Build a Granny Flat Faster & Cheaper: Here's How!

Building a Granny Flat or any small dwelling is about to get a whole lot easier! I’m Josh from Wellington, New Zealand, and in this video, I’m going to talk to you about my understanding of the proposed rule changes, we'll show you a 30-square-meter dwelling we previously built without consent, and stick around to the end of the video, where I'll discuss how these new rules can help you save money and complete your project faster.
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[@jackgibbons6013]

It's a great move. Fully agree with everything. It'll be great for single or couple renters too, it's so hard to find your own space not in a shared flat in most cities. 60sqm would be awesome. One note on the build quality, yes it's still required to be built to code. BUT with nobody checking we're kidding ourselves if we think that there won't be a lot of corner cutting. Buyers aren't across the standards, they're not inspectors, and as soon as the cladding and gib is on they'll be none the wiser.

[@Harambe_]

This is why I plan to take 1000's of pictures of every detail when I self build one of these. I am confident can follow the building code, but I also want to have a portfolio of proof so future buyers trust me.

[@howstupidcanyoube100]

Exactly. Whilst some builders are like josh and will be all over the details. This is where you see a bunch of cowboys arise, blokes who gave up building in 2001 after the leaky homes shit show. shimmying up shit pile work, forgetting DPMs, forgetting fire linings, not leaving an air gap to insulation. Using galv fixings because they’re cheaper than SS. You can see it coming a mile off.

[@Ayeayeaye614]

60 sqm makes logical sense .

[@zweed69]

its usually pretty easy for a qualified eye to tell if its been done right, you cant just try and hide it with gib 😂 but yea you are 💯 right people do cut corners theres a air bnb next door they are completely ott no existing dwelling, shower and kitchen with no septic it just goes down the bank and the toilet is composting (they sit it in a wheelie bin for a few months and drain the juice then kick it down the bank) I kid you not

[@kiwigrunt330]

@@Harambe_ You won't be allowed to self-build one of these. It will require an LBP.

[@masterwindleborn]

As an electrician in upper hutt i can say we have been called out to heaps of granny flats with dodgy wiring so please people need to make sure they aint getting cowboys and dont be afraid to take photos start and during of all electrical just for insurances

[@gideonporter537]

How about issuing cards (like drivers licences) which show you are are a certified operator - which people can easily check online via a government website? Photo and basic details should be enough plus dates you began working, and start and expiry dates of your current certification (renewable annually, or perhaps 2 yearly). Could it maybe work for builders, plumbers, roofers etc? Only experienced operators (Minimum 1+ years of verifaible work) eligible. Renewal based on indepedent inspections of previous work?

[@o4pureh2o]

About time. Many people don't realize how much unnecessary compliance and time add to the cost if homes.

[@3dmaker223]

I have discussed all the conditions on granny flat in my latest video. It is a good move, but there are quite a few conditions that people are not aware.

[@jasonferris2106]

Really liked the format of this video - excellent combination of info about the rules and a nice example with the black sleep out. Nice one!

[@txeemo6946]

ive actually just applied for a building course to get the skills to build one of these. I think its a fantastic idea and it would be wonderful to see families living together. I think its a fantastic idea

[@zweed69]

bro I wouldnt bother just you tube it all I had a mate who literally bluffed his way as a leading hand just from watching tutorials nightly on what he had to do next day, I kid you not

[@kiwigrunt330]

That will not suffice. You will need an LBP.

[@zweed69]

@@kiwigrunt330 thats actually not true you can do 'owner built' as long as its all to code the council will sign it off I just built an A1 kit in golden bay full sign off just used a builder to do a couple of things whole house cost me 10K labour that was it (I did get him to sign off the building with his LBP and I am LBP roofer)

[@kiwigrunt330]

@@zweed69 As it stands now, you can get an exemption to 'owner build' your own house. This exemption allows you to do restricted building work (consented) that otherwise requires an LBP. The exemption under consideration here is, by dint of not requiring consent, not restricted building work. I will require an LBP. You may be able to build it under 'supervision'. The details of this exemption are still subject to change and are yet to become clear. With regards to your own house, if you built that as an 'owner builder', then you should legally not even have been able to have your builder sign it off (that defeats the point of the exemption), nor were you legally allowed to even use a builder. That is how weird these kinds of exemption to overly complicated laws (building act and RMA and licensing scheme) almost necessarily are.

