Inspections booked at the touch of a button

A new system that will streamline the process to book a building inspection and reduce wait times is being introduced next month by the Far North District Council.

From Monday 4 December, those who want an inspection can organise it through an online booking form on the council’s website.

Currently, the process involves calling the council’s 0800 number, with the customer service team completing the registration on behalf of the customer. The booking team then contacts the customer with an estimated time for the inspector to visit. The wait times can be lengthy.

The new online booking system means the public will have direct contact with the booking team, bypassing the customer services staff. It will speed up the process, removing wait times and allowing customers to request a time for an inspection. The new system also allows customers to change or cancel inspections, giving the public greater control over managing their bookings.

Customers can choose the type of inspection, the location and other relevant details. Once the booking is received, a council team member allocates an inspector, and the customer gets a confirmation email and an option to cancel or rebook online.

However, a booking cannot be cancelled or changed through the new system within 48 hours of an inspection and must be done by phone. Inspections changed or cancelled without 24 hours' notice will be charged.

The timeslot given is a guide only and could be changed by the inspector as they plan their day.

Photo: Organising a building inspection will be more efficient with a new online booking system.