Building a homestead from scratch is a challenging but rewarding task. However, with the help of proper guidance and the right materials, homesteading can be fun.
Interestingly, unlike seen in movies, you do not need a huge amount of land to build a glorious homestead. Instead, with the right planning, you can convert a simple vacant land into a functional and beautiful homestead.
Therefore, whether you choose to DIY or hire professionals, there are a few things to consider for becoming a successful homesteader. This guide will explore a few aspects to consider while converting vacant land into a homestead.
Take the first small step.
The first step is to start with whatever you have. It is not advisable to wait until you have sufficient funds or other resources to make your dream come true. Most people do not venture into converting their vacant land into a homestead due to a lack of awareness or fear of costs.
The bright side is that most of the building materials, like sheds and columns, are available at affordable prices in New Zealand. You can explore versatile, heavy-duty lifestyle sheds at Kiwi Span New Zealand. So, do not wait for the right time; start right away and take small steps. Over time, you can gradually expand your project as per your needs and budget.
Get the papers right.
Depending on the area where you live, you have to go through extra documentation or get a compliance certificate to start your project.
Fortunately, when you hire a reliable and experienced installer, your half work is done already. These builders know every ins and outs of this industry, so they greatly help get everything approved.
Access the weather conditions
Now that you have prepared everything, it is time to assess the volatile weather conditions. Your shed’s orientation and material heavily depend on prevailing weather conditions. For instance, an area with very high wind requires sturdy and specifically designed framing columns.
According to industry experts, pre-engineered kit sets are ideal for a range of weather conditions. The reason for the high efficiency of these materials is the high precision and synergy between building components. This is something not achievable through the traditional ways of building sheds; there is always a chance of error. However, these efforts ensure your shed withstands the test of time.
Buy quality sheds
The general thumb rule is to not compromise on quality. Buy only reliable and durable sheds built specifically for New Zealand’s weather conditions. Moreover, rural life is harsher in comparison to city life, so it should be your building. Finally, structures like stables, barns, and horse shelters demand both safety and comfort.
So, look for sheds, steel connections, and foundations certified and designed as per the Building Code of New Zealand and relevant standards.
DIY in mind: Consider kitsets
As homesteading is all about self-sufficiency, installing your shed on your own makes sense. While this task is challenging, with a pre-build kit, it becomes a lot easier. Kitset from reputed companies comes prepared to exact measurements and complement your design.
Further, they arrive neat and well-organized with a comprehensive plan set. With step-by-step guidance and accurate material, even a layman can put their new shed together.
Choose the right installer.
If DIY is not in your mind, or you want to go with perfection, hire an installer for complete peace of mind. It is not only an extensive homestead project that demands the attention of professionals, but even small projects can benefit from professional intervention.
- These professionals understand construction involves a lot of investment and can help you with the following aspects:
- Assist with meeting certification and building codes requirement
- Install various types or sizes of versatile and sturdy sheds as per your budget
Conclusion
No matter how much vacant land you own, you can easily convert it into a functional space with little effort. Moreover, homesteading is all about passion, and passion can not be compared with money. So, starting with what you have and progressing slowly is advisable.
Lastly, always invest in quality sheds, cheap material may save you money initially, but it will cost you in the long run.
