What a masterbuilder thinks of the new rules

Mike Fox is a 30-year building veteran and the owner of the construction company EasyBuild. He shared his thoughts on the new rules in the MasterBuilder’s magazine Building Today.

30m² is good, but 36m² would have been better

The new size is generous compared to the old rule of just 10m², says Mike.

“However, a more useful exemption in this instance would have been to increase it to 36m² — the size of a double garage — reducing the need for even more consents.

“When I questioned this, I was informed that it was for some vague engineering reasons that they settled on 30m². I would say it’s a missed opportunity.”

There are no inspections

While you’re expected to build your shed, sleepout, or other building in accordance with the Building Code and relevant standards, there are no nerve-wracking building inspections.

However, that may have longterm consequences.

“I’m not sure how that will ever be tested, unless a future owner challenges work that might not comply,” says Mike. “It will be an interesting space to watch.”

There’s a risk if you’re a DIYer

A DIYer taking on a building consent-exempted project will have no oversight, and that’s concerning, says Mike.

“This transpires into a significantly heightened risk of substandard buildings being completed. Only time will tell how this omission pans out. However, I can see problems

• on the horizon.”