How do you know if you need consent? When should you call in the experts, and who are they? At Lockhart Construction, we make this often confusing and frustrating journey straightforward and stress-free. From providing clear guidance to liaising directly with the council on your behalf, our team ensures nothing is missed. With exciting, proposed changes to legislation on the horizon, building smaller, self-contained homes might soon become easier than ever. No matter your project scale, we can help!
The building consents process is crucial for ensuring that your work complies with local regulations and safety standards. Typically, you need consent for a wide range of activities. The following summary from building.govt.nz provides a good starting point:
- Structural building (additions, alterations, re-piling, demolitions)
- Plumbing and drainage (if adding new fixtures)
- Relocating a building
- Installing systems like wood burners or air-conditioning
- Building retaining walls, fences, decks, platforms, or sheds over certain sizes
- Some earthworks
It’s always best to check with your local council, as regulations can vary between areas and are designed to ensure safety and compliance with the Building Code. Some work is exempt under the Building Act, and because there is no one-size-fits-all rule, it can feel like a lot of red tape to comprehend.
Understanding the consent process can indeed be challenging. Common issues include figuring out which rules apply to your specific location and project type, estimating the time required for consent to be submitted and approved, and managing the often complex paperwork. These factors can be daunting, especially if you’re undertaking this process for the first time. Mismanagement can lead to frustration and increased costs, making it crucial to stay organized and informed about specific regulations to keep your project on track.
At Lockhart Construction, we streamline the consent process for you. We start with expert guidance, providing an overview of the likely consent process and costs during your ‘SmartStart Estimate.’ We can then handle the entire process, including the paperwork and liaising with the council, ensuring a smooth experience. Coordination with professionals such as architects, engineers, and surveyors is a key aspect of our service, guaranteeing that all project elements are aligned.
“Our aim is to take the stress out of the consent process for our clients,” says Stan Leenders, owner of Lockhart Construction. “By managing the details, we allow you to focus on the exciting parts of your project.”
By choosing Lockhart Construction as your renovation partner, you’ll save time and avoid potential delays. Our expertise ensures that nothing is overlooked, significantly reducing the risk of issues down the line and letting you enjoy the creative aspects of your project without the overwhelming admin.
We stay informed about all regulatory updates and adjust our processes accordingly. Proposed changes to New Zealand’s building regulations, particularly for ‘granny flats’ and ‘tiny homes,’ could soon make adding smaller, self-contained homes simpler and more cost-effective. These changes are set to allow buildings up to 60 square meters without requiring consents, simplifying the approval process for small, self-contained homes. This will reduce costs and streamline the process for adding small structures to existing properties, opening up new opportunities for homeowners.
Whether you’re considering a ‘granny flat’, or another project altogether, we can guide you through the evolving consent landscape, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
Ready to simplify your building project? Contact Lockhart Construction today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can streamline the consent process for you. Let’s build something great together!