First MultiProof approvals issued recently

0
1873

The first certificates for MultiProof, a new streamlined National Multiple-use Approval Service for volume builders, were issued at a function in Christchurch in July attended by Building and Construction Minister Maurice Williamson, who presented the first certificate to Christchurch-based Spanbild.

Little Buildings Ltd of Palmerston North also received one of the first MultiProof approvals, and was the first to have consent issued for a MultiProof approved design.
These approvals signify the beginning of streamlined consenting for multiple-use building designs.
The MultiProof service was launched by Mr Williamson in February this year. The service issues approvals for building designs that are to be replicated several times by volume builders.

It means building designs with MultiProof approval are pre-approved for Building Code compliance, removing the need for the designs to be assessed by each individual Building Consent Authority (BCA).

This means greater certainty of BCA consenting, faster processing times, reduced duplication for volume builders, and consumers being able to get into their new homes sooner.
Little Buildings saved $2800 on consent fees for the first two houses using the MultiProof approved design, and Palmerston North City Council issued consents for the two buildings in just three working days.

Spanbild chief executive Peter Jensen says the government’s new scheme is an innovative and supportive initiative for companies such as Spanbild, which has several brands and products under one umbrella.
“The approval scheme is a positive governmental response to requests from the industry for a system which streamlines consenting processes,” he says.
“It means councils can have confidence in the process of, and designs which get, Department of Building and Housing (DBH) multi-use approval.”

MultiProof is about reducing costs, not cutting corners. Buildings using a MultiProof design will still need to meet the current quality standards for that type of building.
Building Consent Authorities will continue to approve site-specific details such as foundations, ensuring any MultiProof approval conditions have been met, and undertaking normal inspections during construction.

The statutory time frame for issuing a building consent for a MultiProof design is reduced from 20 days to just 10.
MultiProof is among the first of the Government’s Better Building Blueprint initiatives to take effect. These first approvals show that MultiProof is multi-purpose, working for a wide range of volume builders and designs.

There are a number of other applications in the pipeline, including for designs that offer innovative building solutions.
The MultiProof team at the DBH is keen to hear from other volume builders seeking MultiProof approvals, and to help applicants through the application process.

Volume builders are invited to contact the MultiProof team for a confidential discussion about how to obtain a MultiProof approval. Contact Tracey Bevan on 04 817 4254 (DDI) or email [email protected].

Previous articleRMBF says the devil is in the detail
Next articleConference will seek answers to leaky homes impasse