In 2009, the Building (Minor Variation) Regulations were created to provide (Building Consent Authorities) BCAs (Example; Auckland Council) with guidance on how to deal with these minor variations.
It also defined minor variations as being a minor modification, addition, or variation to a building consent that does not deviate significantly from the plans and specifications to which the building consent relates.
Examples given were:
It also explained work which was not building work in respect of compliance with the building code such as kitchen joinery, skirting, built in shelving etc…
In February 2010, the Department of Building and Housing (now Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment), issued guidance on assessing minor variations which Auckland Council used as a basis in formulating their policy.
In each case, professional judgement is exercised by the council inspector onsite to assess each case on its merits. The policy allowed for flexibility to approve minor variations dependent on the council inspector’s technical knowledge and the time available during the inspection.
It has been reported that this system has been working very well on new build sites with significant time and cost savings resulting from it for both the owner and the council.
At this point, the council is still assessing jobs like this on a case by case basis. It is recommended that the following process be followed to avoid undue delays:
This is a frequently asked question. During building you might change your mind about something.
This might be at the suggestion of your builder or something you thought about later, for example, you might decide to install soundproofing between the bottom and second floor, or change the position of an internal wall.
Talk to your designer, project manager or builder to help decide if the variation is really necessary and how much it will cost.
It could require a new or amended building consent. Or it could turn out that it can’t be done anyway – it may be too far into the building process to start moving walls or inserting soundproofing products between floors. But you won’t know unless you ask.
Be aware that changing your mind is likely to cost you money – ask for at least an estimate in writing of the cost before you agree to the variation.
In 2009, the Building (Minor Variation) Regulations were created to provide BCAs (Building Consent Authorities i.e. Auckland Council) with guidance on how to deal with these minor variations. It also defined minor variations as being a minor modification, addition, or variation to a building consent that does not deviate significantly from the plans and specifications to which the building consent relates.
Examples of Minor Variations are:
If you want to know more about minor variations check out our Minor Variations article.
Whilst all information is considered to be true and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information. The information may change without notice and Style Plus is not in any way liable for the accuracy of any information printed and stored or in any way interpreted and used by a user.
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Whether you will undertake a small or large renovation, the need for renovations project management becomes an important factor in the success of a project.
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At Style Plus Renovations North Shore Auckland we see a project management plan as one potential pathway to a successful project outcome. There will always be factors, some unknown, that influence that plan. Issues, changes and variations typically will arise during a renovation, and we can only plan against so much risk. Therefore, the plan is as critical as the need to adjust it as we progress with the project
Tel us about your renovation project and we’ll call you back for a no-obligation chat about your ideas.
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We look forward to hearing from you to discuss your project and get you started on your renovation journey.
If you would like to know more about our renovation process, check it out here.
