For lifestyle block owners, your property is more than just a place to live - it's an investment in your future. While the house and land are obvious assets, the buildings you choose to add to your lifestyle property play a big role in the functionality, liveability, and even its overall value.
For lifestyle block owners, a good quality, durable shed isn't just for storing a lawnmower, it's a strategic addition to the property that offers practical solutions to everyday needs along with added operational efficiency. Here's 3 reasons why a strong, long-lasting shed is a smart financial decision for your property.
1. Increased Property Values
Prospective buyers are looking for properties that offer practical, well-thought-out useable spaces. A good sized shed, especially a versatile one like an American Barn or a large workshop, provides an immediate point of difference from others on the market. Real estate agents will undoubtedly tell you that a well-built shed is a major selling point it is an asset that offers immense functionality, whether it's used as a workshop, animal shelter, storage, a home office, or simply a protected space for vehicles and extra equipment.
2. Added Protection For Your Assets
No matter where you live, New Zealand's weather can be pretty unpredictable. A heavy hailstorm or strong winds can cause damage to expensive equipment, vehicles or even distress to stock. By housing your important items in a secure, weather-proof structure, you’re not just providing shelter - you’re preserving their condition and extending their lifespan. This reduces maintenance costs and the need for expensive repairs or replacements down the line - a tangible financial benefit that pays for itself over time.
3. Versatility And Future-Proofing
The modern lifestyle block is always a work in progress, it can go from a hobby farm to a home-based business to a place for extended family all in the span of a few years. A good (well thought out) shed provides the much appreciated flexibility to adapt to your changing needs. This adaptability adds immense long-term value, as unlike a one-dimensional building, a shed can be engineered to be inherently multi-purpose ensuring it remains a valuable asset for decades to come.
Choosing the right shed for a lifestyle block does require careful consideration. It's not just about storage, it's about adding a functional and valuable asset to your property. Here are some useful tips to help you make the right choice.
Quality vs Cost? While it may be tempting to opt for a cheaper shed option, remember that not all sheds are created equal. The initial savings can quickly be erased by high maintenance costs, potential damage to stored assets, and a structure that adds little to no value to your property. Choosing a high-quality, long-lasting (sometimes a bit pricier) shed means enhancing your property's value for years to come.
Define Your Specific Needs. In order to make the right choices now you need to identify what the shed will be used for. Is it for storing a tractor and farm equipment, a workshop, a stable for animals, a hobby space, or a combination of uses? Do you need lockable spaces? Are birds and pest going to be an issue?
Think Big! A common mistake many people make is underestimating storage needs. A good rule of thumb is to choose a shed slightly larger than your current requirements to accommodate future equipment or projects. Always consider the size and turning radius of any vehicles or machinery that will need to access the shed too.
Flexibility Matters. One of the key benefits of lifestyle block shed is that it is a multi-use building. Think about how the shed might be used in the future, what changes you might need to make and how it could be used by future generations. A versatile design with a mix of enclosed bays and open-sided areas can be very useful when building a lifestyle block shed!
Proximity/Appearance. Consider how the shed will look in relation to your home and other structures on the property. A large, high shed can be visually imposing if it's too close to the main dwelling, blocking sunlight or views. Moving it further away from might be an option, or building a smaller less imposing shed could blend better with the surroundings.
Environmental Factors Matter. Always account for prevailing winds, sun exposure, and the surrounding environment. You might want to position doors away from strong winds and consider the use of solar panels or rainwater collection systems.
Pest Proofing. Do not overlook this one! Think about how to prevent birds, rats, and mice from getting into the shed, especially if you plan to store animal feed. Look for designs that minimise perching spots and have proper seals around cladding and entryways.
Gone are the days of trying to visualise your shed with a pen and paper, these days using software to design your shed is a modern and highly effective way to plan it all out quickly and efficiently. Having a shed design tool is a major asset allowing you to effectively become your own architect and take the guesswork out of the design process, empowering you to create a shed that perfectly fits your needs. Here's a little bit about the benefits and how 3D shed design software works.
1. Enhanced Visualisation
A 3D shed design tool lets you virtually ‘walk’ around your shed from every angle. You can see how the doors will look, where the windows will be placed, and how the chosen colours will blend with the surrounding landscape of your lifestyle block. This realistic rendering helps you spot potential issues or make design improvements before a single piece of timber is cut - preventing those costly "I wish I had put the door on that side" moments!
2. Complete Customisation
Software gives you full control over the design process. You can change the length, width, and height to fit your specific space and storage needs, add features such as roller doors, personal access doors, windows, and skylights. Modify the layout with additional bays to create a separate workshop, office, or storage area, and even experiment with different roof styles and select from a range of Colorsteel or zincalume cladding colours to match your existing buildings.
3. More Accurate Cost Estimation
Some advanced shed design tools are linked pricing databases so as you add or remove features, the software provides a real-time price update. This is incredibly useful for staying within budget as you can instantly see the cost impact of adding another bay or upgrading to a different cladding colour, allowing you to make informed decisions without waiting for a quote. Alternatively the precise plans and specs created in the software can mean manual pricing by your chosen shed company has a much faster turnaround.
4. Increased Accuracy
While online tools are user-friendly, they are often backed by sophisticated engineering software. When you submit your design, it can often provide a precise blueprint that can be imported directly into the company's internal systems. The final design is then reviewed by a team of experts to ensure it is structurally sound and complies with all local building codes and wind zone requirements in New Zealand.
For a business like Greenwood Sheds in Rolleston, shed design software is a powerful way to engage customers, demonstrate features and streamline the sales process. It turns a complex purchase into an interactive and enjoyable experience for the customer, while ensuring the final product meets the highest of standards. Check out our handy 3D Shed Design Tool to explore and customise your shed designs and submit them for a detailed quote today!