Top 8 Mistakes To Avoid When Buying A Steel Shed In NZ

Buying a shed is not an easy task, especially if it’s your first one! That's why in order to help make the process easier for you we've compiled some top 8 mistakes that people often make when buying their steel shed. So what are the common mistakes that most shed buyers in Waikato, Auckland, and Bay Of Plenty make that you should be aware of before buying a shed in NZ?

• Not Knowing What You Need

Before you run off with the idea of buying a shed, you need to have a clear idea of what you want and how you want your shed to look like. There are many types of sheds and designs out there that make choosing one out of the lots a challenge.

To help you figure out what you need, you need to ask yourself, "how do I plan to use the steel shed" and answer that. Defining the purpose and intended use of the shed before buying a shed can go a long way in helping you escape some grave mistakes. You need to be 100% certain of what you want, and in most cases, a custom steel shed in NZ will be all you need.

• Not Getting In Touch With Your Local Authority

Your local authority might probably have rules and regulations for properties. If you're planning to buy a steel shed in NZ, it only makes sense to consult your local authority before buying one. Ignoring your local authority can place you at loggerheads with the laws, and this can get messy.

There are laws and restrictions on the size, shape, purpose, and placement of property like a shed in most places. It's important to stay in compliance. Therefore check out your region's laws.

In NZ, large sheds that are 30m2 or larger usually require a building consent. Building consent applications require a lot of supporting information about the products, methods and materials you will use to construct the shed. To prepare a good building consent application, it is best to engage with a professional to help you with the technical requirements.

• Selecting The Wrong Company

Sheds are a very important investment and one that you'll like to get the best value for your money. Finding the right company is vital before you seal the deal on any new steel shed or getting a custom-built shed. Always go for a reputable and reliable company in delivering quality sheds.

Before you select any company, you need to do your due diligence. Ask each company for references and try to verify them. Don't rely only on the testimonials displayed on the sites. Do your homework. Look at their social media platforms and Google and see if they are active. Go to their website and see if they have any downloadable content (ebook or infographic) for you to take advantage of.

​​4. Going For The Cheap Option

While cheap does not always mean low quality, finding a high-quality shed at a very low price is very close to impossible. While going for a cheaper alternative may help you save big, it is never cost-effective in the long run. Most cheaper steel shed options cannot withstand the weather of New Zealand’s climate and environment for long. Thanks to the inferior materials it's made of, such cheap sheds are prone to rust. When buying a shed, always go for high quality steel sheds, as it could prove cost-effective in the long run.

5. Not Considering The Weather

Buying a shed without considering your local weather is never the right way to go. A steel shed is a vital investment, so you should ensure that your choice ticks all the right boxes. When buying a shed, you must consider the material type regarding its ability to withstand the weather in your area. Going for the wrong material will make you spend more on maintenance. So when shopping for your next shed, go for sheds that are exclusively made with the New Zealand weather at heart.

We strongly recommend you to get corrosion protection for your shed if it is located near the coastlines or if your shed is exposed. The following are some options. Galvanization coatings are much thicker, making them resistant to termites, corrosion, cracking, peeling, and chipping. The coating prevents oxidation of the protected metal by forming a barrier, ensuring your shed is protected from hard weather conditions. While galvanizing your shed comes with great benefits, it comes at a greater cost. You could also choose to do a three coated painting to make your shed more aesthetically pleasing. Ultimately, Different environments will require different painting and protection, which we, Anchored Steel, will handle for you.

6. Buying A Smaller Shed

It's never wrong to buy a small shed. The problem arises if the shed is smaller than as it's supposed to be. And not just that, as time goes by, your needs might require a bigger shed than what you have. So instead of spending extra securing another shed, it's just prudent to go for a slightly bigger shed than what you need right now. Sheds should be big enough to accommodate your needs at present. But as nothing remains constant, going for sheds with extra spaces than what you need at the moment will never harm you.

7. Not Knowing How Much It Could Cost

Most times, people often find themselves in a fix of deciding whether to buy a shed or just build one themselves outrightly. However, when they consider the cost, time, and energy it takes to do either, they quickly realize it's best to buy one. Before you purchase any shed, it would be wise to consider not just the introductory price. Other ways where money matters while buying a steel shed includes,

• Cost of permits

• Cost of erection

• Taxes

• Delivery cost

• Electricity

• Plumbing

• Insulation

• Interior finishing

• Concrete foundation

Also, don't just take a price quote from one source. Seek as many as three to four different quotes and compare them before making a decision. While your shed builder may offer some of the services above, it will still cost you a few extra dollars.

8.Failing To Customize Your Shed

Finally, it is wise to customize your shed. Finding the perfect shed that offers all you need is hard to come by. A custom-made shed can be made to fit into any space you want and afford the right designs, solving your problem of space and aesthetics. So, does your shed builder offer customization options?

Bottom Line

When buying a steel shed in NZ, getting the best value for your money should be your priority. So here's the deal, always stick to the above tips to help you avoid making mistakes that will prove quite fatal and more expensive