MCM BuiltReady scheme launched

An MBIE scheme to enable faster consenting of quality assured homes and buildings has been introduced, with applications for the scheme opening in late 2022

BuiltReady, a new voluntary modular component manufacturing (MCM) certification scheme administered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), has been passed into law by the Building Amendment Act 2021. The scheme, which is part of the wider Building System Reform introduced in June 2021, enables modular component manufacturers to become certified and registered to produce modular building components deemed to comply with the Building Code. 

Malcolm Fleming, Chief Executive of New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB), welcomed the decision.

“NZCB believes this new policy will facilitate greater usage of modern methods of construction (MMC). In our view, the new certification scheme benefits are compelling: for builders, greater usage of MMC will reduce construction time and the incidence of rework; while for homeowners, greater adoption of more efficient construction technologies should contribute to reducing building costs.”

BuiltReady will be open for applications from certification bodies in late 2022 and open for applications by manufacturers in 2023.

Lift standards and drive better outcomes

MBIE believes this is in line with the Building System Reform’s aim to lift performance of the regulatory system and drive better outcomes for the sector, and for New Zealanders in general. Making modular components offsite can improve productivity, deliver precise, repeatable and consistent construction, and reduce waste, building delays and associated building costs. It is intended that certificates issued under the scheme will provide conclusive evidence of Building Code compliance.

“(The scheme) works by certifying manufacturers to produce consistently safe and reliable building components and modules,” said MBIE. “The end-to-end process from design (where relevant), manufacture and assembly, right through to transportation and installation on-site, are assessed with ongoing checks and balances to ensure construction meets the requirements of the Building Code.”

If manufacturers meet quality standards and criteria, they can apply for certification in one of two ways:

1. Manufacture only – certification to manufacture modular building components to a Building Code -compliant design.
2. Design and manufacture – certification to manufacture modular building components to a Building Code-compliant design that they have developed or adapted themselves.

“Third-party inspections and audits and post-certification surveillance will ensure that certified manufacturers are producing modular components that meet the requirements of the Building Code,” added MBIE.

Barriers to MCM adaptation

MBIE says current building consent processes are best suited to traditional construction methods and can present barriers and delays for innovative products and methods. There is also variation in how building consent authorities (BCAs) apply the Building Code to MCM methods when checking for compliance.

MBIE hopes that the voluntary manufacturer certification scheme will ease those problems and others by:

• Providing a streamlined consenting pathway tailored to this type of construction.
• Enabling faster consenting.
• Providing assurances that scheme participants deliver quality and durable products, which comply with the Building Code.
• Removing barriers in the consenting process that favour traditional methods.
• Improving confidence in the quality of modular construction, making it a viable choice for many.

“Certified manufacturers will find consenting easier, faster and more efficient with fewer inspections needed,” said MBIE. “It will remove uncertainty, duplication and delays in the process, saving time and money without compromising on quality.

“BCAs will be assured of construction quality and that certified manufacturers are complying with Building Code requirements. The scheme will allow them to focus on compliance with on-site installation. Homeowners may benefit from more building choices and reduced building times and costs, and be assured of quality construction in a controlled environment.”  

MBIE also said that the scheme may lead to a shorter building consent process of 10 working days if the entire structure is a single modular component.

Certification schemes already in use

BuiltReady isn’t the only pre-approval scheme administered by MBIE. The MultiProof scheme is used by builders and companies who build standardised design and is used to provide evidence of compliance for BCAs.

If your building consent application including a MultiProof design, the BCA must grant or refuse it within 10 working days. To be eligible you must have the intention and design to build an approved design at least 10 times over a 24-month period.