Residential building inspection guidelines – final inspections

Our building inspection team have prepared guidelines to help builders and site managers get their final inspections passed the first time.

We work hard to make sure inspections are consistent and to get Code Compliance Certificates (CCCs) issued promptly, as we’re aware that large payments are often reliant on a passed final inspection and/or a CCC.

However, there are avoidable obstacles which often prevent us from passing final inspections the first time. For example, we’re regularly asked to inspect building work that’s clearlynot ready, meaning an extra re-inspection is required. We also receive CCC applications that are noticeably incomplete, creating delays while we requestand wait for further information.

We suggest builders and/or site managers use the following guidelines as a quality assurance checklist before booking the final inspection and to check that CCC applications are complete. This will help avoid delays in getting your inspections passed.

The guidelines set out the minimum requirements rather than an exhaustive list of all theinspection requirements. But if any of the minimum requirements aren’t satisfied then the final inspection will fail. It’s not the inspector’srole to provide a snag list for completion. If we arrive on site and it’s obvious that the building and site works are not completethen we won’t proceed with the inspection.A further final inspection will then need to be requested for a time when the works are complete.

We hope this checklist helps us work together to get final inspections passed first time.

Documentation for final inspection
CCC application. / Before the final inspection can take place the following must be on site and in sound and organised condition.
Building consent
Stamped consented plans and any approved amended plans
Ideally we would like to receive the following documentation prior to the final inspection or as soon as possible.
A fully completed application for a CCC
Engineer’s site reports and the engineer’s producer statement construction review (PS4)
Restricted Building Work – All Records of Work on prescribed Form 6A
Electrical and Gas certificates of compliance (where applicable)
Any other documentation noted as required in the building consent and in our previous building inspection site reports
Final –Overall / Check that all:
Building work under the building consent has been fully completed and the completed work matches the consented plans
Any missed or failed inspection have been resolved
Conditions of the building consent have been met
Fees have been paid including any development contributions if applicable
Any amendments have been approved and uplifted, if applicable.
Final – exterior / Check:
Landscaping, driveways, paved areas and storm/surface water controls are complete
Stormwater sumps comply with E1/AS1 Figures 8 & 9 and load limits have been confirmed, i.e. foot traffic v car traffic
All external cladding is complete and is compliant with the manufacturer’s specification
Vents have been terminated and suitably sealed
Retaining walls, barriers and handrails are complete and subsoil drainage is connected
Clearances beneath claddings and above flashings are correct
Gullies are appropriately placed and sealed
External and exposed fixings are in place and will remain durable
All electrical installations are complete
Gas bottles are appropriately restrained and located away from opening windows and drains
Spouting, downpipes and spreaders are complete
Subfloor ventilation
Penetrations are suitably flashed.
Roof fixings and flashings are complete and no damage has occurred to the roof
Final – interior / Check:
Smoke detection is in place and operational
Painting, decorating and floor covering are complete
All electrical and plumbing installations are complete
The correct glazing is in place
Benchtops, vanities, showers, toilets and service areas have appropriately sealed surfaces and junctions
Water heaters are in place water are secured and the water temperature is correct
Handrails and/or balustrades are in place
Venting is in place for bathrooms, kitchens and laundries.