3.4 Internal linings and finishes in existing dwelling
A building consent is not required to replace or alter a dwelling's internal linings and wall, ceiling and floor finishes.
What the law says
Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004
Exemption 12. Internal linings and finishes in existing dwelling
Building work in with any internal linings or finishes of any wall, ceiling, or floor of an existing dwelling.
How it works
Unlike the exemption described in section 1.1 General repair, maintenance, and replacement of building parts (exemption 1), this exemption does not require you to use comparable materials.
As wall and ceiling linings often provide bracing and fire resistance, you should seek advice from an appropriately qualified building practitioner before carrying out any such work.
Wet area or level entry showers are generally outside the scope of this exemption.
If you are not sure whether proposed building work could affect Building Code compliance including with fire safety, structural performance and internal moisture requirements, seek the advice of a suitably qualified person.
What is exempt
- A homeowner replaces the ceiling lining acting as a bracing diaphragm in an existing semi-detached dwelling because of impact damage with a new bracing diaphragm.
- A homeowner replaces earthquake-damaged lathe and plaster wall linings in an existing detached house with wood panelling to dado height over full height plasterboard sheets.
- A homeowner replaces a dwelling’s tongue and groove floorboards with particle-board sheets.
- A homeowner replaces a dwelling’s plasterboard internal linings with new plasterboard.
What needs consent
- The owner replaces internal linings and finishes in commercial and industrial buildings, unless the proposed work is covered by another exemption.
- The owner wants to install a tiled wet area shower in an existing dwelling. This will require a building consent because the construction of a wet area shower generally includes structural modifications to the flooring system.