FAQs about building cabins and baches in New Zealand
Do I need to be a builder to build my kitset?
Cabins and Baches NZ buildings are under 10m² so don't require a licensed builder to erect them and have been designed to be assembled by DIYers with reasonable handyman skills.
All components are cut and pre-drilled, generally just requiring a hammer and power drill assembly. Note that these are substantial buildings and will require two able-bodied adults to carry some components.
Do I need a Building Permit (Consent)?
Most buildings under 10m² don't require a building consent.
However there are conditions to this, these include:
- There must be another residential building on the property,
- The building should be its own height away from any boundary or residence,
- The building can't have running drinking water, kitchen or bathroom units.
It also needs to be built to the NZ Building Code requirements.
See the full Building Act exemption list.
What other costs are there aside from the basic kitset?
Kitsets generally are supplied in two parts, the LOCKUP SHELL and LINING KIT.
The Lockup Shell includes all materials to get the kitset closed in and includes floor, roof and wall cladding and doors and windows. The lining kit includes insulation, ceiling and wall linings and skirting, scotias and architraves.
Additional costs will be: foundations, painting and decorating, any electrical services required and entry decks, steps or ramps.
Is Freight included in the kitset cost?
Freight is not included in kitset costs.
Most buildings are very substantial in nature, but their components can be quite well flat-packed. They are all designed, however, to be transported on a large tandem trailer. As such, they are ideal for DIY pickup or delivery costs can be discussed prior to purchase.
How do I pay for my kitset?
Generally a 50% deposit is required at time of purchase. The kitset balance is payable three days prior to pickup or delivery.
Preferred payment method is by bank Direct Credit. We currently don't accept credit card payment and no longer accept cheques.
See full Terms and Conditions of Sale
Building work exempt from Building Consent
Most new residential building work does require a Local Authority Building Consent.
There are some exceptions that relate to Cabins and Baches NZ buildings
Buildings under 10m² subject to:
- No more than one storey high
- Floor no more than 1 metre above ground
- Roof height no more than 3.5 metres above floor height
- Have no sanitary or potable water storage facilities
- Have no cooking facilities
- Are they own height away from any residence or legal boundary - see Planning
- Are not used for sleeping accommodation unless in connection with another dwelling.
Verandas subject to:
- Attached to an existing building
- No larger than 20m²
- On ground or first storey level
Carports subject to:
- Attached to existing building
- No larger than 20m²
Decks subject to:
- No higher than 1.5m off ground
Full details of all excluded building work is listed in: Schedule 1. of the NZ Building Act.
Note that Local Territorial Authorities have discretion to exempt or require Building Consents under the Act. If in doubt about any building activity consult the relevant Local Authority Building Help desk.
How close can I build to my fence?
If your fence is on the property boundary, a non-consentable building, under the Building Act, needs to be at least its own height away from the fence (boundary).
With a building consent, you can build closer depending on your local zoning.
As the Building Act gives Local Authorities the power to decide whether a Building Consent is needed or not, some authorities may be happy with your building closer to the boundary without a consent.
However, all will require any walls of the building, that are less than 1 metre away from a boundary, to be fire-rated.
If in any doubt, contact your Local Authority.
What sort of base does my kitset need?
Kitsets can either be supplied with a timber floor or without. If they are to have a concrete floor, the pad needs to be an exact size for each kitset.
Timber floors are supplied with joists, so do require a pile and bearer foundation (or maybe positioned) on a larger deck.
Foundation plans are available for every model.
Concrete Pad:
Kitsets can be supplied without a floor for fixing to a concrete pad.
These pads need to be an exact size for each kitset.
Skids:
Sheds and non-habitable buildings can be sat on skids. These need to be set on a level and stable platform.
Note in areas of high wind skids should be fixed to the ground.
Piles and Bearers:
Cabins and liveable buildings should be set on piles (if not a concrete pad) and these are best where the site is sloping.
Ideally, floor levels should be at least 0.45m above the highest point of the ground.
Also floor level should be no more than 1.0m above ground level to comply with the non-consentable Building Code requirements.
Foundation plans are available for all kitsets
Can I change a design?
Most kitset styles are available in a range of floor sizes and cladding options. Doors and windows come in range of standard sizes and can generally be positioned in walls to best suit your requirements.
Our Custom Design forms let you quickly do this.