The exemption
Schedule 1, exemption 1 allows replacing a building product with a comparable one in the same position. It excludes complete or substantial replacement of structural or fire-safety components, and work on products that failed the Building Code's durability requirement 2.
MBIE's own roof examples
- Replacing 20-year-old profile metal roofing with comparable profiled metal: exempt 2
- Replacing an old clay tile roof with profiled metal (long-run or pressed metal tiles) in the same position: exempt, with uplift to be considered 2
The 15-year rule
Clause B2 requires roofing to last 15 years. A roof that fails sooner can't be automatically replaced without consent 1.
Restricted building work
Restricted building work is consented residential work affecting primary structure (including rafters, purlins and trusses) or weathertightness (including roof cladding and flashings), and it must be done or supervised by an LBP 3.
Not sure?
MBIE suggests seeking a discretionary exemption from your council or applying for consent rather than risk applying the exemption incorrectly 2.
Want a price for your home? Request a free, itemised quote or try the cost estimator.
Frequently asked
Do I need a council inspection for an exempt re-roof?
Exempt work doesn't go through consent inspections, but it must still comply with the Building Code 2.
Sources
- MBIE Building Performance — Recladding roofs (building consent requirements clarified)
- MBIE Building Performance — Schedule 1, exemption 1: general repair, maintenance and replacement
- MBIE Building Performance — Restricted building work
Figures are published planning ranges, checked 26 October 2026. They are not quotes.