What These New Rules Mean for Homeowners — and the Parts of the Process You Still Need to Manage
As many of us in NZ are aware parliament are bring a new law change which is removing the red tape surrounding building secondary dwellings up to 70 square metres. This is great news for builders & homeowners alike & the significant benefits that we get from this are
- Approximately $3000 – $5000 savings in Council Fees depending on project size an local council.
- More streamlined build & design times no more council inspections or wait periods for them to approve designs
- Greater design flexibility small design tweaks or layout changes during the build are easier to make when there’s no formal consent to amend.
Now although this does make the process significantly cheaper and less stressful we need to take into consideration that there are still hurdles to jump through and costs involved that you may not be aware of if you haven’t been involved in a build before. It very important to know the right people to talk to and engage all of them prior to commencing any work so you understand the costs involved and the feasibility of the project. There are still strict regulations for these dwellings that must be adhered too.
Engaging the Right Professionals Early On
While the removal of red tape is a huge step forward, it’s still essential to have the right professionals on board to ensure your secondary dwelling is built correctly and in compliance with all relevant standards. One of the most important people to engage early in the process is a Design Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP). A design LBP will help ensure that your dwelling meets the structural and performance requirements of the New Zealand Building Code — even if a full building consent isn’t required.
A design LBP can also help you assess the site feasibility before you spend money on full drawings. Factors such as stormwater and wastewater disposal can vary significantly from site to site, depending on your available connections, gradient, and existing infrastructure. In some cases, you may need to install additional drainage or on-site treatment systems — costs that can quickly add up if not identified early. By having your LBP liaise with the right contractors and council departments, you can get a ballpark figure upfront and avoid unexpected expenses later down the line.
Understanding Site Constraints and Services
Another important consideration is available space and boundary setbacks. Even with relaxed consent requirements, dwellings still need to comply with height-to-boundary rules, daylight access, and site coverage limitations. Your design professional will be able to guide you on what’s possible within your section’s dimensions, ensuring your plans stay compliant while maximising the usable space.
Water supply capacity is another factor that can impact your project’s feasibility. Some areas — particularly rural or older suburbs — may not have sufficient water pressure or main supply capacity to service additional dwellings. Likewise, wastewater and stormwater capacity in older networks can be limited, requiring costly upgrades or on-site solutions. These are the kinds of issues best understood before you start drawings or commit to any contracts.
Bringing It All Together
Ultimately, while this law change opens the door to more affordable and flexible small dwellings, the success of your project still depends on proper planning and professional input. Engaging a qualified design LBP and consulting with experienced builders and contractors early on will save you time, money, and stress — and ensure your new dwelling is safe, compliant, and built to last.
