A building consent is required for any new bathroom installation or major alterations to an existing bathroom. An exemption from building consent is only applicable to minor repairs or replacements. 

If your building work is classed as low risk, you can apply for an exemption. If your building work is considered high risk, a building consent is needed.

Work that requires a building consent often includes:

• adding an additional plumbing fixture to your building

• redoing or adding in a new tiled shower/full wet room

• removing a load bearing or braced wall

All building work in New Zealand must comply with the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC). A building consent assures the home owner and the council that quality work has been undertaken by a Licensed Building Practitioner and that the NZBC has been met.

To abide by the law, building work that is not exempt must have a building consent. If you plan to sell your home in the future, all consented building work will be recorded on your property file. Potential buyers can be put off by unconsented work.

CoEx provides a comprehensive service that includes guidance on the consent or exemption process. We take care of the application and approval process from start to finish. We make sure everything in your new bathroom meets the building code and safety standards.