Sheds vs. Cabins vs. Sleepouts: Which One Suits Your NZ Property?
Backyards in New Zealand are changing. They're no longer just grass patches or spots for clotheslines. Now, they're becoming home extensions—perfect for hobbies, side businesses, or extra living space. But with so many small building options out there how do you choose between a shed, cabin, or sleepout?
Each structure has its benefits, uses legal rules, and price tags. This guide explains the good and bad points of each helping you pick the best option for your lifestyle, property, and future plans.
Understanding the Differences
At first look, sheds, cabins, and sleepouts might appear the same—they're all small structures in your backyard. But they differ in their construction, purpose, and how NZ councils classify them.
What is a Shed?
A shed serves as a basic single-use structure for storage or utility work. In NZ, people often use them to store gardening tools, bikes, or as weekend workshops. While they have a simple design, Plankville's top-quality wooden sheds check out our shed styles offer better looks and strength—ideal to fit in with modern or country settings.
Shed Pros:
You don't need permission for sheds under 10sqm if they're less than 3.5m tall and aren't used as sleeping quarters.
They're cheap and easy to set up.
They work well for hobbies keeping stuff, or storing tools.
Things to Think About with Sheds:
The law says you can't sleep or live in them long-term.
They don't have much insulation or comfort if you use them for more than just storage.
What Makes a Cabin Different?
Cabins are tougher than sheds and people often use them as home offices, art studios, guest rooms, or even short-term homes. They have insulation, windows, and proper floors, which means you can use them all year.
Good Things About Cabins:
You can move them around (many are easy to transport).
Great for home offices, art spaces, or teen hangouts.
Sometimes you can set them up without asking, thanks to the Building Act Schedule 1 exemption, if they're not hooked up to plumbing and stay under certain sizes.
Things to Think About with Cabins:
If you hook them up to utilities (power/water), you might need to ask the council.
They cost more than a shed.
They must follow building rules if someone's going to sleep or live in them long-term.
At Plankville, we build cabins that serve many purposes and stand the test of time—whether you want a personal getaway or a future money-maker. Take a look at our cabin options to see what we can do.
What's a Sleepout?
Sleepouts serve as places to stay—they make ideal guest rooms, spaces for teens, or even spots for Airbnb-type rentals. Unlike sheds or some cabins, people can live in sleepouts, so they need insulation, electricity, and proper floors.
Sleepouts have these good points:
They give you more living space without the price tag of an extension.
They work well for families that are getting bigger short-term rentals, or people who care for others at home.
You can build some small, standalone sleepouts (under 30sqm) without approval under new MBIE rules.
Things to think about with sleepouts:
Plumbing (like a toilet or sink) almost always needs building consent.
It might make your rates or insurance go up, depending on your local council.
It's pricier because of the living-level finishes you need.
Plankville's bigger timber designs can be tweaked for sleepout use giving you the best mix of comfort and handiness. Let's talk about the layout that works best for you.
Do You Need Council Consent in NZ?
When you're picking a shed, cabin, or sleepout, it's key to know when you need council consent. Here's a simple breakdown:
Sheds: You don't need approval if they're under 10sqm, have no plumbing, and nobody sleeps in them.
Cabins: Those under 30sqm without plumbing might not need approval, but you'll need consent for ones used for sleeping or with utilities.
Sleepouts: Some under 30sqm without plumbing might be okay, but many need consent if they're used as long-term living spaces.
Make sure to talk to your local council if your building is close to a property line taller than allowed, or hooked up to utilities. The MBIE rules give some wiggle room, but not all councils see them the same way.
What Fits Your Budget Best?
Your budget has a big impact on picking the right backyard structure. Here's how each type compares in price:
Sheds: Cheapest choice. Good if you just need room to store stuff or work on projects.
Cabins: Middle-range price. Cost changes based on size, quality, and if you can move it.
Sleepouts: Most expensive at first, but can pay off if used as extra living space or to rent out.
Plankville offers adaptable, made-to-order wood options in all three groups. Reach out to get a quote that fits your needs.
So—Which One Suits You Best?
The choice hinges on how you plan to use the area, your financial limits, and if you're ready to deal with council approval regulations.
Pick a shed for basic needs: storing tools, gardening equipment, or weekend project space.
Go for a cabin to have options—it can serve as a home office, getaway spot, or creative space without going through full approval processes.
Opt for a sleepout if you need actual living quarters and are prepared for more official construction (and some extra income from Airbnb!).
Still can't decide? At Plankville, we'll guide you through your choices and help you understand council regulations, make design choices, and find the right spot.
Internal Links to Explore:
Get in touch with our team for advice on site readiness
Conclusion
Sheds, cabins, and sleepouts each provide clever beneficial ways to improve your property. If you need a basic shelter or extra room to live and work, Plankville's custom-built timber structures are made to offer quality, beauty, and toughness ready for NZ conditions.
Let's transform your backyard into something amazing. Begin your project with us today.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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NZ building code doesn't allow you to sleep in a shed. You need housing standards and council approval for it to be okay.
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A cabin smaller than 30sqm without plumbing might not need building consent. But check with your local council before you do anything.
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You can, but you'll need consent if it's for business or has plumbing. You might also need resource consent based on your district.
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You bet. Cabins cost more because they're built to last, use higher-quality materials, have better insulation, and are designed for comfort. They're a step up from your average shed in terms of price.
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It depends. Some you can move around, but if they stay in one spot for a long time or get hooked up to utilities, they might be seen as permanent. In that case, you'd need to get the okay from the authorities.
