Building consents: what do the new exemption rules mean?
You might have read that you no longer need council consent for buildings up to 30m2 and a number of small projects deemed ‘low-risk’.
At first glance, that might make you think it’s all on for those DIY projects! Nobody likes doing paperwork, and it can seem like a waste of time to go through your local council’s consent process for a small job.
But beware: council consent was never the most important part of a building project. The new changes mean only that there’s less paperwork than there used to be. It’s a time (and money) saver, but there are still some big factors to consider before launching into a building project: risks, resale value, and peace of mind.
RISKS
Council consents make up a small fraction of what can affect your building project. There are still a lot of factors to wade through:
- planning rules
- council bylaws
- the building code
- the Resource Management Act 1991
- the Electricity Act 1992
- the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
…and more.
These are all pretty complex and variable, and (trust me) difficult to get your head around. Even something as simple as a kit-set shed bought from Bunnings has a few curly issues: where can it be situated on your property? Do you need permission from your neighbours?
That’s why most of the structures you don’t need council consent for are still required by law to be supervised by an LBP or CPE. For a complete list, go here, but the general gist is this: get advice from an expert.
LBP/CPEs are required to know about all of the rules and can help avoid the risks and problems of a DIY job. As an LBP, I’d much rather be asked a few questions before something is built than have to look at salvaging something that has gone wrong.
Of course, that’s why most of the exemptions still require professional involvement: it’s serious stuff. It’s worth contacting a professional (like me) early on in the process to help you get a picture of what is going to work because doing it right the first time is always the cheapest and safest way.
RESALE VALUE
Resale value is also vital to consider. Put yourself in a buyer’s shoes: wouldn’t you feel better knowing the owner had professionals involved in their renovations or additions? If you’re buying a house and notice a slightly wonky carport or a clear DIY-job on a sleep out, you will have more than a few reservations.
A builder’s report will likely highlight these issues, too. Canny buyers will start to ask questions about whether consent was sought, and if not, they will want some kind of assurance that a professional was consulted.
On the flip side, having all of your projects that are exempt from building consent developed or signed off by a LBP can become a selling point. It’s a sign that the home was loved and cared for by responsible owners, and that can give buyers a lot more confidence about putting in an offer.
PEACE OF MIND
Last, but definitely not least - getting professional advice is the best thing you can do for peace of mind.
Many projects look simple at the outset, but problems come up and the whole thing turns into a stressful, frustrating experience.
The best way to avoid those situations is to check with an expert before you begin. It’s always best to get another pair of eyes to go over your plans. Even if there’s a cost (often there isn’t), it’s a small price to pay for the certainty and confidence that you’re on track for a successful renovation or build project.
THE FINAL WORD
If you’re thinking about any kind of renovation, addition or modification to your property, get in touch. A conversation won’t cost you anything, but it will give you the clarity, confidence and knowledge to proceed in the right direction.