[@zweed69]

@@kiwigrunt330 💯ikr I started the process as owner built but all my mates who helped me with it were all full ticketed so I just submitted everything the council asked for in their online portal by the end of it when I got CCC it was no different than a standard build tbh I wouldn't even have a clue how you could tell the difference, lim report?

[@rolandschreurs6980]

Great work Josh! It would be important to see you talk in more detail about the difference between "granny flat (minor/secondary dwelling) and sleepout (cabin or studio). Generally granny flat refers to a small flat /minor dwelling, that "granny can live in" "out the back" of the property. It's seldmf contained and has toilet, shower & potable water etc. What you build in this video is a large sleepout (cabin, studio, rumpus room). At least that would be how i understand it. It would be great to see a follow on video about the details on the differences, and how the proporules will affect this. I would love to see this video. Would certainly watch! ❤

[@Syncop8rNZ]

Yeah and the current 30m^2 building allowed cannot be a dwelling (ie have a kitchen) a far as I understand.

[@julianinurgahayati911]

So granny can stay in granny flat but she has to go to the main house for baths. What about if she needs to go to the toilet in the middle of the night?

[@Syncop8rNZ]

@@julianinurgahayati911 A Granny Flat is self-contained, what you are describing is a sleepout.

[@julianinurgahayati911]

@@Syncop8rNZ My comment is in relation to this video about building a granny flat, but looks like a sleepout (i.e. without a bathroom and/or kitchen). Please correct me if I'm wrong

[@3dmaker223]

I have discussed all the conditions on granny flat in my latest video. It is a good move, but there are quite a few conditions that people are not aware.

[@seanratten9567]

Great Work Josh… Such information is Invaluable in the current state of affairs in this country. I Thank You👊

[@richardstent401]

Thank you. Great content and so helpful with my current project.

[@jonasmichaelmoir9378]

Finally the government makes a decision that makes perfect sense! Cheers for the content!

[@MMMoisty]

Josh, your good man. Maybe by fluke (lol) but your good to sit down and take in your points! Im Wgtn just finished a bespoke house. Keeping doing you Josh! Nailing it and i cant see myself not reaching out to you on my next project. Your a clean operator looking for good!

[@deanandadelewills3300]

Great idea!!! Let’s get on with it!!!😀

[@kimjin6450]

Couldn't agree more, mate. One nation, one rule

[@Rebecca-nx5ec]

💯

[@kiwigrunt330]

That was the whole idea behind the introduction of the building act and the resource management act in the first place, back in the early nineties. Go figure...

[@vaughanboyce3702]

Interesting, build a 60sqm garage and put a bed in it?, technically it's a sleepout with a garage door for access, this would make sense as 6x5m was never really big enough as a double garage/shed. For those wondering about having a bathroom all you need is to get a safe and sanitary permit done through the council which depending on the council should be around $500.

[@zweed69]

really? the drain laying would be the most expensive bit diggers etc but I never heard this one, the whole idea of this is to skip those buggers tbh

[@kiwigrunt330]

Turning a 60m2 garage into a dwelling is not allowed without consent. Building a 60m2 garage is and will not be allowed without a consent. And there is no such thing as a safe and sanitary permit.

[@3dmaker223]

I have discussed all the conditions on granny flat in my latest video. It is a good move, but there are quite a few conditions that people are not aware.

[@mikicamickeysporea1815]

Thanks Josh for an awesone information and Your great work on-site. Keep on going mate :)

[@crispymusicau]

I can see you've made lighting changes! Looking great mate, looking forward to watching more content from you! One tiny bit I forgot to mention last video is lighting temperature you want it between the range of 3000-4150k(kelvin) - For a warmer picture.

