Whether you’re reimagining a heritage home or designing a new outdoor space as part of your architectural build, it’s worth understanding where the rules flex - and where they don’t.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's (MBIE) has published a detail guide, Exemptions Guidance for Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004, that outlines specific building activities which can be completed without formal building consent. While these exemptions might seem like a shortcut, in our experience they’re an opportunity to design smarter.
At Faulkner Construction, we collaborate with clients and architects from the earliest concept stage. A clear understanding of Schedule 1 exemptions can shape what gets included, fast-tracked, or reimagined - helping to save time, reduce cost, and simplify approvals, all without compromising on quality or compliance.
Windows and doors in existing dwellings
Upgrading your joinery can dramatically improve natural light, thermal performance, and function - especially in heritage or character homes.
In many cases, replacing existing exterior windows and doors doesn’t require consent, as long as you're not altering structural supports and the originals haven't failed prematurely. This is particularly useful when working within the fabric of older homes where minor improvements can make a big difference.
Detached single-storey buildings
Need a garden studio, workshop, or pool house as part of your architectural vision? You may be able to build a detached, single-storey structure up to 30m² without consent, as long as it doesn’t include plumbing or sleeping facilities (or meets certain conditions if it does).
We’ve worked on projects where these spaces become integral to the overall design - often styled to match the main home or placed to enhance privacy and flow.
Carports
A carport up to 40m² can usually be built without consent, provided it’s designed or reviewed by a Licensed Building Practitioner or Chartered Professional Engineer.
Rather than tacking these on at the end, we work with architects to integrate carports beautifully into the front elevation or side access - keeping the visual lines clean and consistent.
Decks, verandas, porches, and pergolas
Outdoor living is a priority in most of our builds.
Under Schedule 1:
Decks under 1.5m high are exempt
Porches and verandas up to 20m² may be exempt
Unroofed pergolas are exempt with no size limit
The trick is integrating these elements into the design from the start, rather than treating them as afterthoughts. Our team can help ensure your outdoor features are structurally sound, code compliant, and aesthetically on point.
Architectural builds still require clarity
While these exemptions allow flexibility, they don’t remove the need for precision. Every element - consented or not - must still meet the New Zealand Building Code, and many exemption clauses include specific technical criteria.
As a builder of award-winning architect-designed homes, we help ensure that every part of your build - from carport to cladding - is planned for quality, not just compliance.
Talk to us early
If you're working with an architect and exploring ideas for a high-performance home, we can help you understand how consent exemptions might fit into your broader project. It’s all part of building smarter - not just faster.
Contact our Auckland and Tauranga-based team today to explore your design ideas and make sure your build starts on the right foot.
