Book a building inspection online
Inspections are undertaken Monday–Friday between 7.45am and 4.00pm (excluding public holidays). A standard inspection fee applies. We have produced a helpful guide(PDF, 3MB) that sets out the types of inspections, the purpose of the inspection, what our inspectors want to see and a photo providing an example of the inspection type.
Please ensure that safe access is available for our inspectors, including scaffolding and ladders where applicable to allow the inspection to take place. Failure to provide safe and reasonable access may result in a failed inspection.
Step 2.Select the inspection you require.
This online booking is only an indicative time to allow us to hold inspection spaces. once the team has confirmed your booking you will receive an update of confirmation.
Step 3.Select the accurate zone for your building consent.
Inspections booked in the incorrect zone will be refused. To check zones, please go to https://www.fndc.govt.nz/Our-services/Building-consents/Building-inspections
Step 4.Select a date and time
Inspections are booked every 1.25 hours starting at 7.45am. It is expected if your booking is in either the am or pm, the inspector will be there in that 4-hr period. Please ensure you are available for calls on the morning of your inspection.
Step 5.Enter your contact details
We'll send you a text message to verify your number and save your details for next time.
You need to supply:
- the physical address at which the inspection is to take place
- the rapid number (if the property is rural)
- the project’s building consent number
- contact details of the person who will be on site
- requested date and time for the inspection
- type of inspection e.g. plumbing, drainage, foundation, piles, pre-slab, pre-line, final inspection
- names of any LBPs undertaking the work (if applicable)
We undertake inspections to ensure that the work is being completed to the extent required by the consent. Your building consent will list the types of inspections that the Council require during your project. It is important that the listed inspections are successfully completed so we can issue a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC).
The stamped approved plans and specifications must be on site (and printed to the original scale). If the approved plans are not available, are not readable or the site is not safe, the inspector will not undertake the inspection. This means you will have to rebook the inspection and will be charged additional inspection fees.
Our expectation is that the person responsible for carrying out the work needs to be on-site at the time of the inspection.
The inspector completes a record of the inspection on site, detailing the findings and the decision made. This can be:
- Pass - all items are as per the approved plans and specifications
- Pass - but some rectification work will be required for checking at the next inspection (conditional continuation of work)
- Fail - rectification work needs to be conducted before the inspection can be passed
A copy of the inspection sheet is left on site after each inspection or email can be emailed. Where the owner or an agent is available on site, the inspector can discuss the inspection decision and any other items that might be required for the next inspection. Keep the inspection records on site in a safe, dry place along with your approved plans.
If an inspection is failed, the work to be rectified will be recorded on the inspection sheet. Another inspection is necessary to inspect the remedial work. All re-inspections will be charged at normal residential or commercial building rates. If the work is not remedied to the satisfaction of the building officer, it is likely that a Notice to Fix will be issued.
A Notice to Fix (NTF) is a formal notice issued by the Council advising that certain works have not been carried out in accordance with the building consent. If a NTF is issued, you need to address the items identified within the stated timeframe to prevent further action being taken e.g. prosecution or an infringement under the Building Act 2004.
A final inspection is required for every building consent. All work must be completed to the extent required by the consent.
A final inspection with a “Pass Result” signifies that all building work is complete. We recommend that you apply for a CCC after you have had your final inspection pass.
If your final inspection has Failed we will send you an Inspection Summary advising the reasons why it failed and what needs to be done to address the issues. Details on how to respond to this Summary will be advised at the time you receive this notification.
Once we have received any information related to the failed items, these will either be reviewed as part of a physical re-inspection or desktop review (if we are just awaiting documentation).
If all items are addressed and approved – the Final Inspection will achieve a Pass Result and you can apply for your CCC. If the issues are not resolved and the 2-year expiry date has been reached without works being complete or an application for CCC applied for, then CCC may be refused.
By ensuring you have had a final inspection with a Pass result, we can minimise delays within the CCC application process.
Sometimes it is necessary for your engineer to observe construction. You will be advised on your building consent if this is necessary. Typically, these inspections involve geotechnical or structural engineers to verify ground stability or structural design. Please ensure you have read and are familiar with any requirements listed in your consent documentation before starting work.
Sometimes, due to the nature of construction, we will have to identify project-specific inspections. For example, on these types of buildings - straw bale, mud brick, yurts (gers), or teepees. This will be agreed as part of the consenting process.