DIY enthusiasts could be saving a bit of cash come August as building consents for low-risk projects are scrapped.
Exemptions to the Building Act means that anyone can build a sleep-out, a carport, or a shed without needing council permission.
Registered builder Peter Wolfkamp says while it will make projects easier, other rules mustn't be buried.
He's warning the scrapping of building consents for low-risk projects doesn't mean a DIY a free-for-all.
"In all seriousness, I think that the idea of your neighbour suddenly popping a 30sqm dwelling hard up against the boundary in the backyard and taking your view is an appalling idea," Wolfkamp told The AM Show on Monday.
"It's important to realise that, yes, there are further widening of the exemptions - but they still need to be supervised or done by an LBP [licenced builder].
"The Building Act ultimately is there to protect the people who might occupy that building in the future."
Wolfkamp said it doesn't necessarily mean project processes will be simple.
"We've all seen examples of shoddy work being done and the impact on the life and the health of people that occupy that space.
"There will still be other pieces of legislation that will dictate what you can build and where you can build it.
"As an LBP myself, I should be able to be more responsible for my work."
A structural engineer, meanwhile, has also warned there will be costly stuff-ups on building work if it scraps the consents.
John Scarry told Newshub people are already being put through years of agony - and the Government is just setting people up for more pain.
He said the current consent process means a building inspector may check out the work, potentially saving homeowners from disaster.
It may save people time and money in the short term but still needs to be compliant, he said.
