Tips for a smoother, faster renovation process

Renovating your home can be exciting, but be warned! If you skip key steps in the consent process your dream reno can quickly turn stressful and expensive. At PACE Ltd, we’ve helped countless homeowners across Auckland and Mangawhai navigate building consents, and we see the same mistakes again and again.

Here are five of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Assuming You Don’t Need Consent

Not all renovations require consent - but many do. Homeowners often assume minor changes like knocking down a wall or replacing a deck are exempt. If it’s structural, plumbing-related, or affects weathertightness, chances are you’ll need a building consent.

👉 Tip: Always check with a Licensed Building Practitioner (like PACE's LBP Stacy) before starting work.

2. Poor Quality or Incomplete Plans

The council won’t approve half-baked plans. Incomplete documentation or unclear details can delay your consent by weeks, sometimes months.

👉 Tip: Work with a designer or draughtsperson who knows your local council’s requirements. PACE Ltd handles this for you as part of our design and compliance services.

3. Skipping the Pre-Application Process

Many councils offer pre-application meetings or advice, but few people take advantage of it. These meetings can help you avoid delays by catching issues early.

👉 Tip: Let us handle this. We’ll liaise with the council, so your consent process runs as smoothly as possible.

4. Not Factoring in Time for Approval

It’s tempting to set a construction start date and work backwards. But if the consent takes longer than expected (which is common), you’re left paying for delays and reschedules.

👉 Tip: Build in contingency time. We can give realistic timelines based on the scope of your project and past council approvals.

5. Hiring a Builder Who’s Not LBP-Certified

Restricted building work (like structural changes) must be done - or supervised - by a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP). If your builder isn't certified, your project could be stopped and won’t pass final inspection.

👉 Tip: Make sure you’re working with a certified LBP. PACE’s team includes LBP-qualified builders who ensure all work meets compliance standards.

Want a stress-free renovation?

We handle design, consents, and construction—from start to CCC.

📞 Call PACE Ltd today on 021 114 4264 or email info@propertyadvice.co.nz to book your consultation.