Schedule 1 Exempt Works
Understand what’s exempt from council consent and design with clarity, compliance, and confidence.
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER NZ-WIDE
What is Schedule 1 Exempt Works?
Schedule 1 of the NZ Building Act outlines specific types of low-risk building work that don’t require a consent. But here’s the catch: the rules can be confusing. What seems straightforward can quickly turn grey without the right advice. Sixty Degree Design helps you confidently navigate these exemptions – so your project stays on track, legal, and builder-ready.
Expert Guidance for Schedule 1 Exempt Work
Not all building projects require consent — but they still need to be well-designed and compliant. We help you understand what’s allowed under Schedule 1 of the NZ Building Act and provide documentation that keeps everyone — from builders to councils — on the same page.
We can assist with:
Project Scope Assessment
We’ll review your proposed work to determine if it qualifies for exemption under Schedule 1, saving you time and unnecessary paperwork.
Concept Design & Documentation
Even exempt projects benefit from quality design. We create clear concept plans and drawings to help guide your builder and support compliance.
Builder-Ready Plans
Get tailored plans that help your project run smoothly, even without a formal consent process — especially helpful for contractors who value precision.
Peace-of-Mind Compliance Support
We clarify grey areas and help you stay on the right side of council rules, ensuring your exempt work doesn’t lead to future issues.
Not sure if your project needs consent?
We provide expert guidance to help you design and build with clarity — even when consent isn’t required. Let’s start with a conversation.
Why Choose Sixty Degree Design for Exempt Work?
✓ No Guesswork
We’ll confirm whether your plans qualify for exemption – and what the limitations are.
✓ Clarity for Builders
Clear, tidy drawings that communicate exactly what’s happening on-site.
✓ Save Time + Costs
Skip the council queue where possible, with designs tailored to Schedule 1 boundaries.
✓ Compliance-Focused
Designed to meet code, whether consent is required or not.
✓ Creative + Practical
Functional spaces that still look and feel like they belong in your home.
Thinking Small? You Might Not Need Consent
Not all renovations require building consent – and that can save you time, stress, and money.
Under Schedule 1 of the NZ Building Act, certain low-risk projects like removing internal walls, adding a carport, or minor plumbing tweaks can often be done without council approval.
We’ll help you figure out what’s possible, what’s exempt, and how to do it right.
Planning Something Bigger?
Some projects that start with small exempt works end up growing. If you're thinking about layout changes, extensions, or upgrades that go beyond Schedule 1, we can help you navigate consent, design, and documentation with ease.
Recent highlights
We had a great experience working with Kieran at sixty degree design, he was very professional and had great knowledge of all the rules and regulations around council and building codes etc.
Kieran put together some great concept plans for us along with some great insight on ways to avoid paying too much in fees and engineering costs along the way.
Highly recommended.
Josh Geary
Planning a Project That Doesn’t Need Consent?
If you're tackling a smaller project and want to avoid delays, our team is here to help. Sixty Degree Design will guide you through what’s possible under Schedule 1, with designs that make sense, save time, and stay compliant.
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New Builds
From concept to consent – we design homes that suit your lifestyle and meet building regulations.
Townhouses & Developments
Unlock your site’s potential with well-planned townhouses and developments.
Renovations
Add value or rework your current home with smart, compliant design solutions.