[@shocka007]

I'm just waiting as well! Great feedback

[@pedtrog6443]

As I understand it, the current 30m² allowance still requires you to place it at least its own height from the boundary or existing structures. Even on my roomy quarter acre it makes it difficult to conceive of a practical placement. I just hope any future rule changes are more sensible and I could just use normal council rules on set-backs etc.

[@Dakalberry]

Yeah, Josh says local set back, that is Not correct, my mate had an LBP build a shed and I told him it’s too close to the boundary the LBP applied the it local set back and the neighbor complained and he had to move was a concrete floor.

[@zweed69]

thats odd I thought it was just normal set-back rules?? I live rural and we have a 5m setback standard, I cant build a shed closer than that and be legal can I? On one side its national park, 20m setback there hmmm got me wondering

[@kiwigrunt330]

@@zweed69 These sorts of discrepancies are why exemptions like these don't work. I have seen about five of these sleepouts pop up in my neighborhood. Not a single one of them is its own height from the boundary, therefor they are all non-compliant.

[@3dmaker223]

They are proposing two different options for setback. One option is same as the 30sqm conditions and the other option is 2m setback. I have discussed all the conditions on granny flat in my latest video. It is a good move, but there are quite a few conditions that people are not aware.

[@zweed69]

@@3dmaker223 I saw your video the other day 👌

[@StaceWah]

Can't wait! The rule change should coincide perfectly with when I'd be looking to build a two bedroom sleepout alongside my existing home. I've already mocked up a pretty epic floorplan for a very cool little abode ❤🎉❤

[@Box52222]

Excellent channel. More woodwork. More cost breakdowns. Love.

[@lionelsilbery-shoji2370]

awesome content Josh, awesome channel. nice work :D

[@Tupunaforever]

We built 1 x shed 1 x 2 bedroom 1 x 1 bedroom with infrastructure, in the Manawatu, 7 YEARS. They built the Burj Khalifa in Dubai in 6.

[@BB-il3rd]

yes because Dubai did not had not council planners and HIRTB regulation

[@dwee3005]

Dubai also has a lot of slave labour so I don't really think you can compare them or make that your standard

[@simonRTJ]

@@dwee3005 probably due to the builders not turning up half way through, finishing up half day on a friday, or leaving a job unfinished for months.

[@gregmorgan8350]

Actually Dubai does have council (Dubai Municipality) and doesn’t use slave labour. It’s turned out well.

[@gooseypig84]

@@gregmorgan8350 True bro ... we kiwi's are an inward looking bunch at best. Meanwhile - the rest of the world moves on.

[@michaelcudby787]

I so heartly agree.BUT as there are no inspections, the temptation for some builders to cut corners, is there. I think, maybe,should apply to certain building coys, who have a execellent reputation with the local council.

[@kiwigrunt330]

It will apply to LBPs. If it were to be based on some form of favouritism, then the folly of the licensing scheme would be exposed.

[@rossr100]

Now MBIE will have way more time for their prayer dance meetings each morning. Great move, especially for families with grandparents given the cost of retirement villages. Good for everyone.

[@Malama1492]

Awesome work Josh love the video mate you explained everything in simple terms for those who aren’t familiar with the rules or where to start! Well I know who I’ll be calling to get work done on my parents house in Lower Hutt cheeehooo 🔥

[@allansm555]

Not all builders are as honest as you. They will think that if it’s not getting checked then what difference does it make if I use rubbish insulation or crap wood. It can’t be checked once it’s finished.

[@awakenotwoke1973]

Get your own independent inspector or take that risk.

[@paganmoon8540]

If they do cut corners word will soon spread and they won't be in business for long.

[@awakenotwoke1973]

@@paganmoon8540 That's not true at all.

[@sarahmckay5856]

I wonder how much that would cost in Adelaide? we own our little gem, That size granny unit is perfect for our son & his 2 boys. Thank you for sharing & all the details, Bit of a worry with finding the right contractor to build as there are so many scammers who are quick to take ya money. Love your channel thank you from South Australia .

[@jackrichards1863]

About F ing time. Thanks for the news Josh.

