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The SmartFraming blog

Practical guides on building with light gauge steel framing in New Zealand — materials, methods, comparisons and answers to the questions we hear most.

11 articles
Steel-framed kitset cabin in a New Zealand garden
Consent Rules

Granny flat rules NZ 2026: the 70m² consent exemption explained

The full eligibility checklist, the PIM process, and what changes on 8 October 2026.

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Light gauge steel frame for a small single-storey home on a rural site
Consent Rules

Minor dwelling vs granny flat: what the NZ terms mean

Minor dwelling, granny flat, minor residential unit: which term the building and planning rules use, and why it matters.

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Steel kitset shed on a rural New Zealand site
Consent Rules

30m² building consent exemption in NZ: sheds, sleepouts, garages and cabins

The four exemption routes, the October 2025 setback changes, and the conditions that catch people out.

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Row of light gauge steel garage frames on concrete slabs at a rural site
Guides

Garage sizes in NZ: single, double and triple garage dimensions

Typical garage sizes, how much room cars and utes need, and how the door affects the width.

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Steel frame kitset garage with part of the cladding and roofing fitted
Guides

What's included in a steel frame kitset: a guide for NZ kitset homes

What we supply, what your builder supplies, and how an order runs from quote to delivery.

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Steel vs timber cover
Steel vs Timber

Steel vs timber framing: which is right for your build?

A fair, factor-by-factor comparison to help you weigh the trade-offs for your project.

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Extension framing cover
Applications

Framing an extension in steel: what to expect

How light gauge steel framing suits renovations, additions and second-storey work.

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Coating / coastal cover
Maintenance

Does steel framing rust? Coatings and coastal builds explained

What corrosion protection means in practice, and why detailing matters near the coast.

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Low-waste site cover
Sustainability

How steel framing reduces on-site waste

The link between factory-cut, made-to-measure components and a tidier, leaner site.

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Kitset building cover
Applications

Kitset buildings 101: sheds, garages and sleepouts

How pre-designed steel kitsets work, and when they’re the smart, fast choice.

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Steel frame under construction
Guides

Why builders choose light gauge steel framing

A practical look at how steel performs, where it's used, and why it's a strong choice for New Zealand builds.

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