Inspections

New Truck Stop in progress, Riverlands. The Marlborough District Council building inspectors check all building projects during the construction period. This is essential so that Council is satisfied that New Zealand Building Code compliance is achieved.

The building consent will state which inspections are required. Seven to 12 inspections are usual for a new home with fewer for additions or alterations to an existing home. The number of inspections will vary from project to project.

The Council building inspectors are rostered between inspections and office work. At any time four are on the road. Where possible we try to co-ordinate inspection schedules if significant travel is involved, particularly to properties accessible only by boat. The Council endeavours to do an inspection at a time to suit, but people in remote areas need to fix a date several days ahead. Each inspection costs $123 plus travel. Travel costs range from $10.38 for Blenheim urban areas and increase with the distance from there. Travel charges include a component to cover Officer travel time.

Boat travel to inspections is charged at a rate that includes road travel to the wharf, plus boat costs, plus officer time. Travel charges by boat vary from $208.63 to $327.63 for each inspection depending on the location of the project. If you are pricing work that needs boat travel contact Building Control Admin Section who will let you know what the travel charges will be for the area the project is located.

We request that you give us as much notice as possible for inspections and preferably three working days at least.

To book an inspection call 03 5207405.

The inspector must be called for these inspections as a minimum:

Before foundation concrete is poured
Before the floor concrete is poured
Before building wrap is placed
When exterior flashings are in place
Before internal wall linings are fixed
During external cladding
Before any texture coating or plaster is applied
When drainage and plumbing is installed and before being closed in
When a log-fire is installed
When the house is complete.

Inspections can sometimes be combined, saving the cost of one of them. Good site management can reduce the cost of inspections. Conversely if the work has not been done properly a second inspection may be required, at an additional inspection cost. Combined inspections are common. Second inspections are rare and only a few inspections fail and require a follow up inspection. That doesn't mean the inspector has accepted everything. Often the inspector will point out relatively minor matters for the builder to rectify. Additional work requested is noted on the Council records.

Most builders welcome the inspectors' site visits. The inspectors are all trained and experienced and who have completed training to ensure they know about what to look for at each of the various construction stages.

If you have any questions about the building inspection process or any other building planning matter, call the Council's Customer Services Centre (refer to the contact us section of this website).