[@phillhart2990]

absolutely love it! Thanks for making this and sharing. Love to see more!

[@MichaelArthur4eva]

Definitely for it, I want to build a decent size garage a loft and am hamstrung by having to get a consent to get the size I want.

[@Usernametouse]

Haven’t been a big fan of any of this govts policies yet, but this would be a great idea I used to deal with about 6-7 councils across Otago & Southland, all a bit hicaldy picaldy, but huge potential to standardise & they’ll need to if they want to build so many houses Upto 60sq could also potentially take some much needed pressure of renters as well, but then that’ll have to tie in with immigration I’m pricing materials on building a 6x4 / 7x4 at the moment, so it was interesting to see how you did the joists & bearers. Would be awesome to have a look at your plans Looking forward to building it though, awesome fun little project Cheers

[@simonRTJ]

my sister had an architect draw up plans for an extension, submitted them to the council which then went public for consultation at the same time being approved the total cost? less than $1000! that was the UK, in NZ the council fees, architectural drawings planning etc is EXTORTIONATE and a money pump scam. they talk of saving $7000 or $8000 per build? if they want more builds they need to strip away the majority of red tape, increase building standards (in line with European standards) affordable housing starts with the removal of complicated and expensive unnecessary red tape.

[@lesmondk3376]

You are right I agree with you but remember NZ has a lot of earthquake areas

[@myke29]

Agree, but also these fees make up a very small percentage of total build costs... So to make affordable housing we know the solution, and its not by removing red tape and opening ourselves up to next leaky homes crisis... Its by stopping corporate monopolies like fletchers

[@badjelly1027]

​@@myke29Timber in NZ should be dirt cheap.The government should take control of the supply of building materials from the pine forests to the mills, you can't build affordable priced housing when the cartels are bending us over a barrel !

[@kiwigrunt330]

Indeed Simon, leaving the complicated and burdensome Building Act and RMA in place while partially circumventing them with these kinds of exemptions, while demanding that they are adhered to, will complicate things and get a lot of people in trouble.

[@MG-fr3tn]

​@@myke29 Just go around them and save about 30%.

[@AnneAlready]

In due course may hit you up about possibilities for a site at the harbour end of the valley. Attractive street. We'd been keen to sell to a developer, but you make developing look possible also. Really enjoy your channel. :)

[@henrydorsetcase]

that granny flat is exactly what I want here in Christchurch in terms of look - except ours is a studio so just one room

[@Billy-j2j]

Great detailed and info

[@Solaboder]

Good video Josh but you left out a critical point, that the current 'rules' for 30m2 accessory buildings built without a consent must not include any plumbing. Also that they must be located a distance away from a boundary or other building by the same dimension as their height above the ground. There are other conditions also. The proposal for allowing a 60m2 secondary minor dwelling (granny flat) does not have those restrictions, though I will bet you that every TA (council) in the country will fight that policy because those TA's will want control over what additional load goes on to the council infrastructure (drains and other services). In Nelson the council is proposing a massive change to the planning rules (PC29); they say to accommodate population growth which is actually decreasing at present. I have made a submission proposing 'granny flats' as the solution instead of allowing 3 storey blocks of flats built by Kianga Ora for 'homeless people' allowed to be erected in residential zones. I am a design LBP and mainly work with a cabin builder/saw miller to provide simple and low cost timber small homes throughout NZ. We don't use conventional materials, as you advise, instead we line with TG&V boards (apart from wet rooms), almost all our materials are just timber. Getting building consents for these simple cabins is actually harder than for a group housing co. house, the bureaucrats can't seem to get their heads around simple, they are a nightmare sometimes... so I also welcome these proposed changes - but watch the councils backlash coming... 🙂

[@NaGeRu82]

Yeah I get the government's proposal if it was just enlarging the 30sqm requirement to 60sqm, but when plumbing gets involved it's hard to imagine that council would be any less involved than they are now, and therefore the costs would be the same/very similar. Even the extra storm water from extra dwellings that didn't have plumbing might trigger council involvement in some areas?

