Auxuro

Build & Renovate Handbook: Auckland

From checking the site to getting your CCC: the consents, timber and fixing specs, paint systems, suppliers and how-to videos for each step, in one place. Compiled October 2026. Confirm with Auckland Council and licensed practitioners before you start work.

The order of work. Pick a step to see what it involves and to filter everything below to that step.

Process & consent

First work out which path your project takes: exempt work, the new granny flat exemption, or a full building consent. The path decides the time, the cost and who is allowed to do the work.

The granny flat exemption (Schedule 1A) only covers new, detached small homes. Turning an existing garage into a habitable room still needs a building consent; if the work is already done, apply for a Certificate of Acceptance.

Specs

Common timber sizes, treatment levels, screws and plasterboard. Your drawings and NZS 3604 take priority.

Timber treatment: where each level goes

LevelUse (minimum)How to recognise it

Source: BRANZ, Timber treatment

Common timber sizes (radiata pine, SG8)

Size (mm)Typical useTypical treatment

Sizes as stocked by Bunnings NZ structural pine. Take spans and spacings from the NZS 3604 tables, not from experience.

Screws and fixings

UseTypical specNotes

Screw gauge conversion (approx.)

GaugeApprox. diameterTypical use

GIB plasterboard

Paint & floors

Based on Resene's recommended systems. The order matters more than the brand: clean, sand, spot-prime, then two top coats.

Suppliers

Common Auckland suppliers for building materials, hardware, electrical, plumbing, paint and hire. A trade account often gets 10–25% off, so it's worth asking.

Videos

Each topic links to a YouTube search with NZ keywords, so New Zealand practice comes first, plus the official video where there is one. Electrical and drainage videos are for understanding only; that work needs a licensed person.

References

Codes, guidance and lookup tools. Most are free.

Your project

A starting checklist for a typical renovation or alteration. Name your project, tick steps off as you go, delete what doesn't apply and add your own. Everything is saved in this browser only.