Quick Answer

The process does not finish when council approves your building consent. You still need the approved documents, inspections, any variation approvals and the final CCC before the project is officially complete.

Building consent gives permission to build

Construction must follow the approved plans and inspection schedule

The Code Compliance Certificate confirms the finished work is accepted by council

Step 1

Contract & Project Start

We both sign the contract
You pay the first invoice (deposit)
We start your project after the payment is received

Step 2

Property Information

You send us your Property File, Record of Title, and Owner's Authorisation Letter
If there are no existing plans or they are too old, we'll scan and measure your house in 3D to create accurate 2D and 3D drawings

Extra fee for 3D scanning

Step 3

Compliance & Building Consent

We prepare the architectural drawings for your Building Consent (BC)
You'll receive the BC drawings for your review and sign-off
We prepare and complete the online building consent application
You choose whether to pay the council fee directly, or send it to us to pay on your behalf
Once paid, we'll send you the confirmation and BCO number

Step 4

Council Review Process

The council takes up to 20 working days to review your application
If they request more information (RFI), we'll respond for you — no extra fee
When the council is satisfied, the BC is technically approved
The council sends their final invoice for processing
You pay us the final project invoice (due before release)
Once both invoices (ours and council's) are paid, we'll send you a link to the approved Building Consent documents

You now have the approved plans and can start construction — not before

Step 5

Construction Stage

Your builder must book inspections as listed in the approved documentation
Each inspection must pass before moving to the next stage
If an inspection fails, the builder must fix the issue and rebook

Step 6

Variations (Changes During Construction)

Minor Variations

Small material or detail updates
Can usually be approved on-site by the council inspector
Might require updated drawings or supporting documents

Major Variations

Removing or adding walls, or changing the footprint
Need a new consent process, new drawings, and council fees
Similar to a new Building Consent application

Step 7

Near Completion

If you want to use part of the building before full completion, you can apply for a Certificate for Public Use (CPU)
CPU requires its own council fee, drawings, and a short report
Once all inspections are passed, the council will carry out a final inspection

Step 8

Code Compliance Certificate (CCC)

After the final inspection passes, you (or your builder) apply for the CCC
Pay the council fee for CCC processing
Once approved, you receive the Code Compliance Certificate
Your project is officially complete, and the council updates its records

Congratulations! Your building is now fully compliant and certified.

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