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Frequently asked questions
The questions we answer most often.
Straight answers on Council fees, Producer Statements and what engineering costs — so you can budget before you commit. If yours isn't here, call us; that conversation is free.
How much should I allow for Council building consent fees for residential projects?
Council building consent fees vary depending on the value and type of work, the number of inspections required, and whether additional assessment, specialist review, planning checks or other charges apply.
For early-stage budgeting, the following indicative allowances may be useful for typical residential projects in the Nelson and Tasman regions.
| Project typeEstimated project cost | Nelson City Council | Tasman District Council |
|---|---|---|
| Alterations / additionsUp to $50,000 | From $1,000 – $3,229 deposit | From $2,000 deposit |
| Alterations / additions$50,000 – $100,000 | From $3,533 deposit | From $2,000 deposit |
| Alterations / additions$100,000 – $200,000 | From $4,232 deposit | From $2,000 deposit |
| Major alteration / addition$200,000 – $400,000 | From $5,541 deposit | From $2,000 deposit |
| New dwelling$300,000 – $400,000 | Approximately $9,000 – $11,000 | Approximately $8,000 – $9,000 |
| New dwelling$400,000 – $600,000 | Approximately $12,000 – $14,000 | Approximately $9,000 – $11,000 |
| New dwelling$600,000 – $800,000 | Approximately $15,000 – $17,000 | Approximately $11,000 – $13,000 |
| New dwelling$800,000 – $1,000,000 | Approximately $17,000 – $20,000 | Approximately $13,000 – $16,000 |
| New dwelling$1,000,000 – $4,000,000 | Approximately $20,000+ | Refer to current Council fees |
Important: the figures above are indicative Council fee allowances only. They are intended to assist with preliminary project budgeting and should not be treated as quotations or fixed Council fees. Actual costs can vary depending on the specific project and the services required by Council.
Nelson City Council
Nelson City Council's 2026/27 building consent deposits are based on the estimated value of the building work. The published deposits apply to residential building work, including new buildings, alterations and additions.
The initial deposit is not necessarily the final Council cost. NCC advises that additional costs may include inspection fees, staff time, statutory levies, specialist fees and development contributions. Costs are reconciled during the consent process and again before issue of the Code Compliance Certificate.
Tasman District Council
Tasman District Council's 2026/27 schedule provides specific charges for residential building work, including minor internal alterations and new dwellings.
TDC also applies system application fees and statutory levies, with additional charges potentially applying for inspections, PIM/RMA checks, specialist input and other services. For new dwellings valued at more than $1,000,000, TDC's published charging basis changes to an hourly rate rather than a fixed fee.
- Tasman District Council — Building Assurance Fees and Charges
- Tasman District Council — Fees and Charges
Council fees and charges are reviewed periodically and may change during the year. The figures above are based on the 2026/27 Council fee schedules available at the time of publication and are provided for general budgeting purposes only. We recommend confirming the current fees directly with the relevant Council before finalising your project budget or submitting a building consent application.
Do I actually need a structural engineer?
Sometimes not. A good deal of residential work is covered by NZS 3604, the standard for light timber-framed buildings, and does not need specific engineering design. Once you move outside it — long spans, removing load-bearing walls, difficult ground, steep sites, retaining — Council will want a specific design and a Producer Statement.
Call us before you commit to anything. We will tell you which side of that line your project sits on, and there is no charge for that conversation.
What is a PS1, and what is a PS4?
A PS1 is a Producer Statement — Design. It is issued with the calculations and drawings at building consent stage, and it is the engineer's statement that the design complies with the Building Code. The PS1 also identifies any required inspections during construction.
A PS4 is a Producer Statement — Construction Review. It is issued at the end of the build, following completion of the required inspections and construction review, confirming that the completed work has been carried out in accordance with the approved design.
We issue both, and we handle Council's questions in between. See how a job runs.
What will the engineering itself cost?
Structural engineering typically runs 1–5% of total construction cost, covering design, detailing and construction supervision. We publish indicative ranges for the project types we most often take on, up to building consent lodgement.
Council consent fees are separate from our fee. Budget for both.
What are your hourly charge-out rates?
Our current hourly rates are posted on Facebook, where we can update them the day they change. Follow us and you will always have the current schedule.
Question not answered here? Ask us directly — or call 03 544 6404.
Next step
Budgeting a project right now?
Tell us what you are planning and we will give you an indicative fee range for your project type — and flag the Council costs to allow for alongside it.