The records were checked
The bathroom on site was compared with the historic council record so the unconsented WC scope could be defined clearly.
Christchurch Certificate of Acceptance for an unconsented WC.
Jon bought a Christchurch home and later found that a toilet in the main bathroom was not shown on the council record. ArchSolutioNZ checked the evidence pathway, prepared the retrospective plans and helped secure Christchurch City Council approval.
Real client storyChristchurchCertificate of AcceptanceApproved 6 May 2026
Bottom line
A clear CoA pathway turned an inherited unconsented WC into an approved council record.
Start with evidence, not guesswork. This story shows how record checks, drainlayer proof, current plans and a focused Certificate of Acceptance package helped a homeowner resolve a hidden compliance issue after purchase.
The discovery
The bathroom had changed, but the property record had not.
Jon was not trying to design a new bathroom. He was dealing with a problem inherited after buying the property: a toilet had been installed in the main bathroom, but the council record did not show that WC.
The practical question was whether the completed work could be documented well enough for Christchurch City Council to assess it through a Certificate of Acceptance pathway.
Original client answers
Christchurch City Council approval evidence
Drainlayer photos and as-built sketch
Council record vs current existing plans
"We were unsure if it would be possible to get this accepted retrospectively."
Jon H.
"Alejandro was great to deal with, told us exactly what we needed, gave us options of how to proceed and then got on with it and got it sorted in a good timeframe."
Jon H., Christchurch homeowner
How it was handled
Feasibility first, then a council-ready Certificate of Acceptance package.
A CoA application for work already completed depends on the quality of the evidence. The project needed record comparisons, current existing drawings, wastewater information and proof from the people who had carried out the work.
The evidence pathway was tested
Before pushing ahead, ArchSolutioNZ checked whether there was enough drainlayer, photographic and plan evidence for a realistic CoA application.
The CoA package was prepared
The application package brought together Form 8 support, current existing plans, record comparisons, drainage information and specialist evidence.
Council communication was handled
The technical pathway was explained in plain English for the homeowner and in council-ready language for Christchurch City Council.
"Alejandro explained the process clearly and gave us confidence that there was a pathway."
Jon H.
Evidence made the difference
Photos and drainlayer information helped reduce uncertainty.
The strongest CoA applications do not rely on a claim that the work "looks fine". They show council what exists, how it connects, and what evidence supports the completed work.
In this case, Jon was able to obtain useful drainlayer information, including an as-built sketch and photographs showing the wastewater connection.
"Everything was explained in a clear and concise email that set out the process."
Jon H.
Plan comparison
The drawings showed the difference between the council record and the current bathroom.
Council should not have to guess what changed. The documentation made the unconsented WC scope visible by comparing the historic council record with the current existing condition.
"The most helpful part was knowing exactly what evidence council would need before the application was lodged."
Jon H.
Drainage documentation
The wastewater connection had to be explained, not just photographed.
The current existing drainage plan showed the added WC connection in context with the existing wastewater system. That gave council a clearer way to assess what had been installed.
The CoA evidence sheet then tied the plan information to photos from the actual installation.
The outcome
Submitted 29 April 2026. Approved 6 May 2026.
The Certificate of Acceptance application was submitted to Christchurch City Council on 29 April 2026 and approved on 6 May 2026.
The approval evidence was redacted for publication, but it confirms the key result: the unconsented WC and related documentation were accepted through the CoA pathway for the assessed scope.
Before lodging
Feasibility and evidence checked
29 Apr 2026
CoA application submitted
06 May 2026
Certificate of Acceptance approved
Client answers
The story is based on Jon's original 20 answers.
These answers show the problem, the decision to get expert help, and what mattered most during the Certificate of Acceptance process.
1
What unconsented building work were you trying to regularise?
A toilet installed in the main bathroom.
2
Before working with ArchSolutioNZ, what felt most confusing or stressful?
Sorting out the process to submit the matter to council was the difficult part, so using someone who knew the process made sense.
3
What were your biggest worries before starting the CoA process?
The main concern was not necessarily the quality of the work, but that the previous owners had not properly consented it.
4
Why did you choose ArchSolutioNZ for this Certificate of Acceptance?
Jon found ArchSolutioNZ through Google, compared options, and chose the team because they came back with a clear plan of action.
5
What made you confident ArchSolutioNZ understood what council would need?
The right questions were asked early, and the information and documents needed for the Certificate of Acceptance were explained clearly.
6
How was the retrospective approval process explained?
Everything was explained in a clear and concise email that set out the process.
7
How did ArchSolutioNZ make the hidden drainage issue manageable?
Jon was guided on what to chase from the previous owners, who then helped identify the plumber and obtain useful documents and photos.
8
How important were professional retrospective plans?
They were absolutely necessary because the plans detailed exactly where everything was located.
9
Did ArchSolutioNZ help with compliance elements?
Yes. The application dealt with wastewater line connections, plumbing ventilation considerations, and specialist plumbing and drainage evidence.
10
What was the value of having an architectural specialist guide the process?
It made the process easier and quicker because ArchSolutioNZ knew the procedure to get the matter sorted.
11
How did ArchSolutioNZ reduce pressure around dealing with council?
Jon said ArchSolutioNZ took control of the process.
12
Was it helpful to have property files and council communication managed?
Yes. Jon said it was very easy because this was ArchSolutioNZ's area of expertise.
13
Did ArchSolutioNZ feel proactive and organised?
Yes.
14
How was communication throughout the process?
Jon described the communication as very clear.
15
Did the work feel accurately and professionally presented to council?
Yes.
16
Did ArchSolutioNZ avoid unnecessary costs or disruptive remedial work?
Jon answered no to this question. The honest value in this story was not a dramatic saving claim; it was getting the correct information gathered, submitted and approved efficiently.
17
Did the CoA help protect the property's legal status and marketability?
Absolutely.
18
What was the single greatest value ArchSolutioNZ brought?
The ease of getting the CoA through quickly and efficiently.
19
Would you recommend ArchSolutioNZ to someone with unconsented work?
Yes. Jon said Alejandro was very easy to deal with and very clear in his communication.
20
How would you describe the experience in one sentence?
Alejandro was great to deal with, told us exactly what we needed, gave us options of how to proceed and then got on with it and got it sorted in a good timeframe.
What this story shows
Unconsented work should start with evidence and feasibility.
A Certificate of Acceptance is not automatic. The stronger the evidence trail, the easier it is to explain the completed work clearly and avoid sending council an incomplete story.
Certificate of Acceptance
For completed or unconsented work that needs a retrospective council pathway.
View pathwayCoA Application Evidence
For photos, as-built information, trade evidence and documents that help council assess work already completed.
View pathwayCoA Feasibility
For checking whether a Certificate of Acceptance pathway is realistic before committing to the full application.
View pathwayFound unconsented work after buying a house?
Check the CoA pathway before spending money on the full application.
Send the address, photos, council records or a short description. ArchSolutioNZ can help identify what evidence council is likely to need and whether a Certificate of Acceptance pathway is realistic.