Inspections

It is preferred that you or a representative is on-site for an inspection.

You must be on-site when we are attending a final inspection, and all the approved building consent documentation must be onsite and available (this may include hard copy or electronically readable) during all inspections.

The area to be inspected may also include those that cannot be easily accessed. An example may be the second or third storey of a building or another area that cannot be easily seen from ground level.

You will need to provide the building inspector with a safe and suitable method (for example, scaffolding) for accessing the above-ground areas so that the inspection can take place.

Our officers may refuse to carry out an inspection if health and safety risks are not being adequately managed on site.

Remote inspections are available for low-risk building work, arranged with our building team. This can reduce wait times and give more flexibility around booking an inspection.

How to Book and Use a Remote Inspection

Step 1: Check Eligibility
Remote inspections are suitable for low-risk or straightforward building work. More complex or high-risk projects may still require an in-person visit.

Phone 03 769 8625 and speak to our building team to confirm if your project qualifies for a remote inspection.

Step 2: Schedule Your Inspection
Remote inspections are booked in the same way as any other inspection: phone us on 03 769 8625 or email building@greydc.govt.nz. When you book, let us know you would like a remote inspection. We will confirm whether your inspection is suitable to be done remotely, and that you have a smartphone with a camera and good mobile coverage on site. At the agreed time, the Building Control Officer will send a video call link to your phone.

Step 3: Prepare for the Inspection
You will need:

• A smartphone with a working camera
• Location services turned on — this confirms you are at the consented site
• A stable internet connection and a charged phone
• Clear access and good lighting in the areas being inspected

No app download is required. Please also check that the mobile number on your Objective Build record is correct, as your invitation is sent to it by text message.

Step 4: Join the Remote Inspection
Shortly before your inspection time, you will receive a text message with a link to join a video call. Select the link and allow camera and microphone access when prompted.

During the call, the inspector will guide you around the site and ask you to show specific areas or aspects of the work, in the same way as an in-person inspection.

Step 5: Inspection Outcome
The inspector records the outcome during the call. This is saved directly to your building consent file for compliance and future reference.

NOTE: Guidance on remote inspections can be found here https://helpdocs.objective.com/build_applicants/Content/Remote%20inspections.htm

During each inspection, the Building Control Officer will verify that the building work completed to date has been carried out in accordance with the approved building consent documentation, including the consented plans and specifications, and that it meets the requirements of the New Zealand Building Code.

You should ensure that the approved consent documentation is available on-site and that someone with knowledge of the building work is present to answer any questions the inspector may have.

After each inspection, the Building Control Officer will complete an inspection report detailing the outcome. Relevant parties will receive a notification once the report has been generated and is available to view through the Objective Build Consent Portal.

The inspection report will outline any areas of the building work that are incomplete or do not comply with the approved consent or Building Code. If issues are identified, the report will state whether work can continue (possibly under specific conditions), must stop, or if a Notice to Fix may be issued.

In cases where work is not approved, further inspections will likely be required. This will be noted in the report. You or your builder will need to address any non-compliant or incomplete work before re-inspection. For more serious issues, a Notice to Fix may be issued, detailing what needs to be corrected and by when.

A Notice to Fix (NTF) is a formal document issued by the Building Consent Authority (BCA) or Territorial Authority (TA) advising that a breach of the Building Act has occurred and must be remedied. The NTF will specify what work must be corrected and the timeframe within which this must be done. Failure to comply with a Notice to Fix may result in further enforcement action being taken. If you receive a Notice to Fix, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible to discuss the steps required to achieve compliance.

You can view inspection reports and other consent-related documents by logging into the Objective Build Consent Portal. Make sure your contact details are up to date to receive timely notifications. https://build.objective.com/

A pre-construction meeting/inspection is an opportunity to ensure everyone involved in your building project is on the same page before work begins. These meetings are especially useful for complex or staged projects, such as commercial builds.

During the meeting, council staff will:

• Review your building consent and confirm required inspections.
• Clarify any consent conditions, including erosion and sediment control requirements if applicable.
• Discuss construction sequencing, access needs, and site safety requirements can be addressed.
• Confirm contact details for key parties, including licensed building practitioners (LBPs).
• Outline communication protocols and how inspection results will be shared.

