Do You Need Council Consent To Re-clad Your Home?
Recladding is a great way to update your home while ensuring it remains weathertight and protected from the elements. But one of the most common questions we get is:
Do I need council consent to re-clad my home?
The short answer? Yes, in most cases, you do.
Why is council consent needed?
Council consent is generally required for recladding because it affects the weathertightness of your home. If your existing cladding is being removed and replaced, the council needs to ensure that the new cladding system meets current building code standards. This is particularly important for homes built in the leaky home era (mid-1990s to mid-2000s), as these properties often need additional work to fix underlying issues.
When might you not need consent?
There are a few scenarios where you might be able to reclad without consent:
• If you’re only replacing small sections of cladding (not the entire exterior).
• If you’re replacing cladding like for like—meaning the same material is used, and there are no changes to the framing, structure, or weathertightness system.
• If the work is considered repairs or maintenance only, rather than a full reclad.
45 Sorrento Key, Papamoa - From leaking monolithic cladding, to axon panel & solid brick.
However, even in these cases, there are conditions:
• The existing cladding must not have signs of water damage or leaks.
• The replacement materials must comply with the current Building Code.
If there are any concerns about the existing cladding—especially for homes from the leaky home era—council consent is typically required. It’s always best to check with your local council, or an Expert in recladding before starting any work to avoid issues down the track.
What’s involved in the consent process?
Applying for building consent involves submitting detailed plans and documentation to your local council. They’ll review everything to ensure your new cladding meets code requirements. This process can take a few weeks, and there may be additional inspections required throughout the project.
The design and consent process can take several months, so it’s best to get started early to avoid delays.
How we make it easy:
At Seamless Builders, we handle the entire recladding process—from initial budget planning, to design and council consent right through to construction—so you don’t have to stress about the paperwork or construction. We ensure everything is done properly and up to code, giving you peace of mind that your home is protected for years to come.
Thinking about recladding? Ready to chat? We offer a completely free re-clad assessment and estimate to help you plan with confidence.
Simply fill in the form below and we’ll call you right back!