Description

If you want to substitute a building product originally specified in your building consent application, you need to show the council how it meets the Building Code requirements.

The purpose of this guidance is to provide designers, contractors and building owners with some key points to consider when thinking about using building products different from those originally requested and specified.

There are a number of reasons you might consider substituting a building product; these include price, lack of availability, or pressure from the building owner to use an alternative.

If you are considering product substitutions to mitigate the impact of shipping delays and other disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, then this guide may also be of use to you.

Your rationale for wanting to substitute a product may be valid but when the product is part of a building system it can often have much wider implications.

Scope

Points to consider for designers, contractors and building owners who are considering using building products from those originally requested or specified.

If you are thinking about substituting a product you need to:

• Step 1: Consider the law
  
  • Consider the legal context; for example, understand your responsibilities under the Building Act 2004 or as stated in your contract with the owner.
• Step 2: Consider the building implications
  
  • Consider the broader implications of using a different product to that specified, including whether it is fit for the same purpose and still meets the owner’s needs.
• Step 3: Implement the changes
  
  • Implement any changes; for example, if substituting the product requires an amendment to a building consent.