If you’re unsure whether a pre-construction meeting is needed, contact the Council Building Team for guidance.

Waffle-slab and single pour floor-slabs will usually involve; 1) wastepipes and 2) floor-slab inspections.

Construction methodology involving a separate ‘ring’ foundation and floor-slab will involve; 1) pre-pour, 2) wastepipes and 3) floor-slab inspections.

• Book pre-pour inspections prior to booking concrete.
• Confirm boundary peg locations and lot number and check building is sited as per consent plan including FFL/datum.

Check:

• No organic material in the building platform,
• Required ground bearing achieved,
• Consent documentation for special geotechnical or engineer requirements, including engineers inspections (construction monitoring record /site notes) and PS4 may be required,
• Foundation width and depth measurements are as specified,
• Formwork is plumb and excavation is level at base with all loose material removed,
• Reinforcing is installed as detailed including type, size, and spacing; ensure reinforcing is correctly lapped, and supported with adequate cover,
• Waste sleeves,
• Sub-floor ventilation locations (where applicable),
• DPM laid - lapped and taped at joins,
• Slab thickenings in place as per consent, check truss plan,
• Free joint in place if required,
• Rebates in place,
• Under slab insulation in place (if required),
• HWC copper relief pipe in place (where applicable).

• Check location for standard, anchor and brace piles
• Check adequate pile depth, width or diameter is achieved
• If piles are driven, provide driving log and engineers certificate

• Wastepipes in position, correct number and location,
• Wastepipes sized correctly and on correct grade,
• Pipes well bedded in appropriate material,
• Pipes under test.
• Location may be checked if wastepipes inspection is prior to floor-slab

• Correct pile size, treatment and height
• Bearer size, treatment and spacing
• Adequate bearing on piles
• Joist size, treatment, and spacing
• Solid blocking in place for brace panel hold downs
• Fixings - stainless steel (within 60mm of the ground or within sea spray zone) or galvanised
• Insulation in place, adequate access and ventilation
• DPM to ground if specified

• Correct type of block
• Correct number of courses
• Horizontal and vertical reinforcing tied and centred in block
• Clean outs in place, reinforcing tied
• Bond beam reinforcing as detailed, i.e. stirrups
• Control joints in place
• Temporary bracing or propping required
• Engineers’ inspection completed (if required)
• Engineers construction monitoring record (site notes) and PS4 may be required

External tanking refers to the application of waterproofing membranes or systems to the outside of below-ground structures, such as basements or retaining walls, to prevent water ingress. These inspections are critical to ensure the long-term durability and compliance of the waterproofing system with the New Zealand Building Code.

• Substrate condition: clean, dry, and suitable for membrane adhesion.
• Membrane type and installation: correct product, overlaps, and detailing.
• Termination details: at wall tops, pipe penetrations, and junctions.
• Drainage provisions: footing drains, outlet locations, and filter fabric.
• Protection measures: boards or layers to prevent damage during backfill.
• Documentation: installation manuals, producer statements (PS3/PS4), and any required engineering sign-offs.

• Panel layout and orientation against consented plans.
• Fixings and fasteners: type, spacing, and installation.
• Bracing and structural connections.
• Moisture protection: building wrap, sill tape, flashing details.
• Penetrations: sealed and compliant with weatherproofing standards.
• Thermal breaks and insulation (if applicable).
• Compliance with fire-rated systems (where required).
• Documentation: producer statements, installation manuals etc.

• 'As Built' truss design required onsite,
• Control cuts to slab,
• Framing; correct grade, treatment and spacing,
• DPC to plates,
• Plate hold downs,
• Frame connections,
• Truss and rafter connections,
• Purlin size, spacing and fixings as detailed,
• Fixings to outriggers,
• Roof bracing completed - including gable end/roof strap/roof plane and dragon ties,
• Stud to top plate fixings,
• Lintel size and fixings,
• Post/beam connections,
• Valley board in place - ends supported,
• Brace hold downs installed in correct locations,
• Bracing ply completed with all fixings in place,
• Bottom chord restraints in place,
• Fire wall hold downs and solid blocking,
• Engineers inspection completed where required. Construction monitoring records / site notes and PS4 may be required.

