Alterations to existing conservatory

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jossjob

1 post

Wannabe Geek

#195616 26-Apr-2016 20:52

Dear folks

We have a 3.8x3m second story conservatory attached to our home.

We want to remove the aluminium conservatory frame and glass (which sits upon a timber sill and framed walls), remove the walls and install new boundary joists which will carry a new timber balustrade. the floor will also be resurfaced with a rubber product, a perimeter gutter will be installed, and a new ranchslider will be installed.

I have researched enough that everything we do we can do ourselves within the building code parameters.

This conservatory used to be the landing and entrance to the house so at one point was effectively a deck of sorts.

Has anyone had any experience in doing this type of thing, did you get a building permit, etc?

Any advise or tips would be greatly appreciated.

darylblake

1015 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#1542449 26-Apr-2016 21:21

Ill start of by saying I don't know. But I would really get a friend or someone who has been recommended to you who is a builder or the likes to have a look at it.

If its structural then yes you would need to get consent from the council. If the council don't know about it on the plans and according to their records they just think a second story deck. Then you will probably get away with removing it without a permit providing the railing meets build requirements etc. If the council don't know about a second story deck then you have a problem and will need to apply for a building consent regardless (if you want it legal).

If you call the council they will probably want to have a look at it and charge you because it will be hard to determine over the phone. If you call a dodgy laborer then they will tell you shes all good gimme some cash and I will sort it out.... Just be careful.

timmmay

16223 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Subscriber

#1542514 27-Apr-2016 05:24

Wait for next summer? Deck not useful in winter, conservatory useful all year round?

froob

566 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#1542555 27-Apr-2016 08:28

jossjob:

...did you get a building permit, etc?

All building work requires a building consent, unless it is exempt under Schedule 1 of the Building Act.

There is a fairly detailed guide book released by MBIE that might help you in figuring out if all or part of the work is exempt. If you are still unsure, it would be worth speaking to a builder or architect.

Here is a link to Schedule 1.

Here is a link to the guide book.