DIY projects vs. when you need a tradesman or building consent

When working on your own home, you can take on many renovation projects as long as they’re minor and don’t affect the structure, safety, or weatherproofing of the house. However, the sizes and materials used during these projects can affect wether it needs a building consent or not, so make sure to check with your local or regional council to understand the limits of your DIY project and when you will need to get a consent or builder involved. We recommend getting in touch with JAM Group's build team asap to clarify how the rules of the building code apply to your project.

Here are some common DIY-friendly activities:

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Indoor Decorating and Repairs

• Painting walls or adding wallpaper.

• Installing shelves, cabinets or cupboards that don’t alter structural elements.

• Fixing or replacing damaged plasterboard, as long as the framing remains intact.

• Laying carpet, vinyl, or laminate flooring.

• Repairing or replacing floorboards, provided it doesn’t impact the structure.

  
  

Outdoor Landscaping

• Building small garden structures like pergolas.

• Creating paths, patios, or driveways that don’t affect the foundations of your home.

Make sure to check your local council rules for size and height limits.

Minor Plumbing and Electrical Adjustments

Although major plumbing and electrical work must be done by licensed professionals, you can handle simpler tasks such as:

• Replacing or installing tapware.

• Swapping out light fixtures or switches (as long as no rewiring is involved)

When You Need a Builder or Consent

For larger or more complex projects, especially those affecting safety or the structure of the house, you’ll need a qualified builder and sometimes building consent. Here are examples of tasks requiring professional intervention:

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Structural Changes

·         Adding or removing walls.

·         Installing beams or load-bearing supports.

·         Reconfiguring the layout of a floor or adding extra levels.

Outdoor Modifications

·         Building extensions or new rooms.

·         Erecting fences beyond a certain height.

·         Replacing roofing or cladding with different materials.

Safety and Compliance Work

·         Installing fireplaces and chimneys (there are extra rules about installing fireplaces in the Bay of Plenty.)

·         Constructing decks or balconies above a certain height.

·         Building pools or spas along with safety barriers.

·         Fixing foundational issues or repairing damage to load-bearing walls caused by disasters like earthquakes or floods always requires consent and professional expertise.

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When you need an electrician or plumber

JAM Group has an electrical team who are qualified to undertake electrical work in your home or business, and we have recommended plumbing professionals that we can organise for you, or share their details so you can contact them yourself. You need a professional when:

• Installing or modifying water systems, like hot water cylinders.

• Rewiring circuits or installing new ones.

What Is Building Consent?

Building consent is a legal requirement for any work that affects the structure, safety, or sanitation

of your home. It ensures that all projects comply with the Building Code and are safe for residents. When undertaking work with JAM Group that requires a consent, we can apply for consent for you, or coach you through how to do it yourself.

How to Apply for Consent

Applications for building consent must go through your local council. The process includes:

• Submitting detailed plans and specifications.

• Paying applicable fees.

• Scheduling inspections during and after the construction.

Why following the building code matters

Completing building work without the required consent or expertise can lead to an unsafe home, penalties by Council, or even demolishing non-compliant structures. It can also impact your insurance and the future sale of your property.

While DIY work on your home can be fun and satisfying to complete, if it’s done without the correct level of skill or experience, and without considering the current Building Code, you can end up in a lot of trouble later – or a result that you don’t enjoy.

Thinking about DIY renovations in your home? Give us a call and talk it through, so our experienced build team can help you navigate the building code to keep your home safe while you upgrade your space.

JAM GROUP 2025