Cutting red tape around granny flat builds is a welcome move for Otago\u2019s construction industry but not without its pitfalls, local operators say.<\/p>\n
Small standalone dwellings up to 70sqm, dubbed granny flats, no longer require a building or resource consent under government changes in place from yesterday.<\/p>\n
However, certain conditions must be met for the exemption to apply.<\/p>\n
BuildSmart co-director Glen Williamson, of Dunedin, said reducing “red tape” and cost to build was welcome.<\/p>\n
“It\u2019s certainly a good thing, I think, for the industry, but it’s probably a few pitfalls for owners to probably think about, that\u2019s for sure,” he said.<\/p>\n
The consent exemption applied only to simple designs meeting the Building Code, where work was carried out by authorised professionals.<\/p>\n
A project information memorandum was required from the local council, which could also charge development contributions.<\/p>\n
Mr Williamson said builds would still have to meet aspects of the District Plan, such as setbacks and hazard overlays, which could limit some development.<\/p>\n
“People still definitely need to talk to professionals, either a draftperson or a builder, and start discussing and understanding some of the issues before they just start going ahead and building something straight away.”<\/p>\n
S2B Build director Sam Barnett, of Mosgiel, said the changes would produce some savings and significantly reduce time tied up in consenting.<\/p>\n
“Around 70 [sq m] would cost you around $400,000 to build \u2014 simple construction type like what they’re proposing,” he said.<\/p>\n
“Inside that cost is maybe $5000 of building consent, and that’s the only cost you’re going to save.”<\/p>\n
The government\u2019s changes reflected a feeling of trust in licensed builders, he said.<\/p>\n
Following details released yesterday, Mr Barnett expected an influx of inquires.<\/p>\n
“Hopefully that pulls through into some work for us as builders,” he said.<\/p>\n
“But it’ll be interesting to see what people’s thoughts are once they realise what they actually have to do before they can start construction.<\/p>\n
“They can’t just chip away at it on their weekends.”<\/p>\n
Platinum Homes Otago licensee Tim Rutherford said the changes were a great initiative, although had a level of complexity people were still working through.<\/p>\n
Brent Lucas Builders co-director Brent Lucas, of Dunedin, also said the legislation was a great idea, but people would have to be aware of the exemption criteria.<\/p>\n
“I just think it’s a good way for people to look after their parents in the future when they need it.”<\/p>\n
In a statement yesterday, Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones said the exemptions would reduce direct costs by up to $5650 and shorten the build process by 14 weeks.<\/p>\n
Legislation underpinning the changes was passed in October.<\/p>\n