Aotearoa New Zealand is currently facing a shortage of plasterboard products. The Building Code sets the minimum performance requirements that building work must meet. It does not prescribe which materials or products to use. The designer can choose the product that fits their requirements as long as they can provide evidence that it complies with the Building Code.
Due to supply chain issues, a product may need to be substituted after the building consent has been issued. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has recently released guidance for designers, contractors and building owners with some key points to consider when thinking about using building products different from those originally requested and specified, and also guidance for Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) on how to manage product substitution.
Guidance documents
Guidance documents for product substitution.
Product substitution
Guidance when considering building products different from those originally requested and specified.
Product substitution – plasterboard
Guidance on the substitution of plasterboard wall and ceiling linings.
Minor variations to building consents: Guidance on definition, assessment and granting
Guidance to minor variations of building consents, including definition, assessment and granting.
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