Key things to think about...

Get good professionals involved early. Seek out professional advice and utilise local knowhow. It can save you money in the end and get you the permits you need - they know the ropes. 

 

Identify early if you need a new septic system. Having an additional dwelling may be determined by this. Have your current capacity and condition assessed. New systems are expensive.  Check out our soon to be published workshop notes (link coming). A starter guide from government also is here.

 

Boundaries been surveyed? Physical fencelines are often wrong. Ensure you are building 2m from the boundary, or a resource consent will be needed. Survey costs are discussed here.

 

Do you have enough land? There is a maximum site coverage amount based on floor area. Most of Paekākāriki is classified medium-density allowing 50% coverage see here. In some areas it is 35%. You need to account for septic tank fields which can limit what you can do.

 

Consider design options carefully: Could this be an extension to your current home (it might be you who gets the new bathroom!) Or is it: a new design, a kitset, or a relocated existing building? Does this dwelling need a full kitchen (this affects council fees).  Check out our soon to be published workshop notes (link coming) and read our case studies for inspiration on options.

 

Your property’s zoning will affect what you can do. Search your property on the District e-Plan - and check out boundaries, heights and implications of flooding and other hazards. Generate a property specific report: here is a how-to guide.

 

Future proof. What potential needs can you envisage? Elderly and teenage housing? Renting? Downsizing? Office/holiday home hybrid? What design features might this entail? e.g a loft bed for visiting grandchildren, or futureproof for solar power, or mobility issues.

 

Can you do this in phases to make it more affordable? A bathroom first, with connections for a kitchen later, for example? Try living on the land with a portable home?

 

Read up about the consent process in the KCDC Additional Dwelling Guide here. From PIM to potential resource consent to potential building consent and signoff. View the KCDC/Better for Homes slide show in our soon to be published workshop notes (link coming).

 

Thinking about a compost or incinerator toilet? GWRC have a useful initial compost toilet guide here. Waste must be able to be disposed of on the property and can’t be used for 12 months. There are other conditions and approval is needed from council. Incinerator toilets are more expensive but don’t have waste or odour issues and don’t require plumbing or septic tank infrastructure costs. A useful guide is here.

 

Sharing options. Have you considered coownership, rent-to-buy, licenses to occupy or other options? Kiwibank have provided a quick guide and a TV series following different co-ownership journeys for financing. See our soon to be published workshop notes (link coming).

 

Considering subdivision? Only possible if you have enough land. In the General Residential Zone a minimum net site area of 500m² per lot is required. It’s expensive and a resource consent is required. 

 

Is this an investment? With renting it’s possible for your additional dwelling to pay itself back over 10 years (based on a 10% of cost rental return).

 

2026 ‘Granny flat’ legislation. Think about what your needs are first ahead of trying to fit it into the new 70 metre square law. It will provide some consent cost savings but restrict design features. Here is the official guidance.

 

Many projects will need the involvement of a structural engineer. See here to help you identify this and see notes from Workshop #1.  

Builder's legal rights and obligations. Check these out for during a build here.

 

Building in the coastal zone? Commonly applied to land within 30 metres of a defined coastal hazard area, such as the edge of a seawall crest. New structures are permitted only if they are designed to be easily moved (relocatable). Relocatable is defined here. Check with council.

 

Avoid being surprised by hidden costs. Talk to other community members and check out these slide shows from Homes for Good and KCDC on indicative costs and process.  

 

Book a free meeting with a KCDC duty planner early to assess if you need a resource consent and what permits are required. But also talk through options with professionals in the community who may advise on a stepped process. Contact here.

 

New Zealand Building Code. All building work must meet this. You can find it here. If you contract a licensed professional they will ensure you meet building standards. If using a kitset check with your provider what they can guarantee. Meeting standards and required consents can affect your ability to resell - judge the risks with your eyes open!

 

A rental property? It must comply with the healthy home standards. See here. 

 

Construction risk insurance. Broker advice - this is a must - in place before site work starts. 

 

Rates. Additional dwellings do attract them. Current estimates per additional dwelling for 2025/26 for Kāpiti are approx. $1,500.00 p.a.

 

Online inspiration. There are many Aotearoa resources online focusing on housing for the young, elderly and Māori communities. We recommend Buildingbetter.nz and their online library of podcasts, videos and case studies. 

 

Finally, the Paekākāriki Housing Trust can help connect you to information and people. We’re passionate about affordable housing for those most in need. Contact here.