Pole Shed Extensions & Alterations in Canterbury — What You Need to Know (Q&A)

Q1. What’s the difference between a shed extension and an alteration?

• Extension: Adding new bays or length to an existing structure.

• Alteration: Modifying what’s already there - enclosing open bays, adding roller doors, re-cladding, or upgrading the concrete.
  Most of our Canterbury jobs involve a mix of both  for example, enclosing one bay and extending another.

Q2. Why alter or extend instead of building new?

It’s usually faster, cheaper, and less disruptive.
If your shed’s structure and roofline are sound, we can reuse the poles and framing while giving it a fresh new finish.
You save on foundations, materials, and labour and you get the space you need without starting from scratch.

Q3. Do pole shed alterations need consent?

Small-scale work like recladding, enclosing an open bay, or replacing doors can often be done under Building Work Exempt from Consent.
Larger extensions or structural changes might need consent, we can guide you through what’s required during the quote stage.

Q4. What types of shed alterations can you do?

We handle all types, including:

• Enclosing open bays or gable ends

• Adding roller doors, PA doors, or windows

• Replacing or matching cladding and roofing

• Adding paper and netting,

• Upgrading old timber framing or poles

• Concrete floor installs and apron pours

• Replacing flashings and gutters

  
  

Q5. What’s included in a Southern Buildworks shed upgrade?

Everything from the ground up:

• Site prep and excavation

• Structural framing, poles, and purlins

• Matching roofing and cladding

• Concrete floor poured in-house

• Roller doors and personal access doors

• Flashings, trims, and water run-off solutions

• Final site tidy-up and finish

We’re a small hands-on Canterbury team, so you’ll deal directly with the builder doing the work.... not a sales rep.

Q6. How do you handle the concrete work?

We do all our own concrete prep and pours, ensuring consistent quality:

• Compacted AP40 basecourse

• 665/668 reinforcing mesh on plastic chairs

• 25 MPa concrete (sourced from Kiwi Concrete)

• Vibed and screeded for strength and level finish

• Options for plain, broom, trowel finish, machine finish 

  Every pour includes proper expansion cuts and curing. no shortcuts
  

Q7. Can you match the look of my existing shed?

Yes. We match Colorsteel or Zincalume profiles such as Corrugate, 5-Rib,
We source from The Roofing Store and other local suppliers to ensure a perfect match on colour, profile, and finish.
Once complete, the new work blends seamlessly with the old.

Q8. How long does a shed extension or alteration take?

Most smaller alterations or single-bay extensions take around 2 weeks. We like to pour the slab first and leave it a week or so to cure.
Full enclosures, concrete slabs, or multi-bay projects typically take 3 weeks depending on weather, door supply (can be 4 weeks), and curing time.

Q9. Can you upgrade my shed floor or add a driveway too?

Definitely.
We often pour new floors, aprons, and driveways alongside the shed project. It’s a great way to tidy up access, reduce dust, and create a stronger, cleaner workspace.

Q10. Where do you work?

We service all of Christchurch and Canterbury, including:

• Rolleston

• Lincoln

• Selwyn

• Darfield

• Oxford

• Rangiora

• Ashburton

• Kaiapoi & North Canterbury