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Poor Documentation for B1 and E2 is Slowing Down the Building Consent Process

Professor Anthony Hōete shares the results of ModelDocs — a BRANZ funded research programme that delves into NZ’s building consent process to seek behavioural transformation.

One of the key findings is that B1 and E2 represent over half of all RFI line items related to NZBC clauses. So, what can we do to reduce those RFIs?

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26 May 2025

Waterproofing: An Exact Science

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The word ‘waterproof’ is an absolute term. It means ‘impervious to water’. Stating that a building is almost waterproof does not make sense.

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20 October 2024

Minor Variations Better Defined

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New and amended regulations came into force on 30 September 2024 to better clarify a ‘minor variation’ when it comes to amending a building consent, and a ‘minor customisation’ when it comes to a MultiProof. 

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20 October 2024

Satisfied on Reasonable Grounds

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Building consent authorities (BCAs) need to be ‘satisfied on reasonable grounds’ that building work will meet the requirements of the Building Code before they can issue the building consent. This is not always as simple as comparing the plans with the performance requirements of Building Code.

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4 October 2024

Government's New Underwriting Scheme Announced

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It is estimated that up to 900 homes could be brought to market early, due to the new RDU which aims to de-risk large developments by underwriting construction of residential developments of 30+ homes. 

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23 September 2024

Renewing Existing Roofs for Environmental Benefits

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Revitalising ageing roofs through innovative renewal techniques offers a sustainable solution that extends building lifespans, reduces waste, and minimises environmental impact in the construction industry.

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23 September 2024

Cost Informing Design

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You would have heard the sayings 'designed to a budget' and 'built to a price', both of which have negative connotations, but surely being 'cost informed' will lead to better design outcomes.

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23 September 2024

Flat Roofs and Internal Gutters: Controlling and Removing Rainwater

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There are a range of approaches to how a low-pitched roof can be designed, it could include an internal gutter and/or drain into a rainwater head and the lowest point, or through a traditional roof drain outlet. 

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23 September 2024

New H1 Insulation Standards Can Cost as Little as $2,200 Extra Using Calculation Method

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New industry research using Certified Builders house designs has shown that the cost of the new H1 building regulations is far lower than has been reported.

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23 September 2024

Changing Perceptions on Mastic Asphalt: What You Should Know

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Like many long-lasting, tried and tested materials, mastic asphalt is being re-imagined, modified and re-examined as a highly relevant building solution for today. 

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23 September 2024

Short-Term Protection of Laminated Timber Products: The (Not So) Good Oil

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Engineered laminated timber — beware of short term protection that leads to longer term pain.

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