Inspections

Before you start

We will estimate the number and type of inspections required for your project. These are required to ensure that building is being undertaken in accordance with the consent and to certify we have enough information to issue a code compliance certificate at the end of the building project.

Typically, inspections will cover foundations, framing and insulation, plumbing and drainage, cladding and flashings, and the finished build. At various stages during construction you will need to arrange for building officers to inspect what has been done.

It is very important all required inspections are undertaken. Without regular inspections we may not be able to issue a code compliance certificate.

Inspections can be booked by phoning us on 0800 926 732 or 07 579 6514 . You will need to refer to your building consent number. It is recommended that you allow a minimum of three full working days. An automated text will be sent to you the day before to advise the estimated time our inspector will be on site, but if the inspector is going to be delayed we will endeavour to ring you to let you know.

The outcome of the onsite inspection will be communicated to the onsite contact at the conclusion of the inspection. A copy of the site notice will electronically upload to the online portal system. This ensures that the outcome of the inspection is communicated should there be no contact person onsite at the time of inspection.

On-site

For your inspection please ensure that:

• The approved plans and specifications required for the building are on site
• The site is safe and accessible for officers to conduct the inspection
• There is a site representative present - the carpenter/drain layer/project manager/owner etc.

The inspector will compile an inspection record on site, detail the findings and decision made which can be:

• Pass - all items are as per the approved plans and specifications
• Pass NC - some minor outstanding items or documentation
• Fail - rectification work needs to be conducted before the inspection can be passed

The inspector will discuss matters and requirements with the site representative and agree the next steps. If the inspection failed, the inspector lists the areas of non-compliance. These will generally result in varying levels of site instruction such as conditional continuation or a "stop work". Failure to comply with rectification items will mean that issue of a Code Compliance Certificate will be jeopardised.

Inspectors are there to perform the task of checking the building work. This will mean that they need access to the whole building site. This also means that there is an obligation for Health and Safety requirements to be addressed and adhered to. The council will provide officers with protective clothing and equipment, but the site will also have to be safe and accessible for our staff - as well as the trades people on site, this will include ladders and scaffold to access upper levels. If unsafe conditions exist, our staff are required to report these and not conduct the inspection.

Sometimes more inspections than we have estimated are required. This is usually due to the way the builder has progressed the project. There will be times when our inspector will assess the work and conclude it doesn't meet building code requirements.

If this happens the inspector will tell you what needs to be done to remedy the defects - usually this is discussed with the builder on site. If additional inspections or re-inspections are required you will be charged for these.

Note: if you book an inspection that is then not needed but fail to cancel it at least within one working days' notice, you will be charged for it.

Generally, gas and electrical work is not inspected. However, this type of work must be undertaken by a licensed professional and on completion you will receive from them a signed energy work certificate. You will need to produce these certificates to us before a code compliance certificate is issued.

What is a producer statement?

Producer statements may be accepted instead of some inspections or processing functions. Producer statements confirm that a particular system, product or material has been applied by the person providing the statement in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. They also confirm the requirements of the building code have been met.

We usually identify if a producer statement is acceptable when we're processing your application for a building consent.

It is important to note that acceptance of producer statements is at Council's discretion. We will only accept producer statements in the approved format and from applicators we have approved in advance.

A fee may be charged for assessing and recording producer statements.

Third-party inspections

The applicant must contact WBOPDC and request that a third-party inspection is required. Council will then open up a slot in your online 'Build' portal for you to upload the application form.

A first inspection (QA or ground check/foundations) must be booked prior to works commencing. The third-party request will be discussed at this inspection. If Council agrees, then the third-party application is to be filled out by the applicant and emailed to the Senior Building Control Officer (SBCO).

The SBCO will complete Council's part of the application and then re-upload it to the portal once approved.

This is considered to be part of the consent documentation, and the applicant must therefore keep a copy on site and upload the completed form to the online consent portal.

Engineer inspection notes and any relevant documentation must be uploaded to the consent portal as soon as the inspections are completed.

This will be followed up on completion of all inspections with a PS4 producer statement from the Chartered Professional Engineer, (CPEng).

Any requested location certificates or Engineers Ground check certification must be loaded to the consent portal and be accepted by Council before any concrete is placed.

Please note: Section 90 of the Building Act sets out requirements for inspections by Building Consent Authorities.

Inspections in certain circumstances may be carried out by owners' agents if sufficient evidence is presented to ensure that their quality assurance system will result in the building work being compliant with the Building Code.

Council reserves the right to audit.

Application for 3rd Party Inspection PDF (458KB)