What you get.
- On-site measure and photo record
- Existing-structure and weathertightness check
- Ceiling height, floor level, and egress assessment
- Insulation and moisture-control plan
- Council consent pathway analysis
- Written scope and compliance summary
- Indicative timeline for design and build
- Honest call on whether to proceed
You walk away with a document you can use — whether you build with us or not.
Quick feasibility check.
If you want a rough read before booking an assessment, run your garage through this. Takes 30 seconds.
§ 02 — Quick check
Estimate only · Not council-binding
How to read this estimate
The feasibility check applies typical Building Code and consent pathways only. It does not replace a measured site assessment or council pre-application advice.
Short-stay and Airbnb conversions.
Short-stay accommodation isn't a bedroom with a guest in it. Under the Building Code, it's a different use class — with stricter fire, egress, and ventilation requirements than standard residential. We've converted garages specifically for Airbnb and short-stay use in Christchurch, and we know which details councils actually check.
What changes for short-stay
- Fire safety moves from standard residential (C/AS1) to managed sleeping use — interconnected smoke alarms, escape routes, and sometimes separation from the main dwelling
- Ventilation must meet habitable requirements for guests who won't open windows
- Moisture control matters more — guest laundry, towels, longer showers
- Christchurch District Plan rules about where short-stay is permitted, restricted, or non-compliant
- Resource consent implications if the use falls outside the permitted activity definition
What we do for short-stay clients
- Confirm short-stay is permitted at your specific address before design starts
- Design to the correct Building Code use class from the outset
- Specify fixtures and finishes that survive guest wear — not domestic-spec
- Build with the durability and cleanability that short-stay reviews depend on
- Document the build so the property file supports resale later
Thinking about a short-stay conversion? The feasibility check above handles Airbnb as one of the intended-use options — run it, then book an assessment.
What we build to.
Insulation to current energy efficiency levels — walls, ceiling, and concrete slab edge where required.
Weathertightness and internal moisture control, including damp-proof membranes on existing slabs.
Ventilation and natural light sufficient for habitable use — typically openable window area ≥ 5% of floor area.
Structural adequacy and durability — assessed against original construction and any modifications.
Fire safety: smoke alarms, escape routes, separation where conversion adjoins the main dwelling.