[@zweed69]

@@NaGeRu82 storm water prob not as much of an issue as septic for the councils

[@angeldomingos]

We looked into doing this a few years back. The council made it so confusing and expensive, we gave up. Hopefully this will make it more streamlined and cost effective.

[@ngfaron9045]

Awesome mate informative video

[@gfrizzleshizzlemanizzle]

Great Video! Kwila though? Really in 2024. Poor Papua New Guinea, cutting down pristine forests in one of the last remote jungles on the planet. Madness.

[@tonysavage8364]

Thanks but please do an update to include kitchen / bathroom / laundry.

[@3dmaker223]

I have discussed all the conditions on granny flat in my latest video. It is a good move, but there are quite a few conditions that people are not aware.

[@mooselee902]

It's an awesome move, but I think there are going to be knobs who cut corners and wreck it for everyone.

[@zweed69]

knobs already cut corners I wouldnt worry too much its only the neighbours that will notice 😂

[@blairbeattie3308]

Is there any indication of toilet and kitchens being allowed in these small buildings or are they going to be large sleep outs or something else would be a complete stand alone building especially on a few acres

[@Syncop8rNZ]

I like that recycled timber doors and windows were used. Consistency is good. I do worry that a Pandora's Box will be opened if rules are relaxed without careful consideration.

[@noahorr2830]

Hey mate, loving the content. Curious on your thoughts around implementing warm roofs/ outsulation type products on these granny-flat builds? Seems the way forward from a healthier home perspective from what I've read but not sure how the new rules will allow for such designs.

[@klburroughsnz]

Just remember that when it comes to selling the property a LIM (Land Information Memorandum) which banks require to lend money will likely NOT identify the work done without building consent, and that work will not have a CCC (Code Compliance Certificate), which can have the potential to put some buyers off purchasing, or they may wish to negotiate a lower price for the extra risk they take. Something to consider if you're looking to save some money on the initial building consent fees

[@nzbuilder]

Yes that would be true if the structure needed consent. Currently not an requirement for buildings under 30sqm without plumbing. Our LBP gives a guarantee for our building work as well as warranties for items such as windows and roofing. Definitely something we look in to before ripping in and building. Great question though - ill jot it down for another video.

[@DiscoFang]

Just need to clarify something you said at 3:50 "..It still needs to be built professionally." The current law does NOT require you to get professionals to build your "up to 30 sqm building". It does need to conform to Acceptable Solutions B1/AS1 for timber or steel buildings but can be built by anyone including the homeowner. You could call that requirement "building it professionally" but doing so kinda muddies the understanding of how things are right now. It could well be that the new regs stipulate using an LBP to build or oversee anything from 30-60sqm. That requirement does already exist in the Schedule of Exemptions, for instance: for building a carport between 20-40sqm. Will be very interesting to see what restrictions or requirements they place on the design and/or construction of Up To 60sqm buildings in the new regulations.

[@Ayeayeaye614]

they need to be fair and practical . what is LBP ? thanks

[@PaulPilgrim-ds6mw]

@@Ayeayeaye614a Licenced Building Practitioner

[@Dakalberry]

Current rules must be constructed or supervised by LBP

[@zweed69]

E2/AS1 is the external moisture regulation thats the weather tightness I think also important if you dont want it to be a leaker

[@DiscoFang]

⁠@@DakalberryLBP is only required if you’re not building your up to 30sqm accessory building of lightweight materials. Lightweight basically means timber frame and lightweight roofing (not masonry tile) following NZS3604. Refer Schedule 1 clause 3A of the Building Act

[@michaeljames8594]

Kia ora to Josh and Team. Excellently produced video. Would have been nice to see the deck progress from an above angle, showing details, instead of from the level side angle, at time marks 5:01-5:07. Does the sixty square metre allowance include bathrooms, kitchens/kitchenettes with complete plumbing as well as outside taps?

[@brettcrawford8878]

Good idea as far as i am concerned.

