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Rodney-based Kiel Marshall Builders have received 20 enquiries a day since new rules were announced.
Rodney builder Kiel Marshall has a few ideas for unconsented mancaves as the Government relaxes rules on standalone structures.
In May, the Government announced that structures smaller than 30 square metres would no longer require consent, under proposed rules expected to come into effect at the end of August.
Kiel says it means his builders should be able to construct a sleepout structure within five to six weeks of signing a contract.
He says that before this rule change, having to get a consent from Auckland Council could hold the project up from three months to a year.
Kiel’s designs are available from $67,000, with some variability allowed for foundations and connections to household power boards.
Although consent is not required, builders still have to undertake a feasibility study and will possibly need a geotechnical report for foundations.
The new rules will still require the structure to fit within the Unitary Plan, and it will have to be built by a licenced building practitioner or signed off by a chartered engineer.
Kiel has uploaded designs he has had commissioned online and has been flooded with enquiries despite new rules not yet having come into effect.
His big drawcard is the “Carlsbad” man cave with a 20sqm pool table room complete with drinks station, a 10sqm projector room, 7.5sqm outdoor space.
By popular demand, Kiel is now coming up with a design for a “ladies retreat”, featuring a spa and “communications room”.
Other designs include a one-bedroom and rumpus unit, and a two-bedroom unit with walk-in wardrobes.
Kiel anticipates that home offices will also be a popular addition, as people increasingly work from home post-Covid.
He says the move from the Government is extremely positive for the industry, reviving jobs for builders.
He plans to launch a national company, with its headquarters in Rodney, focused solely on building 30sqm structures.
The new rules announced by the Government also remove consenting requirements for 40sqm carports, verandas of 30sqm, bridges on land without private access, ground-mounted solar panel arrays and single-storey hay barns.
The government estimates that it will save Kiwis $18 million a year in consenting fees and will mean 9000 fewer consents per year.
