A Timaru construction-and-design firm is hailing changes to the consent process for volume-building firms and played a big part in the system's conception.

For four months, McRaeway Homes worked with the Government to make the national multiple-use approval system, MultiProof, a reality.

The system is labelled as a significant step forward for the building industry, streamlining the consent process by up to 10 days. It was launched on Thursday at Parliament buildings.

MultiProof allows volume-based housing firms – like McRaeway – to get a multiple-use house design approved, instead of having to send the plan for each house, from that design, to the local building consent authorities. Consents would still be needed for everything from the foundations down.

McRaeway Homes general manager Matt Tipa said by only approving a design once, the system was more efficient and cost-effective. Savings would be passed on to consumers.

"It's what it is all about; it's about saving the customer some of the compliance costs and will have real benefits long term."

Mr Tipa said MultiProof would take a while to "bed in", as councils got their head around the system, though it was "a long-term investment".

JEFF TOLLAN - The Timaru Herald