Browse practical answers to real project-style questions about bathrooms, extensions, decks, verandas, minor dwellings, home and income projects and council consent pathways. Find the question closest to your situation, then take the next step with confidence.
Bottom line
Start here when your question sounds like "Can I do this?" or "Do I need consent?" If you need a broader regulatory explanation, visit Insights. If you already need drawings, CoA support or an RFI response, go directly to the relevant service pathway.
Featured question
Viral is based in Saint Kilda, Otago, and is considering extending an existing room and converting the laundry area to include an additional bathroom and toilet. Here's what needs to be considered.
Question categories
Building Questions are organised around the way people actually ask for help: "Can I build this?", "Do I need consent?", "What will council ask for?" and "What should I do next?"
Question library
Filter by category and open the full answer when a question sounds similar to your project.
Andrei is building foundations and has been told the contractor will provide a PS3, while the engineer must provide a PS4. Here is the simple difference between each producer statement and why both may be needed.
Read answerA buyer is looking at a house where a sink has been installed in the garage without consent, and the vendor is offering a safe and sanitary report as proof. Here is what that report does — and does not — prove.
Read answerNat is based in Lake Hawea and is exploring whether it is possible to build a home and income property with two small residential units on the same site. Here's what needs to be considered.
Read answerDbcone is based in Halswell, Canterbury, and is exploring the idea of building a 2-bedroom house powered entirely by solar energy. Here's what needs to be considered.
Read answerJiten is based in Miramar, Wellington, and is planning to remove an existing concrete fence and replace it with a timber fence. Here's what needs to be considered.
Read answerViral is based in Saint Kilda, Otago, and is considering extending an existing room and converting the laundry area to include an additional bathroom and toilet. Here's what needs to be considered.
Read answerVineet is planning to build a veranda larger than 20m² and is also exploring the possibility of extending the house. Here's what needs to be considered.
Read answerDerryn is based in Hamilton and owns a typical 1990s Fletcher-style home. Instead of moving, Derryn is exploring whether it is possible to extend the home to include a master suite, rumpus room, and double garage.
Read answerJack is planning to build a new home in the Welfield Rise subdivision in West Melton, on a section just under 600m². Here's what needs to be considered.
Read answerTeneal is based in Red Hill, Auckland, and is exploring the possibility of building a new bedroom above an existing concrete deck attached to a brick house. Here's what needs to be considered.
Read answerMoana is based in Picton, Marlborough, and is considering renovating an older home. They are exploring whether they can add a second story or extend the home horizontally.
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