As part of your building consent application, you must estimate the value of your project. This estimate is used for government valuations and determines the project's building levies.
An accurate estimate makes sure your project has:
- correct levy calculations
- accurate valuations
- appropriate insurance coverage.
As a building consent authority, Auckland Council will assess the estimate in your building consent application. This assessment makes sure that the project value accurately reflects the current market value.
Project value
Your project's value:
- is calculated based on the floor area, along with the cost and quality of materials and construction
- includes all building costs associated with the project, including GST
- includes the cost of labour, even if you plan to do the work yourself or have family and friends help without pay.
How to calculate your project's value
Use the NZ Building Economist report
We recommend using the latest NZ Building Economist report to calculate the value of residential projects.
To calculate your project's value:
- Find your building type in the report.
- Use the specified rate per square metre.
- Multiply the rate by your project's floor area and include GST in the final amount.
Use the RLB Construction Cost Calculator
You can also use the RLB Construction Cost Calculator to calculate the value of residential and commercial projects.
The calculated range should reflect the quality of finishes and the complexity of your project.
Other costs and considerations
Some projects have other costs and considerations you must include in your project value.
Additions and alterations
It is more complex to calculate values for additions and alterations than for new builds.
You must consider several factors beyond basic construction costs, including:
- integration with the existing building structure
- implementation of temporary support works
- protection measures for existing structures
- management of access difficulties and constraints.
We recommend that you:
- maintain a detailed cost breakdown
- keep contractor quotes for future reference and documentation.
Small to medium commercial projects
Use the RLB Construction Cost Calculator to estimate the value, adjusting for:
- specific fit-out requirements
- building services
- site conditions.
Large commercial projects
Provide a quantity surveyor report with a detailed breakdown of all costs, including:
- construction
- services installation
- site works
- professional fees.
Prefabricated or modular buildings
Your project value must include:
- manufacturing costs
- transportation
- site preparation
- installation
- services connections.
More information
Learn
How to prepare a good quality building consent application.
