Exempt building work guidance
This is a guide to building work which does not require a building consent under the Building Act 2004. It concentrates on the list of exemptions contained in Schedule 1 of the Act.
This guide is mainly for building and home owners who are planning building work and trade and sector professionals who are carrying out or providing advice on building work. Councils, building consent authorities and regional or territorial authorities, also use it to provide advice about what does or does not need a building consent.
The sections have been categorised according to the type of building project that is to be carried out. Each building consent exemption describes the building work, along with examples of what is exempt and what needs a building consent and also suggests which professionals should be engaged to do the work. Not all work needs a professional, but many require a professional by law.
All building work that doesn't need a building consent
- General alterations, maintenance and removal
- Detached, standalone buildings
- Windows, doors and walls
- Plumbing and drainage
- Insulation and moisture barriers
- Porches, verandas and pergolas
- Platforms, decks and bridges
- Shelters, shades and carports
- Fencing and restrictions
- Playground equipment
- Pools, tanks and dams
- Signage
- Support structures
- Other structure
- Network utilities