FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Do I need building consent?

Auckland Council defines building consent as “written approval from us to carry out specific building work on a specific site, which must comply with current regulations. It ensures that the proposed work is safe, durable and doesn’t endanger the health and safety of anyone using the building.”

It depends on what you are wanting to complete.

The following usually need consent:

- Decks that are over 1.5m in height from ground level

- Retaining walls that are over 1.5m in height, or retaining walls that are close to a building or driveway

- Fences that are over 2.5m in height and any swimming pool fence

- Swimming pools

- Any additional plumbing fixtures and fittings i.e. a new toilet

- Anything that affects the structure or weather tightness of a building, including new buildings, extensions, alterations, re-piling and minor dwellings.

As consent is situational the best course of action would be to contact Auckland Council on 09 301 0101 arrange a meeting with a planner. They can offer a free 15-minute appointment to provide advice on simple enquiries. You can choose to go to one of the Council offices, or talk on the phone or online.

Do I need resource consent?

Resource consent is required for a project that will have “an impact on the environment or could affect other people,” as defined by Auckland Council.

Examples of resource consent:

- Subdividing or developing land

- Using or occupying coastal space

- Earthworks

- Discharging of contaminants into water, soil or air

Can you help me out with applying for building and/or resource consent?

Yes we can.

When should I involve a builder?

Ideally, as soon as possible.

We have had many clients come to us with a set of plans already drawn, only to find that the proposed project is well beyond their budget – i.e. they have spent a considerable sum with an architect who has designed something they can’t afford.

Some parts of a design that have been chosen purely on appearance can drive up the price of the overall project. We can help match your ideals to your budget by providing advice and cost estimates throughout the design process.

Do I need to use a licensed building practitioner?

You need a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) to undertake any restricted building work (basically any work that requires building consent). Not all builders choose to get a license, and there are different licenses to cover different scopes of work. Builders are assessed before they are given their license and must complete ongoing professional development to stay up to date with the latest regulations and requirements.

Can I make changes to the project once it has started?

Of course. This is termed a variation, which is basically an alteration to the original scope of works agreed upon by client and builder. Some changes may be minor while others may be major and require amendments to the building consent. Variations may increase or decrease the scope of works and total costs.

What is a builder’s margin?

Think of a builder’s margin as a combined project management and handling fee. We are offered preferred rates from our chosen suppliers/subcontractors to start with, not available to just anyone. A margin is then added to cover all other costs – e.g. planning, backwards and forwards dealings with vendors and all admin related fees that help make your job run seamlessly and stress-free. This margin is often different between a Fixed Price Quote and a Cost Plus Option. A builder’s margin also covers onsite and offsite overheads, all admin and paperwork, filing, council dealings, planning, subcontractor management and consultations, insurances and workmanship guarantees.

What is a PC sum?

It is a term commonly used to represent prime costs or provisional sums.

- Prime cost – a place holder for an item that has not been decided upon yet. These are regularly used when drawing up a fixed price contract to give an idea of the overall cost of the project without having to choose individual items such as tapware or door hardware.

- Provisional sum – an allowance for work where the full scope cannot be determined.