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Building Inspections/Codes of Compliance

Building inspections are scheduled at critical stages of the construction process to ensure that the work being carried out on-site is in accordance with the approved plans and that building regulations are being met.

How does the building inspection process work?

The builder or owner notifies us when site inspections are due, and our building inspectors carry them out.
The owner or builder advises us when all building work is completed and our building inspector carries out a final inspection. Our building inspector may find that some items of work have yet to be completed or need to be changed in order to comply with the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC).
When we deem that all work complies with the building consent and the NZBC, we issue a code compliance certificate (CCC).

When are building inspections made?

The inspection program for each building project is determined by the type and scale of the work. Good planning and construction practice can reduce the number of inspections needed and the associated costs.

As a guide, an average new house – which might take four to five months to complete – will require a minimum of seven inspections to check that the requirements of the NZBC are being met.

Before covering anything up, or closing anything in, ask: "Would the building inspector need to see what I'm about to cover?" If something needs to be seen and it is not visible you may incur unnecessary costs undoing the work that has been done. Alternatively an engineer's report may be needed, which also involves additional cost.

How do I arrange a building inspection?

Call us (06-759 6060) and make an appointment as soon as you know the completion time of the related work. We require a minimum of 24 hours notice and will usually be able to inspect the work within 24 to 48 hours. Up to three days notice may be required at times of high demand.

You will need to quote the following:

Type of inspection (specific details). This is important because inspections have different degrees of urgency, e.g. pre-concrete pour inspections need a specific time as concrete supply trucks may be booked.
Site address.
Contact phone number.
Building consent number. Return to top

What happens when the building inspector arrives?

A full set of approved (stamped) plans and amendments must be on site and available to the building inspector. It is advisable to be on-site when our building inspector visits as they may have questions or advice for you, and this could reduce the number of inspections required. If any inspections need to be repeated the inspection cost must be met by the applicant.

Once the works pass inspection the building inspector will sign off the appropriate inspection. If there are any outstanding items the inspector will document these on the inspection notice, a copy of which will be left on site. When these outstanding items have been completed the owner, if requested, should call for a recheck inspection.

What happens if the work isn’t approved?

Areas of non-compliance will be detailed on the inspection sheet. Where issues are of a more serious nature, we will issue a 'notice to rectify', requiring any building work not done in accordance with the NZBC to be corrected. We may also direct that building work cease, in the area affected by the non compliance, until we are satisfied work is able to proceed in compliance with Building Act requirements. Failure to act promptly can result in prosecution.

Workmanship is not something that our building inspectors are required to comment on or can consider. This is an issue between the owner and the contractors.

What happens after I've completed all work covered by the consent?

Owners are required to advise us that building work has been completed as soon as practicable by completing the application for a Code of Compliance Certificate form attached to the building consent, and forwarding it to us.

After the final inspection is carried out, the inspector will check the consent file to ensure that all conditions have been met and required documentation provided. Any outstanding charges must be paid before the CCC can be issued.

Application form for CCC (389KB PDF)
Certificate for Public Use form (364KB PDF) Return to top

What is a code compliance certificate (CCC)?

When a building project has been completed, one of our building inspectors will make a final inspection to ensure that it complies with the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC) – and if it does, a CCC will be issued. If the building does not comply with the NZBC, a notice to rectify may be issued and until any shortcomings have been addressed a CCC cannot be issued.

In terms of a building being insured or re-sold, a CCC is a very important document that building owners should pursue as quickly as possible. A CCC must be issued before on-selling a new dwelling or residential unit.
Any refunds owing from us will not be issued until the CCC is issued.

What delays or prevents the issue of your CCC?

Required inspections have not been requested or carried out.
Completed work is different from the approved plans and specifications. Any changes from the plans consented to by us need to be approved as amendments prior to construction.
Compliance certificates, where required, are not provided.
As-built drainage plans are not provided.
Documentation from building professionals for variations to design or construction reviews are not provided when required.
There may be further fees outstanding.