Need a building consent application for a renovation, extension, deck, reclad, bathroom, sleepout, granny flat, garage conversion or house split? ArchSolutioNZ prepares council-ready residential building consent documentation so you can apply with clarity and fewer surprises.
Bottom line
Start here when your project needs council confidence. A building consent is more than a form; it is the drawings, specifications, compliance evidence and consultant coordination that show how your residential building work will meet the New Zealand Building Code before construction begins.
Find your project type
Start with the card that sounds most like you. Each service explains who it suits, what council usually needs to understand, and the next step toward a clear residential building consent application.
Best for
Homeowners who already know the project needs consent and now need council-ready drawings.
We prepare the plans, sections, construction details, schedules, specifications and compliance notes needed for a clear building consent application.
Open next stepBest for
Owners planning a new house, replacement dwelling, infill home or standalone residential build.
New homes need coordinated residential building consent documentation covering structure, envelope, H1 energy, services, durability and consultant inputs before construction begins.
Open next stepBest for
Families adding bedrooms, living space, a second storey, a master suite or a larger footprint.
Extensions often affect structure, weathertightness, insulation, drainage and the existing home. We help shape the consent package before the design becomes expensive to change.
Open next stepBest for
Homeowners removing walls, changing openings, altering load paths or upgrading older homes.
Structural alterations need more than a builder sketch. We coordinate architectural documentation with engineering input so council can assess the proposed work properly.
Open next stepBest for
Owners moving fixtures, changing drainage, adding a laundry, or reworking kitchen and service areas.
Plumbing alterations can trigger council consent when drainage, ventilation, fire separation, structure or wet-area performance changes. We help identify what the application needs.
Open next stepBest for
Homeowners adding, relocating or rebuilding a bathroom, ensuite, accessible shower or tiled wet area.
Bathroom work can involve waterproofing, drainage, ventilation, floor structure and compliance evidence. We help turn a simple idea into a consent-ready wet-area package.
Open next stepBest for
Owners planning a deck, balcony, veranda, covered outdoor area, balustrade or raised platform.
Outdoor structures may need building consent where height, structure, barriers, membranes, fixings or weather exposure create Building Code risk.
Open next stepBest for
Owners replacing cladding, changing windows, repairing leaks, upgrading roofing or fixing weather damage.
Envelope work needs careful detailing. We coordinate cladding, roofing, flashing, wall build-up and E2 weathertightness information for council building consent review.
Open next stepBest for
People adding a backyard room, cabin, studio, sleepout, hobby space or detached residential building.
Detached buildings may be exempt in some cases, but sanitary facilities, drainage, services, size, use and sleeping arrangements can move the project into a consent pathway.
Open next stepBest for
Families, investors and homeowners considering a minor dwelling, granny flat or compact standalone home.
A granny flat needs an early pathway check because the right route may be an exemption, a full council building consent, planning advice or a combination of all three.
Open next stepBest for
Owners turning a garage, workshop, storage room or underused area into living, sleeping or work space.
Habitable space conversions can affect moisture, fire safety, insulation, ventilation, windows and services. We help identify the building compliance steps before work starts.
Open next stepBest for
Anyone who knows the project may need council consent but is not sure which documents or pathway apply.
Send your project details, photos, address or council notes. We will help you understand the likely consent route before you spend money on the wrong documentation.
Open next stepWhat we prepare
Every project is different, but most residential building consent applications need clear design records, enough construction detail and coordinated evidence that the work will comply with the Building Code.
Plans, elevations, sections, construction details, junctions, schedules and project-specific notes prepared for council assessment.
Material selections, installation standards, durability, wet areas, insulation, cladding, glazing and Building Code evidence written for the actual project.
Design documentation and Certificates of Design Work where the project affects primary structure, external moisture or other restricted elements.
Structural, geotechnical, drainage, stormwater, truss, H1 energy and producer statement inputs coordinated into one consent package.
Drawings, specifications, application information and supporting evidence organised for a clearer building consent submission.
If council asks for clarification on our documentation, we help update the relevant information and coordinate consultant responses.
How it works
We look at what you want to build, what already exists, what documents you have and what council is likely to ask for.
We identify whether the work belongs under building consent, a different council pathway, feasibility advice or another service.
We produce the architectural documentation, construction details and written specifications required for the application.
Where needed, we align engineering, drainage, H1, truss, geotechnical and other consultant information with the architectural set.
We organise the drawings, certificates, producer statements and supporting information into a council-ready consent package.
If questions relate to documents we prepared, we help clarify the design intent and update the package where required.
Choose the right pathway
If your project has already been built, is stuck in council processing, needs planning advice or has a commercial compliance question, a different service may save time.
About ArchSolutioNZ
ArchSolutioNZ supports residential projects with structured processes, coordinated documentation and practical guidance for homeowners across New Zealand. Review the pages below to understand the way we work and the professional standards behind the service.
Official NZ guidance
These official resources explain how building consent applications, supporting documents and Building Code compliance are assessed in New Zealand.
Official Building Performance guidance on building consent applications in New Zealand.
Read the guidanceGuidance on evidence councils may need to confirm proposed work will meet the Building Code.
Read the guidanceInformation about work that needs licensed professionals and proper design or building records.
Read the guidanceBuilding consent FAQs
A building consent application is the package submitted to council so proposed building work can be assessed against the New Zealand Building Code before construction starts.
Many structural changes, wet area changes, extensions, recladding, fire separation changes and new habitable spaces need consent. Some work may be exempt, but it still needs to comply with the Building Code.
Yes. We prepare residential building consent drawings, specifications and supporting documents, then help coordinate the package and relevant consultant input.
People often use the phrase council consent broadly. Building consent is the specific council approval for building work under the Building Act and Building Code.
Completed or unconsented work may need a Certificate of Acceptance or another council pathway rather than a standard building consent application.
Yes. ArchSolutioNZ works across New Zealand using a remote-first process and is Auckland-accessible for local clients.
Tell us what you are planning and what council has asked for. We will help you identify the right next step for your residential building consent project.