[@simonmcneish]

Always love your content Josh. So if you have to build these granny flats to code but then there’s no inspections of the building itself, who is to check it actually was built to code? Also, do the plans have to go through council approval before hand, and this is the only checking of if it is to code? Cheers

[@flangekiwi]

I think it's great 👍🏾

[@glensmith8378]

Hi so wil we be able to add bathroom or a mini kitchen with the new rules of 60m2

[@DavidTangye]

That's a detached rumpus room and sleepout. Without plumbing it is NOT a granny flat.

[@francesgraham5411]

Definitely need a bathroom/toilet, and kitchen and laundry. What older person wants to have to go to another house to go to the toilet. Maybe that will be remedied in new laws.

[@islandboy227]

Mate, it's good enough for Raj's extended family from Mumbai. Luxury livin' in NZ 👳🏾‍♂️👍🏾

[@markysgeeklab8783]

Id be interested in your thoughts on building with bathroom vs building without and coming back later to officially & legally add one. We are thinking bout planning to add one later because we need affordable space and dont need the shower & toilet yet (nice to have). PS would line the area appropriately during build to add shower/toilet later.

[@Athushla-EX]

If we are building a granny flat, do we need to conduct CCTV and geotech reports, or can we use historical data to construct the granny flat? Additionally, can we make minor variations to existing civil works, such as walkways for the granny flat?

[@NoelMoone]

Hi Josh, great video. Do these changes only apply to secondary building? How about new build on raw land probably off grid??

[@zweed69]

yes you are supposed to have an existed consented dwelling even for the 30m2 under the old rules, but off grid, hardly anyone does. The councils dont really enforce much at this point in time, in future who knows which is why we consented our off grid home but yea our neighbours haven't

[@zweed69]

you can do owner built and be signed off no problem we did this

[@timtrial3971]

Good. 60m2 is a significant size

[@nzlemming]

You may follow the regs and best practices but you have to acknowledge, Josh, that there will be cowboys who won't.That's why we have inspections. I think this has the potential to be the next leaky homes crisis.

[@kiwigrunt330]

Indeed, there will be a lot of non-compliant granny flats popping out of the wood works. I have seen some five sleepout appear in my area over the last few years. Not a single one is its own height from the boundary, so they are all non-compliant.

[@boltonky]

I think things like this can be great for the average person but some of the law changes over the years have made it easier for developers and such to basically ruin lives of neighboring properties by building 2 or 3 story homes or multiple dwellings on a single site that over shadow places around them (inlc people in rural areas getting around national fertile land rules to build developments) - I love the idea of national standards but i also think there needs to be checks in place to make sure high standards are kept and i also believe notification to neighboring properties is a big thing too within reason, for something like this build no as low impact but if builds are going to take extended times or lots of work is going to be done onsite (i live rurally and have had now 6 months of development work and this isn't inlc when people buy the land to build houses and the 7:30am starts is okay if it was farm equipment but its diggers and such and i constant reverse high pitch beeps all day, we didn't even get notified and i have health issues that only got worse) Thanks for the upload and be nice if all builders etc were up to high standards but so many aren't, let alone people with no real diy experience

[@3dmaker223]

I have discussed all the conditions on granny flat in my latest video. It is a good move, but there are quite a few conditions that people are not aware.

[@BogDog9]

Do you know if its possible to use a tall stud height on these nonconsented, to do some sort of short height mezzanine/storage/office/bed level, something like you see in tiny houses on wheels etc? Also, can these be used as a primary dwelling? thanks

[@thefrasers7918]

Hi Josh, good wee project - is it its own height away from the boundary and house though? My concern is about consumer protection, all the liability for faulty work sits with the builder. If they go bankrupt inside the 10 year limitation there’s no one to pay the bill for the homeowner. At least council is always there to pay the bill for consented work.

[@andrewbotting7438]

Hi. Nice info. You build is bedroom and living room only. Are you allowed kitchen and bathroom with water and sewage

[@octodadmtbmartyrichards2862]

Nice 60m is a great size for 2 bedroom home 🏡 Will this apply for farms, 10 acre blocks and larger properties too? Or just for urban/town sections

[@zweed69]

its across the board just like the old 30m2 rule was

[@rwags6848]

Certainly a good move to simplify things and increase available accommodation… but I’ve heard that a granny flat must be within a certain distance of the primary residence. Is this still true? Not an issue in town but on a farm or lifestyle block, it seems a strange limitation (assuming it is still in place).

