Practical completion and final inspections
Practical completion is when the building work on your home is finished, except for any minor defects or incomplete work ("snag items") that don’t prevent you from living in and using your home, and that can be remedied or completed without causing you any unnecessary inconvenience.
Before moving in or enjoying your new spaces, do a walk-through with your builder. Check that services work as expected (including plumbing, power, heating, appliances, and fittings).
Agree a plan for resolving any snag items with your builder. This can require co-ordination with sub-contractors, so may take time.
For some projects, final inspections may be done in stages.
When there is an issue, timely, clear and calm communication between the homeowner and builder can often help speed up a resolution.
If something goes wrong
Minimum standards
The Building Code sets out minimum standards a builder must work to, and the guide to tolerances outlines acceptable levels of workmanship.
If you require a higher-quality level of workmanship, this may involve more time and cost and should be specified in the contract.
Building Code compliance (MBIE)
Guide to tolerances (MBIE)
Documentation you should receive
As part of project handover, your builder should give you a set of important documents. These may include:
- Producer statements: confirmation from licensed professionals (for example, engineers) that the work meets their specifications, to support compliance.
- Record of building work (RBW): confirmation from licensed building practitioners that any restricted building work is compliant.
- Maintenance schedule: specifying how to maintain the home to preserve warranties.
- Product warranties and manuals: for installed items such as appliances, cladding, heating, and roofing.
- Building warranties: for materials and services used in the build.
- Final invoice and payment records.
- Code Compliance Certificate (CCC): confirmation from the council that the work is compliant with the building consent.
In some cases, you may need to source documents directly. For example, from an engineer or designer that you have contracted independently.
Record keeping
Keep a good file (with digital backups) in case you need to check the details of your build. Include:
- consents and approvals
- plans and specifications
- compliance documents
- contracts and variations
- warranties, manuals, and maintenance schedules
- building guarantee.
This is also important if you sell your property. Prospective buyers and lawyers may want proof the work was properly completed.
New owners will also be glad to know how to source replacement parts, match materials and paint colours, and what to consider if they renovate.
Maintaining your home
Some parts of a building require regular upkeep to stay under warranty, especially exterior materials.
Maintenance can include:
- cleaning gutters and downpipes
- washing cladding
- reapplying protective coatings
- roof inspections.
Our Master Builders members can talk you through proper maintenance of your home.
Peace of mind with a Master Build Guarantee
While most building projects run smoothly, the Master Build Guarantee provides peace of mind in case something goes wrong and helps get you back on track.
The Guarantee is separate from your building contract and must be applied for and approved before building starts.
Master Build Guarantees