How long does it take to design and consent a new home in Canterbury?
One of the first questions we’re asked by clients planning a new home is: How long will it take to get from our initial ideas to an approved building consent?
The answer depends on the size and complexity of the home, how developed your ideas are, and how quickly decisions can be made along the way.
At Chilton + Mayne Architecture, we guide clients through the entire process, from the initial meeting and concept design through to detailed documentation and building consent.
Based in Ashburton, we see our central South Island location as a real advantage. It puts us in a great position to work with clients throughout the South Island, combining our regional knowledge with the flexibility to deliver projects across a wide range of locations.
The short answer
Most of our new home projects take approximately 4 to 8 months from the initial design process through to obtaining building consent.
Some straightforward projects can progress considerably faster, particularly when clients have a clear brief and decisions are made promptly. Other projects, especially larger or more complex homes, can take 12 months or longer.
Most new homes don’t require resource consent, but where additional planning approvals are necessary, these can extend the overall timeframe.
Every project is different, and we believe it’s important to allow sufficient time to get the design right rather than rushing important decisions.
Our approach is to work through each stage with you, ensuring the design meets your expectations, budget and site requirements before progressing to the next stage.
The process
The Five Stages of Designing a New Home
The following is a general guide to how the process works.
- 1
Initial Brief & Site Visit
We meet with you, discuss your ideas, budget and priorities, and assess the site.
Usually one meeting, with preparation and scheduling beforehand
- 2
Concept Design
We develop floor plans, elevations and initial design ideas, exploring how your home will work on the site.
Initial concepts can sometimes be prepared within 1–2 weeks once underway
- 3
Developed Design
We refine the layout, exterior appearance, materials, windows and other details until you’re happy with the design.
Varies depending on complexity and the number of changes
- 4
Building Consent Documentation
We prepare detailed architectural drawings and specifications, coordinating with engineers and other consultants where required.
Generally 4–6 weeks for straightforward projects, subject to consultant input
- 5
Building Consent Approval
The council reviews the application and may request additional information before issuing consent.
Statutory processing timeframe of 20 working days, excluding clock stops
These timeframes are indicative rather than fixed. Each stage is programmed around the complexity of the project, our existing workload and the availability of any specialist consultants. The overall programme also allows time for meetings, design reviews and client approvals between stages.
How Long Does Building Consent Take?
In New Zealand, councils generally have 20 working days to process a building consent application.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll receive consent within four calendar weeks.
If the council requests further information, commonly referred to as an RFI, the processing clock stops until the requested information has been supplied.
At Chilton + Mayne Architecture, we place considerable emphasis on preparing clear, comprehensive building consent documentation to help minimise unnecessary delays during council processing.
We work with councils throughout the South Island and are familiar with the different requirements and processes that can apply across various districts.
Will My New Home Need Resource Consent?
Most new homes in New Zealand do not require resource consent, provided they comply with the relevant District Plan requirements.
During the early design stages, we review the planning rules that apply to your property, including building setbacks, height restrictions, site coverage and any other relevant controls.
In some circumstances, resource consent may be required. This could be due to a particular site constraint, a proposed design that doesn’t fully comply with the planning rules, or additional requirements associated with the property.
If resource consent is needed, we’ll identify this as early as possible and explain what it means for your project, including any additional timeframes or costs.
Our aim is always to develop a design that meets your needs while working within the applicable planning requirements, wherever practical, to avoid unnecessary delays.
You can find more information on our FAQs page.
What Can Affect the Design Timeframe?
There are several factors that can influence how quickly a project progresses.
01
Having a Clear Design Brief
Some clients come to us with a well-developed idea of what they want, while others are starting with a blank page.
Both approaches are perfectly fine, but naturally, a project with a clear brief and established budget can often progress more quickly.
02
Changes During the Design Process
We encourage clients to explore their options during the concept design stage. This is the best time to consider alternative layouts, materials and design ideas.
Significant changes later in the process, particularly once detailed consent documentation is underway, can require drawings and consultant information to be revised.
03
Client Decisions and Approvals
We work collaboratively with our clients and generally seek approval before moving from one design stage to the next.
The time taken to review drawings, consider options and make decisions can have a significant influence on the overall programme.
04
Engineering and Specialist Reports
Depending on the site and design, additional information may be required from structural engineers, geotechnical engineers, surveyors, planners or other specialists.
These consultants have their own workloads and timeframes, which need to be incorporated into the project programme.
05
Project Scheduling
Like most architectural practices, we have a number of projects progressing at different stages at any one time.
We programme work to ensure each project receives the attention it requires. If a project is placed on hold for an extended period, we may need to reschedule it around other commitments when it recommences.
06
Council Processing
Although councils have statutory processing timeframes, requests for further information or additional approvals can extend the overall consent period.
How Can You Keep Your Project Moving?
If you’re hoping to start building within a particular timeframe, there are a few things you can do to help keep the design process on track.
- Establish a realistic budget early. This helps ensure the design is appropriate for what you’re comfortable spending.
- Think about your priorities. Consider the spaces you need, the style of home you prefer and how you want to live.
- Arrange site information early. A topographical survey and geotechnical investigation, where required, can help avoid delays later.
- Involve your builder. If you have a preferred builder, their input during design can be valuable, particularly around construction costs and practical details.
- Allow time for design reviews. Prompt feedback helps us maintain momentum between stages.
- Get started early. If you have a particular construction date in mind, allowing plenty of time for design and consenting gives you greater flexibility.
Good Design Is Worth Getting Right
While we understand that clients are often eager to start building, designing a new home is an important investment.
A little extra time spent refining the layout, considering how the home responds to its site, and selecting the right materials can make a significant difference to the finished result.
Our goal is to make the process as straightforward and enjoyable as possible while delivering a home that works for you, your site and your budget.
You can explore examples of our work in our residential project portfolio.
Let’s talk
Planning a New Home?
Whether you’re planning a family home, a rural residence, a holiday home or something a little different, we’re happy to discuss your ideas and help you understand the likely design and consent timeframe.
Based in Ashburton, we see our central South Island location as a real advantage. It allows us to work with clients across the South Island, from Canterbury and the West Coast through to Otago, Wānaka and Queenstown, while remaining closely involved throughout the design process.
We believe good architectural design isn’t limited by geography. With modern design technology, online meetings and regular site visits, we’re able to provide the same personalised, hands-on service whether your project is just down the road or several hours away.
At Chilton + Mayne Architecture, we take pride in building strong relationships with our clients and delivering thoughtful, practical design solutions tailored to each individual site.
If you’re hoping to start building within the next 6 to 12 months, now is a good time to begin the conversation.