Renovating: Do You Need a Consent
Renovating – Do you need a Consent??
When renovating it’s really important that homeowners are aware of any consents that are required. Consents are there to ensure building works are done to standard and in accordance with the Building Code. These requirements are there as a means of avoiding substandard work, ensuring the works are safe and minimising risk of future costly problems.
Waterproofing is a critical requirement in wet areas
We recommend always contacting your local council to discuss your project and get clarification regarding any consents that may be required. They are usually more than happy to provide advice and guidance on consents and what professionals you may need to engage.
Note: Some exempt building works require that an authorised professional carry out, supervise, design or review the design of the proposed work.
Regulations vary from region to region, but in general terms if your renovation requires any plumbing, drainage and/or any electrical works, it is highly recommended that you check to see if a building consent is required.
You will definitely need a building consent to:
- Instal a tiled wet area shower in an existing dwelling. This is because the construction of a wet area shower generally includes critical building works, such as waterproof membranes and structural modifications to the flooring system.
- Move a vanity, bath, and shower within an apartment of a multi-level building – as it may involve new penetrations through a fire separation
- An ensuite is proposed which includes the addition of a shower, hand basin and toilet. These sanitary fixtures are additional to those that already exist in the building, so a building consent is required.
Where sanitary plumbing work could adversely affect the performance of structural elements, such as floor joists or wall framing, this work may require a building consent
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