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 07 3153030 or using our online form. You will need to refer to your building consent number (BCXXXX). It is recommended that you allow a minimum of three full working days. We are unable to provide you with an exact time when the inspector will be with you, but the officer booking the inspection will be able to tell you which time slot you have been allocated as set out below:

Early morning 08.00 - 10.00

Late morning 10.00 - 12.00

Early Afternoon 13.00 - 15.00

Later Afternoon 15.00 - 17.00

If the inspector is going to be delayed we will endeavour to ring and let you know.

On-site

For your inspection please ensure that:

• The approved plans and specifications required for the building are on site - A complete set of stamped approved plans must be on site when the inspector arrives to undertake the inspection. If there is not a complete set of stamped approved plans then the inspector will terminate the inspections and go to their next appointment. There will be a charge of $150.00 which will be added onto the final invoice for each inspection that is terminated for this reason.
• 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 inspect your building work checking that the construction complies with the approved plans and specifications of the building consent, the Building Act 2004 and New Zealand Building Code. During the inspection, the inspector will complete a checklist to identify compliance.

The inspector will discuss matters and requirements with the site representative and agree the next steps. 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.

If the inspection has failed, the work to be fixed will be recorded on the site notice. Another inspection will be required to inspect the remedial work. You may be asked to stop work or continue with conditions (conditional continuation) if the inspector fails the inspection or work is deemed non-compliant or unsafe.

If the work is not fixed to the satisfaction of the building officer, it is possible that a notice to fix will be issued.

Note: if you book an inspection that is then not needed but fail to cancel it 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 phone Ōpōtiki District Council and discuss this with a Senior Building Control Officer (SBCO) before application.

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 SBCO.

The SBCO will complete Council's part of the application form and email it back to the applicant.

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.