[@zweed69]

great little build, whats going on with the roof, did someone paint the flashings red?

[@paulchristensen2573]

Cost factor is 3.000 square meter, have already build one , 1 bed toilet, shower kitchen, and been a builder, cash payed to all trades, planned details is crucial.

[@davidcurl9062]

Don';t hold your breath. It will take a long time to go through the system and the Councils will mount a concerted campaign against it as it will take money away from them. The if it goes through, most sections will not be able to take advantage. However high your building is, that is the distance away from any boundary it must be. So at a minimum =you will need 2.7m of spare land along your boundary. You will need to show over 40 square metres of outside amenity area and at least 2.0m away from the main dwelling. So most sections are not big enough. So i post this question. How many single story buildings in New Zealand have fallen over and endangered property or life on the next door lot? I have been in the construction industry for over 25 years and have heard of none outside earthquakes and flood. So the rule to keep your building it's height away from a boundary is designed to minimize the effectiveness of this proposal and is not based on any real world data or events. If you are on a rural property, then you will need building consent for the waste water disposal as the proposal only allows discharge into Council systems. Another fop to minimise the effectiveness. I do not think there will be corners cut as the builder will be named in the documents they send to Council. 95% of builders and trades people do a great job, whether the unqualified and inexperienced Council Officers are looking or not. To say otherwise is an insult to the industry. LBPs have to upskill themselves every 2 years to maintain a license. There is no such requirement for the regulatory side. So to rely on the Council when they know SFA about building is ignorant. Finally I disagree with traditional building materials. You may build great, but it is last millenium's methods. SIPS structures provide a far greater performance, far quicker build times and a far superior building than stick buildings. If you want to take better cars of your family, Formance Building Systems re the way to go.

[@gregmorgan8350]

Love your channel. I can see the benefits but my concern is the shonky builders and DIYers will rush out and build a load of crap in backyards across the country. Having said that I’d be happy for you to build me one but I’m outside your area

[@TheFalconerNZ]

What do you think about the reduction in insulation requirements?

[@HK-vv9kv]

In the north we just build chicken coops mate. No hoops there 😂😂

[@0Microcuts0]

Only downside I can think of is unplanned loading on the infrastructure... I hope they have built lots of redundancy into the existing infrastructure if we are all gonna go to town adding to our lots...

[@SmithCaro]

This reminds me of a house on Merton Street, where I grew up. I wonder ... 🤔

[@TheBadeshaFamily]

How much does it cost to build a granny flat please? Everything included

[@o4pureh2o]

Is there an idea of rules around plumbing and a stove?

[@teamcabling1775]

U need consent for that

[@helenetaito-jensen9604]

This is great news! Can you a build a granny flat thats attached to your house, but obviously without internal access etc.? Or would it count as an add on?

[@zweed69]

no pretty sure it has to be detached

[@DTMonterosso]

Hi could you please let us know the colours you've used on the exterior? Looks great. Thanks!

[@Environomics.]

What is the usual size of a granny flat? Which of the three waters are most necessary to have? How much do these usually cost?

[@kevincurrie2052]

No underfloor insulation? Hopefully the roof water is hooked up to the storm water and not the sewage system. I can see that doing this without consent would lead to more mistakes happening, and lots more problems when big rain events happen.

[@ChrisPerkins-i7h]

As if you care

[@zweed69]

I bet the downpipes go straight onto the lawn mate, there is no toilet so why on earth would they go looking for a drain 😂

[@giovannip.1433]

Bathrooms. One of the biggest bottlenecks in homes is having only one bathroom - do the new changes allow for connection to the sewer system? - What about storm water connection, disbursement?

[@jasonkee3556]

@8:54 what is going on with the tapered hallway? and the diagonil frame in the lower left room? need answers.

