13 January 2016


Top tips on how to avoid failing building inspections

The hard work is done, the project is completed and your budget is all gone – but before you celebrate it pays to check you’ve got all your green lights from building inspectors.

Around 30 percent of all building inspections fail, which is a staggering statistic and potentially means more work and additional inspections required.

To avoid failing building inspections, here are the five reasons most residential building inspections fail:

1. Work not ready to inspect: If the work is not be ready for inspection, re-schedule it early so others can make use of the inspector.
2. No plans on site: The building inspector will need to view and assess all work against the plans before approving any work. Make sure these are ready and accessible.
3. Work doesn’t follow the approved plans: If you are intending to deviate from the plans, you should discuss with Auckland Council early. You may require an amendment to the consent before you build if the change is significant.
4. No LBP details on site: The building inspector will need to see LBP (licensed building professional) qualifications on site before signing off any consented work. Check your builder has the appropriate LBP licence.
5. Work not completed: Are the smoke alarms installed within three metres of each bedroom? Does the shower leak? Have all the weatherboards been painted? These are just some of the reasons building inspections fail and a reminder to tick all the boxes as the work progresses.

Ian McCormick, Auckland Council Building Control general manager, says failure rates have been increasing over the past two years as Auckland struggles to cope with a building boom and skilled builders are in short supply.

“There’s a lot of building happening around Auckland and industry professionals are finding it difficult to service the level of demand. As a result, some builders are being stretched too thin across multiple jobs and are finding it hard to supervise less experienced workers on site. This is leading to more failed inspections.”

It’s worthwhile checking if building or resource consent is required before any building work is done. There’s lots of work that doesn’t require a building or resource consent.

However, even if the building work doesn’t require a consent, it will still need to comply with the New Zealand Building Code. If in doubt, visit www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/consents

Ends

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