Inspection types are identified during the processing stage and are listed as part of the building consent documentation. The building consent will include a description of the inspection types [PDF, 159 KB] required for your project.
Inspections are booked through Consentium’s Administration team. Please complete the book an inspection form (preferred) or phone 0800 222 056.
Consentium aims to provide a 24 hour turnaround in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch and 48 hours across the rest of New Zealand, so please book when you are ready for the inspection and do not block book in advance.
During construction, you will need to arrange for Consentium building inspectors to inspect the work that has been done to make sure it complies with the approved building consent.
It is important to have all consent documentation on site at all times and have personnel (builder / site manager / foreman / apprentice etc.) on site to assist the inspector with the inspection, unless prior arrangements made with the inspector.
You must also provide safe access to the site and work that is being inspected. This includes:
- Safe and tidy site – to enable inspectors undertake inspections without any hazards. An untidy site can be dangerous and the inspection may be refused or cancelled until the contractor has made the site safe and tidy
- Access – the contractor must provide safe access to areas being inspected and / or provide equipment in order to inspect areas with difficult access
- Equipment – scaffolding, stairs, etc. must be correctly installed and safe for use. If equipment is not available, the inspection may be refused
- Noise – please turn down or switch off loud music or machinery during inspections so that the inspector can speak comfortably with the contractor when needed
- Asbestos – contamination on site is dangerous, the inspection may be refused / cancelled until an approved contractor has removed it
In addition to the aspects listed above, the contractor must follow the required Health & Safety measures on site.
Inspection observations will be recorded on the on-site inspection report. If the inspection involves restricted building work, the licensed building practitioner carrying out the work will need to produce their photo ID licence card.
Building work may be inspected for each standard inspection type, where a technical decision will be made on whether the work complies with the requirements of the Building Code and the approved building consent.
Non-standard inspections will be identified through the pre-construction meeting required for all projects. These may include (but are not limited to), site specific considerations, extent of ANARP (as near as reasonably practical), minor variation, documentation and process for CCC, methodology of inspections and the scope of work etc.
Delivery of a non-standard inspection will be dealt with on a case by case basis during the inspection process and may be carried out by Consentium or by relevant specialists who are then required to provide appropriate documentation. These non-standard inspections are recorded as part of a site meeting record.
Inspectors may undertake inspections using remote technology or tools where it is appropriate. This will be discussed by Consentium at the pre-application and pre-construction stages.
If the work has been completed in accordance with the consented documents the inspector will sign it off and work can continue.
What happens if the work is non-compliant?
Areas of non-compliance will be detailed on the on-site inspection report. Re-inspection may be required if the building officer is not satisfied that the work meets the requirements of the building consent and/or the Building Code.
Where issues are of a more serious nature it is possible a Site-Notice or Notice to Fix may be issued, requiring any building work not done in accordance with the Building Code to be corrected. Officers may also instruct that building work cease in the area affected by the non-compliance until the building officer is satisfied work is able to proceed in compliance with Building Act requirements. Failure to act promptly can result in an infringement fine or prosecution.
Work unaffected by the non-compliant work may continue, but this needs to be established with the building officer on site.
Amendments to building consent
Any changes to a consent that has already been granted will require an amendment application to be submitted via Simpli – Refer to Step 4 above and read the amendments guidance(external link)
An amendment application follows the same process as applying for a building consent.
Minor variations
A minor variation is a minor modification, addition, or variation to a building consent that does not deviate significantly from the approved plans and specifications. To find out more on the definition, assessment and granting of minor variations to building consents, see Minor Variation Guidance(external link).
An application for minor variation of approved plans form or sufficient owner approval must be submitted by the applicant, along with supporting documentation to bcaminorvariations@consentium.co.nz prior to Consentium carrying out an associated inspection.
If the consent has been issued and no inspections have taken place, a processing officer will review the submission and notify the applicant when a minor variation is approved or if further clarification is needed.
Once inspections have commenced for the project, a minor variation inspection (booked as a site meeting) will be scheduled to allow the inspector sufficient time to review the information provided.
All stamped and approved plans will be available on-site once the minor variation is approved.
Apply for a minor variation [PDF, 477 KB]
