We’re Josh and Chantelle, the founders of Hire a Hut. Here we share how it all started, what we’ve learned along the way, and why quality matters so much to us.

What made you start Hire a Hut?
Josh was already building and supplying cabins to rental companies around Northland, and Chantelle brought sales experience from the banking and insurance industries. Together we could see an opportunity to offer a better product, with a lot more care, for the same price. The goal was simple: give every Kiwi access to quality accommodation at a price that made sense. That’s still the driver behind Hire a Hut, making sure everyone has a warm, dry space to call home.

What’s the philosophy behind how you build cabins?
We build to code, with Licensed Building Practitioners putting each cabin together the same way you’d expect a permanent build to go up. Just because something’s portable doesn’t mean it should be lower quality than a new build. We think any home deserves care, no matter if it’s permanent or portable.

How do you balance quality with keeping cabins affordable?
We’re upfront about what you’re paying for and why. We’d rather be honest about the cost of doing it properly. In the long run, that’s what keeps a cabin standing, and keeps customers coming back.

What’s something people are usually surprised to learn about Hire a Hut?
People are often surprised at how warm our cabins are. We build to the H1 energy efficiency standard, so there’s no cold floors or draughty walls to deal with. People are also often surprised by the finish, many expect a portable cabin to look and feel basic, and that’s exactly the expectation we set out to challenge.

What’s been the most rewarding part of running the business?
Hearing from someone once their cabin is in and set up. Whether it’s extra space for family, a home office, or somewhere for a worker to stay, there’s something rewarding about knowing we’ve solved a real problem for someone. That’s what keeps us doing this.

Any advice for someone who’s on the fence about hiring or buying a cabin?
Do your homework and ask questions. Find out what you’re actually getting: how it’s built, what standard it’s insulated to, what’s included. A cabin is something you or your family can live with for years, so take the time to understand what you’re actually paying for before you decide.

Want to know more about what goes into a Hire a Hut cabin? Get in touch or explore our range of cabins.