This summer if you're thinking of rolling up your sleeves and getting stuck into a DIY project around your home or bach make sure you've got a good plan.

The Thames Coromandel District Council says it is here to help locals by processing building and planning consents, plus provide advice about what projects do or do not require consenting.

If you're planning on doing work on your home or bach this summer make sure all your ducks are in a row in terms of planning and any necessary consents. Photo: File

'DIY is a favourite hobby of many New Zealanders,” says chief executive David Hammond. 'Plenty of kiwis will be using their time off from work during summer to get stuck in to work around the house including renovations.”

Under The Building Act 2004 and NZ Building Code and Resource Management Act, home owners are required to apply for resource consents for many aspects of renovations.

Councils have to process building consents within 20 working days, except over the Christmas/New Year period - December 20 through to January12 - when those statutory timeframe stops.

David says locals may also need to talk to council's planning team when considering any building work.

'Our Council will have a small building and planning team available during this period, except on the statutory holidays, to continue doing pre-booked inspections, a limited number of urgent inspections and take questions and queries.

'So if you want work done over summer please complete any applications you may need as soon as possible.”

Normal work resumes on January 12 but council's duty planner service will be available through the holiday period, except on statutory days, from 9am to 3pm.

To get in touch with the duty planner service or TCDC's building team email csteam@tcdc.govt.nz or phone 07-868-0200.