All building work is controlled by the Building Act 2004 and the Building Amendment Act 2008 and the various legal building regulations which include the Building Code.
Key Legal Factors Regulated by the Building Act
The purpose of these Acts is to ensure that buildings:
- are safe, sanitary and have suitable means of escape from fire;
- contribute to the physical independence and well being of people who use them; and
- are designed, constructed and able to be used in ways that promote sustainable development.
The Building Code sets legal standards for:
- durability
- fire safety
- sanitation (services and facilities)
- moisture control
- energy efficiency
- access
You must have a Building Consent from the council to carry out building work except for work specifically exempted (check with your council). A Resource Consent and other authorisations may also be required before building work can commence – again, check with the council. One or more of each consent type may be required for the same project.