• Support framing in place, correct treatment and spacing
• Minimum fall achieved as shown in consent documents
• Ply substrate complete, H3.2 sheets staggered, angle fillet in place
• Moisture test substrate
• Stainless screw fixings in place at correct spacing
• Scuppers, outlets and overflow relief in place
• Drip edge in place

BUILDING WRAP

• Correct building wrap selected - ie direct fix, cavity, metal framing or cladding; wrap must be approved for specific applications
• Wrap installation - wrap securely fastened with adequate lap
• Wrap returned into openings, adequate bottom plate cover achieved, wrap above rebates
• Slab edge protection completed - ie DPM/Mulseal
• Sill tapes in place - must be installed as per manufacturers installation details
• Thermal break in place (steel frame)
• Penetrations sealed through wrap/pipes/wires etc
• Wrap supported with builders strap to prevent insulation sagging
• Fire walls - correct linings installed to outer face

CAVITY BATTENS AND FLASHINGS

• Cavity battens in place - correct size, treatment and spacing set out
• Where H3.1 cavity battens and galvanised flashing/s are in contact ensure separation is provided, such as strips of heavy duty roof underlay
• Cavity closers in place
• Saddle Flashings

FLASHINGS

• All appropriate flashings/back flashings in place
• Head flashings in place - turn ups to ends, sealed to wrap
• Sill trays in place for direct fix claddings
• Back flashings in place at change of cladding junctions
• WANZ support bars - full length, level, fixing complete at required spacing
• AAC Cladding cavity system to be installed as per consent plans or amendment approved.

• Cavity - min 40mm achieved and no more than 75mm
• Cavity clean and clear of mortar
• Brickwork - max 20mm overhang at foundation
• Brick ties in place, spacing and fixings
• Weep holes in place, including columns at correct spacing
• Slip joints in place
• Minimum brick panel size achieved (230mm)
• Flashings in place - DPC jamb and sill flashing with 15mm minimum kick out
• Lintel bars, shelf angles in position with flashing tape or additional layer of wrap over
• WANZ support bars in place - full length, level, fixings completed.

• All panels in place, fixings complete
• Control joints in place as per manufacturers requirements
• Proprietary flashing systems completed to openings and cladding junctions
• Base of cladding flashings in place
• Clearances to cladding at apron flashings etc
• Penetrations sealed
• Reinforcing to cut panels primed
• Rebate coated with bituminous emulsion if required (check installation specifications)

• Exterior claddings completed including roof flashings and penetrations (weather tight)
• Temporary weatherproofing may be required to garage doors, chimney caps etc.

INSULATION

• Wall and ceiling insulation complete, snug fit, clearances to roof underlay; correct R value.
• Insulation fitted to framing corners.

AIR SEALS

• All openings sealed with Foam or Silicone sealant,
• Window identification labels and safety glass labels in place,
• Window fixings complete,
• Backing rod in place behind air seal to prevent over filling cavity,
• Packers sealed over.

PIPEWORK

• Pipework completed, clipped and lagged outside insulation,
• Pressure tested. Pressure test statement required at time of inspection,
• Correct pipework size/runs/distance to HWC,
• Solar pipework installed,
• Gas pipework installed,
• Wastes and vents in place,

FRAMING

• Hold downs to bottom plates including all brace elements complete
• Flush boxes are 90mm minimum from brace panel edges
• Moisture content
• Ceiling battens - spacing and fixings
• Stiffeners in place to stud/pate penetrations over 35mm diameter
• Solid blocking for ceiling diaphragms
• Metal angles in place to tiled showers fixed at 300mm centres
• Solid blocking to fire walls
• Fire wall penetrations suitably fire rated
• Blocking for fixtures installed.

• Linings of correct type
• Fixings correct location and type
• Ceiling diaphragm correctly installed
• Fire walls - appropriate linings and fixings completed as per system requirements
• Fire wall penetrations located as specified by manufacturer
• Tile substrates fixed correctly

• Inspection carried out prior to any tiles being laid,
• Tanking product as specified in approved building consent plans and specifications,
• Required number of coats applied,
• Bandaging to internal and external corners,
• Required grade achieved to recess and floor,
• Penetrations sealed,
• Certified and approved applicator and installer used,
• PS3 to be provided by a certified applicator.

