In New Zealand the building of houses is controlled by the Building Act 2004 which applies not only to the construction of new buildings but also to the alteration, demolition and maintenance of existing buildings.

The main reason for having building controls is to ensure buildings are safe and healthy to live in.

There is a three-part framework for setting out these controls:

• The Building Act 2004 sets out the law on building work.
• The Building Regulations contain the mandatory New Zealand Building Code, and also the rules about building consents and building inspections.
• The New Zealand Building Code sets out performance standards that all building work must meet, and covers aspects such as fire safety, access, moisture control, durability, services and facilities.
  

New Zealand Building Code

We explain how the Building Code operates to ensure houses meet specific requirements, and look at compliance documents and acceptable solutions.
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The Building Act 2004

We look at the changes introduced by the new Building Act 2004 and what this will mean for consumers.
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Implementation of the 2004 Act

When do the new initiatives introduced in the Building Act 2004 come into effect, and what happens to building work currently underway?
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Building Consents

Applying for building consent is an essential step in any building project. We explain the process - how to apply, what to include in your application, what happens if you don't get building consent and how to apply for a code compliance certificate when the project is finished.
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