Builders give warning to DIYers
A builders organisation has appealed to people putting up structures on their properties to seek advice first, despite no longer needing consent.
This week the Government said consents for low-risk building would be scrapped from August to free up the construction sector for higher value work.
Single-storey detached buildings up to 30 square metres, such as sleepouts, sheds and greenhouses, carports, awnings and water storage bladders will now not require a council-approved building consent.
New Zealand Certified Builders Mid and South Canterbury president Dan Gallagher said homeowners would have to do their own due diligence by going to the duty planner at the council for advice on how the work should be checked and signed off.
‘‘My advice to people who are thinking about it is to get an idea in your head, and sit down with the duty planner.
‘‘That does not cost you anything. The guys at the duty planners office will help them out.’’
Making low-risk building work, such as sheds, sleepouts and carports easier to build did not mean building standards should drop, he said.
‘‘Probably my biggest concern, in regards to DIY builders, is they will start slapping up 30-square-metre sheds and not know the building regulations and the effect that could have.’’
Gallagher said the Government had to clarify ‘‘many grey areas’’ like how DIY buildings would be monitored.
‘‘If a DIYer’s carport is not up to the building code, who is responsible for that, to take it down?
‘‘In regards to saving money, it is a great idea – no more consents, no more having to get a draught done.’’
The consequences of not building a structure which is up to standard could be costly for the property owner in the long term, he said.
‘‘I’ve seen people who put up structures on their properties that have been quite substantial, and have gone to sell their homes.
‘‘The structure could be too close to the boundary, and then it’s up to the homeowner to rectify it.
‘‘It could cost them thousands of dollars to get retrospective inspections, or have to get an engineer around.’’
Gallagher said licensed building practitioners still had a role to play and could be used as consultants.
The amount builders charged for these constructions depended on the size, he said.
Timaru Master Builders South Canterbury president Stu Heap said it was too early to comment on the changes as clarity was still needed on how the new regulations would be overseen.
‘‘It will probably be a good thing but who’s going to be policing what is the concern we have,’’ he said.
Timaru District Council building control manager Jayson Ellis said although a wider range of work would not need a building consent from late August, the work still had to be up to the standards of the building code.
‘‘In some cases the use of a licensed building practitioner will be required to carry out the design and construction of that work.’’
‘‘While we may not have to consent your building work, our staff can still provide the best advice that will explain all of the requirements needed to meet compliance with the exempt building work provisions under schedule 1 of the Building Act and other legislative considerations such as the District Plan.’’
Ellis said before commencing work, owners must ensure they understood their responsibilities in how compliance is achieved.
‘‘It is very important that people seek the correct information, and TDC has very capable and knowledgeable staff that can provide the best and most up to date information.’’
‘‘If a DIYer’s carport is not up to the building code, who is responsible for that, to take it down?’’ Dan Gallagher