[@suleymansekman2697]

Good on you! please not couple of things! 1-minimum 600mm from grounds 2- All ply external of building including roof! 3- minimum corner of house not more than 6 ...cheers!

[@prubroughton1864]

89 years ago it cost me $13,000 New Zealand just for council fees 😊

[@frwansie]

Secondary dwelling...... great. However, the costs of infrastructure for the primary dwelling, water, sewage, power and council fees, on top of the materials, are exorbitant and in many cases prohibitive.

[@willtekata1763]

I've been building these ont iwn for years.

[@spider-man910]

This will take the pressure off the housing crisis.....

[@aramapuketapu6354]

Awesome josh

[@PipMiister]

🌻

[@Roger_Gadd]

How do you incorporate such a build into the LIM? Is it required? Is it possible? (These are genuine questions I have, not rhetorical, because I hope to use the proposed expanded exemption.)

[@DiscoFang]

That's one of the common questions - How would the local Council find out about new builds under the new regs? How do they plan for infrastructure if they're not aware of all the extra toilets and waste dumping (pardon the pun) into the existing network?

[@lescook354]

If you apply for a PIM the local authority can judge what is required to apply for, simply no BC or RC required or not and if the project meets the new government rules it can be built but the authority knows there is something built and it effects what they know. This will allow them to adjust rateble values. Les

[@Roger_Gadd]

@@lescook354 Thank you for the information. I appreciate it.

[@DiscoFang]

@@lescook354That would require another change to the Building Act. Currently an owner can only apply for a PIM if the work involves a building consent: To quote the Act: An owner may apply to a territorial authority for a project information memorandum for building work if- (a) the owner is considering carrying out building work; and (b) a building consent is required for that work.

[@geoffp625]

Two questions. Is there a limit to the number if not what stops a developer putting 300 "granny flats" on a development no council approval or inspection? Last time NZ got rid of all the "red tape" it cost 11.3 billion according to PCW when the cowboy leap into this who is paying out this time.

[@MatthewBayard]

Are you working with SIPs?

[@lancemillward2462]

its whether they are self contained or not. does it have its own toilet, bathroom and kitchenette. or does it rely on the main house for these things

[@ngfaron9045]

By the way how much approximately cost that building? Cheers

[@pmoneyz5592]

Fantastic Channel bud

[@aicapitan3279]

the minimum requirement for a main dwelling is 50sqm. does these changes apply to that aswell?

[@bobgray1555]

I'm all for cutting red tape as long as standards remain high and doesn't encourage cowboys. Also, I would be more interested in a small self contained unit that includes a bathroom and kitchen - that is where the demand is. No 'granny' wants to get up in the middle of the night and go out into the rain to get to the toilet.

[@TheBeaker59]

I have a few concerns, Having just sold an old house where some extensions had been consented and even inspected but not signed off, what a mission OMG. Anyway what happens in a decade when the property is sold. Would one need to inform council? Really the issues start with bathrooms and kitchens would they no longer need consenting? considering even a bathroom alteration can need a consent currently. Not anti the idea I think its great, I am actually considering building two of them.

[@WarrickTaylor]

Some good advice someone at a council told me. If you build something under an exemption eg small carport, print the relevant exemption off the council website at the time and keep it, might save some headaches in future to prove what rules you used at what time.

[@fusionfusi]

How many gramny flats are you allowed on your property as we have 12 acres. And also is a tiny home or yurt counted as a granny flat

[@toshadavinci5379]

Ive put up a granny flat too close to fence. I had a verbal approval from neighbour and when I got it up she complained to council straight away -what now?

[@nzbuilder]

Definitely a conversation to have with the builder and the council

[@jan5258]

I'm assuming this would allow kitchen and bathroom in 60 sqm build?

[@shaunnit]

Love this but will the planning permission prices be ridiculous like in Australia?

[@Ayeayeaye614]

councils will need to be fair with any proposals they bring in . people want to build .

[@thomasrogers9146]

I AM AN AMERICAN HOME BUILDER.WE NEED STANDARDIZATION AND RELAXING ZONING RELAXATION TO BUILD HOMES FASTER.