Sleepouts

A sleepout is a particularly New Zealand term for a building that is either attached to an existing structure on the property which is not the main building (such as a garage or a barn), or a small stand alone structure that is used for accommodation away from the main home. We say particularly New Zealand, because to most of the world a sleepout would probably be interpreted as sleeping away from home, perhaps even camping. It could even be considered as something similar to sleep-over, staying away from home at the house of a friend. In some countries a sleepout is a mass form of protest for a humanitarian cause.

What can sleepouts in New Zealand be used for?

There are a variety of uses for NZ sleepouts; really, the use is only limited by the owner's imagination, but here are several typical uses:

• Accommodation: this a where a person or persons uses the sleepout as their living space, which may sometimes include a kitchen, living room, bathroom and bedroom.
• Office space: sleepouts in NZ are often converted into office space, so a person may work from home whilst having the privacy of a workspace separated from the distractions of the main house.
• Playroom for children: allows children to play, with plenty of room for their toys and without the risk of damage to valuable property which may be stored in the main house.
• Workshop: conversion of a sleepout building to a workshop or hobby room is common.
• Storage: in New Zealand, sleepouts are regularly used as a locked storage option.

Sleepouts for accommodation

The most widespread use of a sleepout in NZ is accommodation. Here are some of the usual occupants of a sleepout in New Zealand:

• Many NZ sleepouts house a teenager, keen on a wee bit of independence, but too young and too poor to leave home and still very dependant on the home cooking and laundry service! The sleepout, adorned with posters, television set, DVD player, stereo and perhaps even computer, gives the adolescent the illusion of independence. (And it does have the advantage of moving the music away from long suffering parents!)
• The newly single, in the aftermath of divorce or relationship break up, seeking board with an element of privacy.
• Some people keep a sleepout in NZ for guests, permanently made up and ready for use.
• More elaborate and better serviced buildings are used for older family members in NZ, although the term 'granny flat' better describes this situation.

Kitset and portable sleepouts in New Zealand

Kitset sleepouts are a popular option for those who prefer to build their own building themselves, or use a local builder. If, however, you are intending to erect a kitset sleepout in NZ you should be aware of your legislative responsibilities. Any building work carried out will require a building consent, issued at varying cost by your local city or district council. A kitset sleepout in NZ may be cheaper to purchase initially, but unless you have building skills and experience, it makes sense to utilise the abilities of an expert. Portable sleepouts are designed in such a way that they can be moved easily around a property, and are purchased fully constructed or at a variety of stages in the building process. Again, council resource and building consent are the buyer's responsibility.

Where to get a sleepout in NZ

Sleepouts and kitset sleepouts in New Zealand are available from a number of building companies. Prices range from under $10,000 for a small very basic sleepout up to $50,000 or more for a larger sleepout with additional features.

Looking for more information? Find New Zealand sleepouts in the NZS.com directory.

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Business images from Flickr: Sky Tower, New Zealand Flag and Wellington Buildings.