Council RFI for G7/VM1 Daylighting? How to Sort It Fast When You Have a Roof Overhang

The Quick Answer: If your New Zealand building consent is held up by a council RFI requesting a G7/VM1 daylighting report, it is likely because deep eaves, roof overhangs, or alfresco areas cause the design to fail the restrictive G7/AS1 Acceptable Solution. The fastest way to resolve this is with a G7/VM1 3D computer model, which accurately proves natural light compliance so your building consent can move forward.

The Frustration of the G7/AS1 "Tick Box"

It is one of the most common frustrations for architects and homeowners today. You’ve designed a stunning open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area. It features massive, fully glazed sliding doors opening out to a spacious alfresco dining area. You know from experience that the space will be absolutely flooded with natural light.

But then, the council comes back with a Request for Information (RFI) for daylighting compliance.

Because modern New Zealand homes frequently feature large roof overhangs and deep eaves for weather tightness and solar shading, they often fail the overly conservative G7/AS1 calculation. The council requires a box ticked, even when the windows are more than big enough. That is where stepping up to a G7/VM1 Daylighting Report becomes the easiest fix.

Proving What You Already Know with G7/VM1

Instead of relying on rigid angles, G7/VM1 uses advanced 3D computer modelling to calculate the actual daylight behaviour—how light enters the space, bounces off interior surfaces, and illuminates the room.

We recently worked with an architect on a house in a new subdivision just outside of Auckland. The design featured a beautiful open-plan layout flowing onto an alfresco dining area with a massive 3-meter roof overhang. The council flagged it, halting the consent.

We took their architectural PDF plans, built an accurate 3D geometry of the space, and ran the G7/VM1 daylighting simulation. It passed easily—as the architect knew it would. Most importantly, we had the compliant report back in their hands within two working days, allowing them to clear the RFI and keep the project moving.

Why Turnaround Time is Everything

When an RFI lands on your desk, you are already on a time crunch. You don't need your building consent process delayed any further by waiting weeks for a consultant to get to your file.

Our primary focus is getting these reports done and dusted as quickly as possible. Because these RFIs usually happen at the end of the building consent process when the design is locked down, we don't need to waste time going back and forth.

Smart Synergy: Combining Daylighting with H1 Modelling

Keeping the project budget small is always a priority. If you also need an H1 compliance report or a condensation risk assessment, there are major cost and time savings to be had.

If we have already built the 3D model for your H1 calculation, we can utilise that exact same model to run the daylighting simulation. Furthermore, if we are doing your H1 modelling and notice a potential G7 issue with an overhang, we proactively flag it with you before the council even has a chance to issue an RFI.

How to Clear Your Daylighting RFI Today

Getting this sorted requires minimal effort on your part. You likely already have everything we need.

Simply head over to our Contact Us page, fill out your details and we will be in touch with a quote. We may ask a couple of quick, flexible questions—such as the planned interior colour scheme or if there are any significant external objects (like fences or trees) blocking light into the room.

Don't let an alfresco roof overhang hold up your building consent. Contact us today to get your G7/VM1 daylighting report turned around in a matter of days.