June 19, 2026

In a Nutshell

  • As of late 2025, MBIE removed the restriction that previously prevented tiled shower and wet-area renovations from being exempt from building consent.
  • Depending on the scope of work, your bathroom renovation may now have less process and more design freedom. The Building Code still applies in full, waterproofing standards haven’t changed, and licensed tradespeople are still required — but this is genuinely good news for homeowners considering a renovation.
  • Not sure if your project needs consent? Enhanced Renovations can advise.

If you’ve been thinking about renovating your shower or bathroom, there’s been a quiet but significant shift in the rules that’s worth knowing about, one that opens up more design options than many homeowners realise.

What Changed, and When?

In late October 2025, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) updated its guidance on Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004. That’s the part of the Act that lists building work that doesn’t automatically require a building consent.

Previously, the guidance specifically stated that the Schedule 1 exemption could not be used for wet area showers. That restriction has been removed. No new rule was added, the old limitation was simply deleted.

This change happened alongside the passing of the Building and Construction (Small Standalone Dwellings) Amendment Act 2025, commonly known as the granny flat legislation, which came into full effect in January 2026. The MBIE guidance update was part of a broader tidy-up of building rules across the board.

So What Does It Actually Mean?

In simple terms: a tiled shower or wet-area floor renovation may no longer automatically trigger the need for a building consent, depending on the specific nature of the work involved.

That’s a meaningful shift. It opens the door to more creative use of tiles in showers and wet areas, different formats, large-format tiles, textured surfaces, bold design statements, without the cost and timeline of a full consent process in every case.

It’s also worth noting what hasn’t changed. The Building Code still applies in full. Waterproofing must still meet the required standards. The work must still be carried out or supervised by a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP), and any plumbing by a registered plumber. Getting it right matters, poorly installed waterproofing behind tiles is one of the most common (and costly) causes of home damage in New Zealand.

The Practical Upshot

For homeowners, this is genuinely good news, more flexibility, potentially less process, and a wider palette of design choices for your bathroom or shower renovation.

But ‘potentially exempt’ doesn’t mean ‘do it yourself.’ The standards are just as high. The difference is in who oversees the process and how it’s documented.

At Enhanced Renovations, we stay on top of these regulatory changes so you don’t have to. We can advise whether consent is needed for your specific project and ensure all work is done to code. And with in-house bathroom design expert Danielle Keane on the team, you’ll have expert guidance on how to make the most of the design freedom these changes allow, from space planning and surface finishes through to finding the right tiles to bring your vision to life.

Want to explore what’s possible in your space? Talk to the team at Enhanced Renovations, we’ll help you get it right, beautifully.

Common Questions

Yes, but it was a guidance update, not a new law. In late October 2025, MBIE removed wording from its Schedule 1 guidance that had previously stated the consent exemption (Clause 12) could not be applied to wet area showers. This means a tiled shower renovation may no longer automatically require building consent, depending on the scope of work. However, all work must still comply with the New Zealand Building Code.

It depends on the specific work involved. Since the October 2025 MBIE guidance update, the automatic ‘consent required’ trigger for wet area showers has been removed. But consent may still be required depending on structural changes, plumbing alterations, or the nature of the waterproofing work. Always confirm with a qualified renovation specialist or your local council before starting work.

Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004 lists the types of building work that are exempt from requiring a building consent. MBIE provides guidance on how these exemptions apply. For bathrooms, the relevant exemption is Clause 12, which relates to replacing internal linings, including waterproof membranes. The October 2025 update means Clause 12 can potentially apply to wet area shower renovations, opening up more options for homeowners.

Yes, absolutely. The guidance change affects consent requirements, not quality standards. Waterproofing in wet areas must still comply with the New Zealand Building Code (particularly Clause E3, Internal Moisture). Work must be carried out or supervised by a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) and plumbing by a registered plumber. Cutting corners on waterproofing remains one of the costliest renovation mistakes a homeowner can make.

Yes, and it’s well worth it. With more tile options now available for showers and wet areas, getting the selection right, in terms of format, slip resistance, waterproofing compatibility, and aesthetics, really matters. Enhanced Renovations has in-house bathroom design expert Danielle Keane, who can guide you through the full design process, from layout and finishes to the right tile choices for your specific space.

The Building and Construction (Small Standalone Dwellings) Amendment Act 2025, known as the granny flat legislation — was passed in October 2025 and came into full effect in January 2026. It allows qualifying standalone dwellings up to 70m² to be built without a building consent. The MBIE guidance update on tiled showers was a separate but concurrent change, made as part of a broader review of building rules.

Justin Carter

Founder | Enhanced Renovations

This article has been prepared and authorised by Justin Carter, Founder and Owner of Enhanced Renovations.

Justin has spent many years working with homeowners across the Waikato, helping them improve how their homes function for everyday living. His approach to renovation focuses on practical design, careful planning, and ensuring projects are managed with respect for the people living in the home.

At Enhanced Renovations, the goal is simple: Transforming spaces. Enhancing lives.

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