You will need to arrange inspections, at various stages of construction, to check that the building work complies with the conditions of the building consent and the requirements of the Building Code.
Building inspections explained
What happens during the inspection
One of our building inspectors will inspect the building work. Before any work can be inspected:
- your building consent must be granted
- the consent owner or a representative must be present at the inspection.
You must provide safe access to the site and work that is being inspected. This includes:
- a safe site - an untidy site can be dangerous. The inspection may be refused until the contractor has made the site safe and tidy.
- clear access - the contractor must make equipment available to inspect difficult to access areas.
- equipment ready - scaffolding, stairs and other such items must be correctly installed and safe for use. If equipment is not available, the inspection may be refused.
- noise reduction - turn down or switch off loud music or machinery during inspections so the inspector can speak comfortably with the contractor.
- asbestos cleared - contamination on a site is dangerous. The inspection may be refused until an approved contractor has removed any asbestos.
You must have the approved building consent documentation on-site with you at all times.
How building work is inspected
The granting of a consent is conditional on enabling the building work to be inspected. The inspector will:
- compare the building work to the consented plans and associated documentation
- identify any amendments to the approved plans
- check that any consent conditions have been satisfactorily addressed
- complete an inspection checklist and let you know the outcome of the inspection.
Why an inspection could fail
The inspector may fail an inspection if:
- the building work does not meet the requirements of the building consent
- you or your agent are not on site at the requested time
- you or your agent do not have the approved documentation.
Requesting a plan change
During construction you may need to ask for a plan change to your consented plans.
- Minor changes or variations are allowed and can be approved on site by the inspector, but must be approved before work starts.
- Amendments for major changes, require a formal amendment.
When an inspection is complete
A copy of the inspector's checklist is emailed to the customer advising the outcome of the inspection, either a pass or fail. If the inspection has passed, you may continue with the building work.
You will need to collect your documents and provide them with your Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) application after the final inspection has been passed.
What to do if an inspection fails
If the inspector fails the inspection, they will:
- provide you with a list of items that need to be fixed
- let you know if work can continue while you fix the failed items as part of a 'conditional continuation of work'.
- tell you that you need to book a reinspection of the fixed items, at an additional cost.
If you fail your final inspection, the outstanding work or information must be completed within 60 working days or a full reinspection of the building work will have to be made.
When a 'Notice to fix' is issued
A 'Notice to fix' may be issued if a breach of the Building Act 2004, or regulations under that Act, is found. If this happens, make sure the work identified on the notice is completed within the specified timeframe and let us know when it is done. A Notice to fix is a legal document that:
- includes instructions to help you meet the Building Act and regulations
- may require you to apply for an amendment to the building consent.
For more information, see Acting on a council Notice to fix.
How to book an inspection
You can book a building inspection online and select the best available day and time for it to take place. We will confirm a time for you within 24 hours. Inspection times are 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
For more information, review our guide to booking inspections:
Types of building inspections
A building inspector will carry out the necessary inspections and complete checklists determined by your project and the requirements of your consent.
Acoustic testing inspection
This inspection checks the sound proofing between walls and floors in apartment buildings and multi-units. The inspection needs to take place:
- before the final inspection
- after all decorating is complete
- after all floor coverings are in place.
We may need access to the floors above and below to carry out the acoustic testing.
Cavity wrap inspection (ICA)
An inspection of the building wrap and cavity construction before the cladding is installed.
Certificate of Acceptance (CoA) inspection
Inspection for unconsented building work that:
- was done after 1992, or
- cannot be issued a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC).
We check we are satisfied (on reasonable grounds) that unconsented building work complies with the current New Zealand Building Code.
Certificate for Public Use inspection (CPU)
An inspection of part of the building work of a current building consent to ensure the public can access, move around and exit a building safely before the entire project is complete. This only applies to buildings that the public would normally have access to.
Cladding inspection (ICL)
An inspection of the specific cladding installation approved in the building consent.
Commercial final inspection (IF2)
A final inspection to confirm the building work covered by the approved building consent has been completed and complies with that consent and the building code.
Concrete floor slab inspection (ISF)
An inspection, excluding plumbing, of any floor slab and its associated building work before the concrete is poured.
Drainage inspection (IDT)
An inspection of any surface water or foul water drainage system associated with the building consent. The inspector will ask to see as-built drainage plans to verify the completed work matches the original plans.
Foundation inspection (IFO)
An inspection of strip or bored pile foundations before the concrete is poured.
Framing inspection (IFG)
A detailed inspection of the timber structure of the building before the roof cladding and building wraps are installed. This includes reclad strip-off and reclad remedial inspections.
Plumbing inspection - underslab (IPP)
An inspection of any plumbing works in any part of the building including the floor slab. As-built plans are required and pipes must be connected and working in a normal manner.
Plumbing pre-line inspection (IPP)
An inspection of any plumbing works within the building prior to be lined. Pipes must be connected and working in a normal manner.
Post-line building inspection (IPL)
An inspection of the building linings required to provide the building work with structural bracing or wet wall lining. Also includes inspections of any fire-rated product installed to comply with the building consent and the building code.
Pre-line building inspection (IPB)
An inspection of the building work before the installation of any internal linings.
Reclad pre-construction meeting (IRM)
Meeting called on-site to discuss reclad strategy and inspection regime before work commences.
Residential final inspection (IF1)
A final inspection to confirm the building work covered by the approved building consent has been completed and complies with that consent and the building code. This includes solid fuel appliance inspections (for example, a fireplace).
Site meeting inspection
The minuted record of any on-site discussion on any aspect of the building consent or the building code.
Swimming pool fencing inspection (SWP)
The pool fencing officer checks heights and gaps of pool fences and gate latches to self-closing gates and doors. This inspection also checks that the location of the fencing according to the consent plan has not changed.
Waterproofing membrane inspection (internal and external) (ITK)
An inspection of:
- below-ground walls requiring waterproofing
- a roof, deck or internal wet area membrane.
What to do if you have a question
There may be other types of inspections required for your consent that are not listed here. If you need more information, phone us on 09 353 9120 between 8am and 5pm and ask to speak to our building helpdesk. Have your building consent number (BCO) ready.