Does Your Office Alteration Really Need Building Consent?

Not every office alteration needs to go through a full Building Consent process.

Many commercial interior projects involve relatively simple changes such as new non structural partitions, alterations to doors, minor plumbing work, access control or changes to an existing office layout.

At Workspace Interior Design, we always look at the scope of the work first and consider whether a discretionary exemption from Building Consent may be appropriate.

A discretionary exemption allows Council to consider minor building work on its individual merits. Where the work is low risk and Building Code compliance can be clearly demonstrated, Council may agree that a full Building Consent is not necessary.

This can potentially save our clients considerable time, consultant fees and Council costs.

Where specialist input is required, we work with experienced fire, mechanical, structural and other consultants to provide the supporting information needed. If Council raises concerns, we can also work with the relevant specialists to help demonstrate why the proposed work is safe and compliant.

We have found that even seemingly minor items can sometimes be directed towards a full Building Consent process. Rather than simply accepting that as the only option, we believe it is worth asking the question:

Does this work genuinely need a full Building Consent, or is an exemption a more appropriate pathway?

There are no guarantees that Council will approve an exemption, but for straightforward office alterations, we believe it is always worth investigating.

Our approach is simple: achieve a compliant result without putting our clients through unnecessary cost and process.

Planning an office alteration?

Before assuming you need a full Building Consent, talk to us first. We can review what you're proposing, look at the likely consent pathway and see whether there may be a simpler and more cost effective way forward.

Get in touch with Workspace Interior Design and let’s see what your project actually needs.

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