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The Biggest Building Consent Pitfalls Daunting New Zealanders
- Bill Zhao
- Aug 8
- 2 min read
The process of gaining a building consent can seem rather daunting, but the reasons behind such a stringent process are well-founded. Building consent, which is written approval from a local council to carry out building work, ensures that the work to be carried out is safe and code-adherent. It is not uncommon, however, for issues to arise during this process. Here are some notable pitfalls that could disrupt your approval.
Incomplete Applications
First and foremost, having a vague and muddling application can quickly thwart any consent approvals. This can stem from applications that are missing vital information such as in plan detail, schematics, or specifications. With detailed rules set by the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC), failing to show that the proposed materials meet New Zealand standards can expend precious time in revisions and reapplication. This extends to proposed plans and drawings; if they suffer from detail-deficiency, it would be much harder for the council to find proper adherence.
Necessary or Not?
Not all house work requires a building consent, but it’s always better to play it safe. Looking up your region-specific rules can save a lot of time and money in the long run. Building without consent can rack up a $200,000 fine, with further charges if work continues.
Such a hefty fine is not without good reason, however. The leaky homes crisis and our heightened vigilance in earthquake-preparedness have called for stricter oversight in building practices, aiming to curb potential heath issues and remediation costs.
Regional Variation:
In practice, the consent process isn’t exactly uniform across New Zealand. While all work has to comply with the NZBC, there can be varying focal points and interpretations depending on the council. Larger districts such as Auckland, require a more thorough and diligent process, while smaller regions may see a quicker and easier approval. When applying for a building consent, it is always best to check your preparations against your local council’s rules, and how they have interpreted the building code. This has historically been a pain point for architects and homeowners alike.
Overall, the best way to curb potential consent hitches is to do your due diligence. Carrying out region-specific research and consulting with local experts can minimise snags and ensure your project sails as smoothly as possible.
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