Large roller doors are useful for equipment access.
Step 5: Utilities and Interior Setup
Installing utilities and organising the interior can maximise the functionality of your shed:
- Electricity and Plumbing: If required, install electrical wiring and plumbing systems. Hiring a registered professional for this step is recommended. The Electrical Workers Registration Board provides a list of licensed practitioners.
- Storage and Workspace: Customise the interior with shelves, racks, and workbenches to suit your operational needs.
Step 6: Maintenance and Safety
Once your shed is up and running, maintaining it well is important:
- Regular Checks: Regularly check the structural integrity, especially after extreme weather conditions.
- Safety Measures: Ensure all electrical installations comply with safety standards and keep the shed tidy to prevent accidents.
Final Thoughts
Building a farm shed in New Zealand requires careful planning, adherence to legal standards, and thoughtful design to cater to your specific farming needs. By following these steps, you can ensure that your shed is built to last and serves its purpose efficiently on your farm. Always consider hiring professionals for aspects of the build that require specific expertise, particularly where electrical and plumbing works are concerned. This will ensure quality and safety in the long term.
Another option is to consider a kitset shed. These are available in a range of sizes and designed to suit a variety of applications. They come to your property ready to construct with all the fittings
and instructions and are a great solution to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Outpost Buildings provides an extensive range of kitset farm sheds.
