Understanding Council Consents and Fees for Your Prefab Home

Explore the council regulations and potential expenses linked to purchasing a new transportable home, as detailed below.

The Basics of Council Rules for Prefab Homes

Prefab or modular homes, or transportable homes, are popular. They are flexible and cost-effective. But before you buy your prefab home, it's important to understand the council's rules. In this post, we'll talk about the four main consents and fees you need to know about:

1. Building Consent for your new home.
2. Relocate Consent for moving and installing your home.
3. Resource Consents.
4. Development Contributions.

It's a good idea to talk to your local council early in the planning stage. This can help you find any special rules for your project. These include zoning and environmental factors that may affect your home's site and appearance.

1. The Building Consent - What is it, who handles it, and is it included in the price?

A building consent is an official okay from the local council. It says your prefab home complies with the building code. This consent ensures the building will be structurally sound, efficient, watertight, and safe. Our prefab homes are constructed in a factory located in New Plymouth, which means that the building consent is obtained through the New Plymouth District Council specifically for a Manor Build project.

• How much does it cost? The exact cost depends on how much the home is worth, but it's usually around $5,500 for our homes. This must be paid before they start the consent process.
• Who pays for it? Manor Build will pay for it, and it's part of the building contract.
• Who handles it? Manor Build will take care of this from start to finish.
• What's needed for this consent? Manor Build will arrange the drawings needed once you've agreed on the concept plans.

You are legally required to get a building consent before you start building. The home will be inspected at various times to ensure it complies. Before the home leaves the factory, it needs a final sign-off called a Code of Compliance Certificate (CCC).

2. The Relocate Consent - Why is it needed, and how does it work?

You need a relocate consent to move an existing building to a new place. This consent ensures the prefab home is right for the new spot. It includes the foundations, power, water, septic tank, and drainage. The council in the district where the home will be delivered grants you this consent.

• How much does it cost? Like building consents, the cost for this consent can change, and it's usually between $2,000 and $4,000.
• Who pays for it? These costs are not part of the Manor Build contract, and you pay them to the council.
• Who handles it? Manor Build will work with the moving company and the people who provide the services to get this consent.

To get a relocate consent, the council will need detailed plans and information about the new building and the site. Here's some of what they might want:

• House plans that have been drawn for the building consent. (Sometimes these need to be stamped approved plans)
• Site plan showing distance to the property line, outlook spaces, setbacks, and other important details. Included in Manor Build's drawings.
• Septic and stormwater design. Often done by the plumber/drainlayer who will do the services on the site. Manor or you might organize this.
• Recent Geotech report (within 2 years) on where the building will be located.
• Foundation design that follows the Geotech report. House movers usually handle it unless there is a need for an engineer. Manor will organize this.
• A letter saying we or the house movers can act on your behalf when sending in the consent.
• Sometimes you might need other things like fire reports, structural engineering, and traffic plans.

3. When and why might we need resource consent?

You might need a Resource Consent if your project breaks the local council's rules about putting a house or building on your property. These rules are different in each area. Some reasons for needing a resource consent include:

• Breaking the height or distance rules from the property boundaries.
• Dividing a section to create multiple homes or lots.
• Putting a second home on a rural section (in some areas).

Manor Build doesn't handle resource consents, as you usually need a surveyor or expert for this. Talk to us about your project, and we can help you find someone who can help.

4. Development contributions - How can I find out if these apply?

Development contributions are fees the council charges to pay for things like new roads, parks, and services for new homes. These fees help pay for services and infrastructure the community needs as population increases.

• For new sections, the people who sell the sections usually pay the development costs, but it's good to check.
• Second homes (like Granny Flats) usually have development costs because they add more homes.
• If you're knocking down and rebuilding, you might not have to pay.

To find out if you need to pay development costs, talk to your local council. The cost depends on how big your project is and what is already there. Ask about these costs early in the planning stage. They can affect your budget.

Manor Build prices do not include development costs.

Summary

We hope this information helps you understand what you need to do for your project. It's a good idea to take the concept plans to your local council and talk to a local planner to get quick advice.

Our goal is to make this process easier for you and to help you every step of the way.

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