Most of the stress in a building project comes from not knowing what happens next. So here is exactly how a Steelspan design & build project runs, step by step. Kitset orders follow a shorter path, covered at the end.
1. Enquiry #
You get in touch through our Easy Shed Quote, by phone or by email. Your enquiry is logged and assigned to one of our sales leads, Patrick or Oliver, who stays your main contact through to handover.
2. Site visit and measure #
We visit, measure up, take photos (often with a drone) and talk through how you’ll use the building. Seeing the site early flags access, slope and drainage before they become surprises. The drone is particularly useful near an existing building, or for inaccessible parts of the site, such as a drop-off or a boggy area.
A site visit isn’t needed for every project. We supply many kitsets around the country without ever seeing the site. What matters is enough information: photos, a Google pin with the exact location, a geotech report if you have one, and the heights of equipment going in. A visit can still help if you’re short on time and want us to help make key decisions, measure clearances and talk through ways to get what you need within your budget.
3. Budget estimate #
We send a written budget estimate, usually within a week, and tell you up front when to expect it. It’s a realistic ballpark, with the assumptions spelled out. We follow up within a couple of days to answer questions.
4. Pre-construction services agreement #
If you want to go ahead, we sign a pre-construction services agreement. It covers the design work and consultants needed to turn the estimate into a firm price, usually for a fixed fee, so you know what getting to a fixed price will cost. Once paid for, the plans and reports are yours.
5. Detailed design #
This is where the unknowns get removed: earthworks, drainage, stormwater, retaining, the concrete floor and foundations, the frame, linings, electrical, plumbing and any fire or energy requirements. Our engineer, our in-house designer and specialist consultants do the work.
6. Firm quote and contract #
We present a firm price and timeframe under a written construction contract: a small works contract, or NZS 3915 for larger jobs. Before it goes to you, we check it against the original estimate, so you’re not blindsided.
7. Building and resource consent #
We prepare and lodge the consent applications and handle the council’s questions. Councils have 20 working days to decide a building consent, with the clock paused while they wait for any further information.
8. Pre-start #
Once consent is granted, we confirm the programme and subcontractors and check the timeframe with you again.
9. Construction #
A project manager runs the site day to day, coordinates trades and makes sure every inspection and producer statement happens. You get progress updates through your Steelspan contact.
10. Handover #
We walk the building with you, log anything that needs fixing and get it fixed. You receive your warranty documents, and we help pull together the paperwork for your code compliance certificate.
Kitset orders #
For a kitset, the path is shorter: quote, order, engineered drawings, consent (if we’re handling it), manufacture, delivery to your site, then you or your builder put it up. As a rule of thumb, allow about 4 weeks for design, 4 weeks for council and 4 to 6 weeks for delivery of your kitset materials. We can often improve on that. Council usually takes the full 20 working days, but design and production can sometimes be shortened, depending on workloads. Talk to us before you sign up and we can make enquiries to confirm timing for you.
Talk to Steelspan #
Whichever route you take, the first step is the same. Start with our Easy Shed Quote or call 0800 787 726.
