Simplifying Design and Consent Management
At Consentus, we specialise in creating precise, professional drawings and documentation for small-scale building projects, ensuring you meet all local consent requirements. Skip the need for a costly architect and work directly with us to streamline the process. Our team is dedicated to providing clear, compliant documentation that brings your project to life efficiently and affordably. Whether it’s a renovation, extension, or a new build, Consentus is here to make your journey to building consent straightforward and stress-free.
4 Simple Steps to Get Your Council Consent:
We start by assessing your project site and understanding the council's requirements. This helps ensure compliance from the get-go.
Work with us to create detailed, compliant drawings and plans. These will outline your project and meet council specifications.
We submit your completed plans, along with any required documents, to the council for review.
Once approved, your consent is issued, and you're ready to move forward with your project!
Project types
Require something a little more complex?
Our Professional Network Includes:
- Structural Engineers: Expert advice for safe and compliant designs, including load-bearing structures and seismic considerations.
- Builders: Skilled contractors ready to bring your project to life with precision and quality craftsmanship.
- Plumbers: Reliable professionals for water systems, drainage, and specialised installations like pool plumbing.
- Electricians: Licensed experts for safe electrical systems, from lighting your outdoor spaces to powering pool equipment.
- Surveyors: Detailed site surveys to ensure your plans align with zoning requirements and property boundaries.
- Landscape Architects: Creative professionals to design cohesive and stunning outdoor environments.
- Geotechnical Experts: Analysis of soil and land conditions for complex builds on challenging sites.
FAQs
A building consent is council approval confirming your building work meets the Building Code. Most structural, plumbing, and drainage work needs one — including renovations, additions, and new structures. If you're unsure, we can quickly assess your project and let you know.
We manage the full consent process for you — from initial assessment through to compliant drawings, documentation, council submission, and approval. You get one team handling the paperwork, not a confusing back-and-forth with council yourself.
Timelines vary by council and project complexity, but most straightforward residential consents take several weeks once submitted. We'll give you a realistic estimate for your specific project and council area during the assessment stage.
We cover all councils nationwide
Often, yes — particularly if you're moving plumbing, walls, or drainage. Even cosmetic-looking renovations can trigger consent requirements. We'll assess your plans and confirm exactly what's needed.
Yes. While structures under 70m² are often consent-exempt, council still requires compliant drawings and documentation confirming the build meets Building Code requirements. We prepare these for you even for exempt builds.
These terms are often used interchangeably in NZ. Generally they refer to a smaller, self-contained secondary dwelling on the same site as your main home — used as a sleepout, studio, tiny home, or rental. Requirements depend on size, use, and your specific site — we'll clarify what applies to you.
In most cases, yes. Structural changes, extensions, and significant alterations typically require consent. We manage the design and documentation for these from start to finish.
Often yes — and pool fencing has strict, separate compliance requirements under NZ law regardless of pool size. Retaining walls over a certain height also typically require consent. We'll confirm exactly what applies to your project.
We follow four steps: Assess your project and requirements, Design compliant drawings and documentation, Submit to council on your behalf, and support you through to Approval.
We help resolve council queries and resubmit as needed. Getting documentation right the first time significantly reduces the chance of delays or rejection.
Yes — we regularly step in mid-project to resolve consent issues, missing documentation, or council pushback.