• Drain layers details and registration number available,
• Storm water, sewer pipework laid in position and exposed with correct inspection point locations,
• Adequate grade achieved,
• Pipework supported, laid in chip or clean sand,
• Sumps and soak holes need to be viewed under construction,
• Water test on, to be released at time of inspection,
• Primer used on glued joints,
• Septic tank system and located as per consent, including the construction of the effluent bed,
• As-built plan required at time of inspection.

Note: If an inbuilt heating unit is to be installed, a pre-installation inspection is required.

• Heater installed is correct model and location in accordance with the building consent,
• Installation to be carried out in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions including:
• Hearth type and size,
• Seismic restraints,
• Unit clearances to combustibles,
• Flue shielding,
• Flue type, flue connections, spacers,
• Ceiling penetrations as per flue system specifications,
• Flue clearances to combustibles,
• Ceiling plate should be left ‘down’ for the inspection,
• Flue/roof penetration, soaker flashings,
• Flue height and support,
• Wetback installation - HWC open vented
• Smoke alarms in place
• Installers declaration sheet received

A final inspection is carried out when all other listed inspections have been completed and passed, and all detail on approved consent documentation has been completed.

The final inspection is the last opportunity the Council has to inspect the completed building and it is therefore important that all aspects of the building are complete. For the Council to carry out this inspection, the building must be completed to a standard where it has a good chance of passing. It is not designed to provide a list for the contract to complete!

Some of the following items are commonly identified as failed items at final inspection. These items should be checked by the contractor prior to inspection.

EXTERNAL

• Finished ground level, clearance to cladding
• Paved area levels/falls and storm water control completed
• Finished height of gully traps
• Storm water disposal complete - ie strip drains, sumps, down pipes
• Soffit/window/doors sealed
• Drain ventilation installed and flashed etc
• Mechanical vents complete
• Cladding/soffits painted
• Ventilation/weep holes in place to brick or stonework veneers
• Drainage venting to sewer completed
• Vermin proofing completed, i.e. below garage door reveals and at cladding junctions
• Hot water cylinder relief drains terminating in a safe location
• 190mm maximum step down from door openings

INTERNAL

• Hot water must be on to check temperature
• HWC seismic restraints in place top/middle/bottom
• Smoke alarms to be in place
• Window manufacturers identification in place for Safety glass
• Check that showers are not leaking by directing water to the corners
• Gas hob protection in place if required
• Ventilation to all rooms where hot water tap in place (scullery)
• Fixtures to be sealed to wall
• All plumbing work/fit off to be completed

ROOF SPACE

• Insulation to be tidy and cut neatly around all ducting
• Downlights are CA or IC rated - insulation cut around or concealed
• Downlight transformers above the insulation
• Mechanical vents - ducting to be connected
• Screw fixings missing purlins and at hips
• Vertical insulation supported

A Certificate for Public Use (CPU) allows parts of a building to be safely used by the public before a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) is issued. This inspection ensures that the building or area is safe, accessible, and compliant with relevant safety and performance standards.

• Barriers and hoardings in place to restrict access to incomplete areas.
• Site signage: Site Safe, fire exits, and hazard warnings.
• Sanitary services: toilets, handwashing facilities operational.
• Fire safety systems: alarms, smoke control doors, fire-rated shafts, signage.
• Accessibility features: ramps, thresholds, parking, and signage.
• Specified systems: operational and documented.
• Producer statements and certificates: electrical, gas, fire safety.
• Compliance schedule: confirmed or amended as needed.

Sometimes it is necessary for specialist to conduct inspections or construction monitoring in addition to the inspections carried out by Council. If a specialist inspection is necessary the Building Consent (Form 5) will nominate what monitoring is required and who should undertake the monitoring. Typically these types of inspections involve having a geotechnical engineer confirm ground stability or having an aspect of specific structural design checked by a registered engineer.

Each building site is unique and will have its own individual requirements so it's important you read the documents and pay particular attention to any conditions listed on the issued building consent document. All consent documentation should be kept on site at all times. To help identify your particular site, please ensure adequate signage is in place, especially in remote or rural locations.