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News Feature
MultiProof to fast-track building consents
Thursday, 04 February 2010
Building and Construction Minister Maurice Williamson this morning announced the launch of the first initiative from the Government’s Better Building Blueprint. MultiProof is a new streamlined National Multiple-use Approval Service for volume builders.
Building and Construction Minister Maurice Williamson.
“Without compromising quality and safety, MultiProof fast-tracks building consents for standard, multiple-use building designs. It will save time and money for both consumers and builders.” Mr Williamson said.
The new service will allow volume builders such as Keith Hay Homes and Golden Homes to apply to the Department of Building and Housing for MultiProof approval to certify a building design for multiple use meets building code requirements.
Currently volume builders have to have the design reassessed and approved each time it is used.
“That stifling process and duplication was unproductive with no benefit to the consumer or the builder. With MultiProof designs, only site-specific conditions will need to be checked by local councils, reducing the time-frame for building consent decisions from 20 days to just 10 days,” Mr Williamson said.
Chief Executive of Registered Master Buildings Federation of NZ Inc, Warwick Quinn, described Multiproof as a great initiative.
“We welcome this streamlined consenting process for multiple-use designs. I believe we will quickly see real benefits for both the sector and our clients.” Mr Quinn said.
Chief Executive, Certified Builders Association of NZ Inc, Derek Baxter, said that MultiProof would remove frustration and unnecessary delays for both volume builders and their customers.
“We applaud the Government’s action. Removing the need to repeatedly have a design approved is welcome news and can only benefit our members and their clients.”
While the new system will streamline processes for volume builders, those companies that design and build to measure are still waiting for signs of similar progress, with some council timeframes increasing for designer building projects. As people turn to companies that offer a more unique style of home, volume is increasing and councils are struggling to meet the 20 day timeframe.
“We are looking forward to the super city going ahead later this year which should bring the same rules and one processing entity throughout Auckland,” managing director of Jalcon Homes, Lindsay Aitken told
BtoB
. “Manukau council is currently the best to deal with, but North Shore and Waitakere typically take 6 to 8 weeks to issue consents.”
