Experience Area C - Detailed Design

Question 1

What are the 9 difference compliance paths?

Answer 1

1. Acceptable Solutions.
2. Verification Method
3. MBIE determination
4. product certification
5. comparison to a previously accepted
   Alternative Solution
6. expert opinion
7. comparison with in-service history
8. comparison with a compliance document
9. comparison to other documents (New
   Zealand standards, BRANZ
   Appraisals or manufacturers’
   technical information)

Question 2

Out of the 9 compliance paths, which are “deemed to comply” and which are “to prove compliance”?

Answer 2

To Prove Compliance:

• Comparison with a compliance document
• Comparison to other documents
• Comparison with in-service history
• Expert opinion
• Comparison to a previously accepted Alternative Solution

Deemed To Comply:

• Product certification
• MBIE determination
• Verification method
• Acceptable Solutions

Question 3

Regarding compliance paths, what does “Product Certification” mean?

Answer 3

Products and methods that are certified under the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s CodeMark scheme.

Multiproof (for standardised designs) and BuiltReady (for modular components built offsite) are two other certification schemes.

Question 4

Regarding compliance paths, what does “MBIE Determination” mean?

Answer 4

This option involves applying to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment for a determination on whether the proposed Alternative Method will be Building Code-compliant.

A designer can use a past determination as an Alternative Method or as supporting documentation for an Alternative Method

Question 5

Regarding compliance paths, what does “Verification method” mean?

Answer 5

A Verification Method is a test or calculation method for demonstrating Code compliance.

Verification methods are useful for some aspects of renovation work, such as energy efficiency (modelling method in H1/VM1) and structural performance (structural calculations to the loadings standard AS/NZS 1170 Structural design actions for bracing, framing spans, additional structural supports)

Question 6

Regarding compliance paths, what does “Acceptable Solutions” mean?

Answer 6

Most Building Code clauses (E2, F4) have Acceptable Solutions that describe how the performance requirements of the particular clause can be met. (include details for E2 for example)

These are not mandatory but, if followed to the letter, they provide a means of demonstrating compliance with the Building Code, and must be accepted by building consent authorities.

Question 7

Regarding compliance paths, what does “Comparison with a compliance document” mean?

Answer 7

This option is based on an Acceptable Solution or Verification Method, but with minor variations.

The designer compares the performance of the proposed Alternative Method with the performance principles in the Acceptable Solution.

examples include:

• application of flashing cover dimensions that are based on those given in Building Code Acceptable Solution E2/AS1
• subfloor fixings selected in accordance with Section 4 of NZS 3604 for durability
• the proposed use of flexible flashing tape in the preparation of openings
• the proposed use of air seals around windows.

Question 8

Regarding compliance paths, what does “Comparison to other documents” mean?

Answer 8

This option uses reputable sources such as MBIE determinations and BRANZ appraisals to demonstrate compliance.

This option uses relevant documentation to support an Alternative Method proposal. Documents may include:

• manufacturers’ technical literature
• test results for a system or product
• NZ Standards
• Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment determinations
• BRANZ Appraisals and published information such as Good Practice Guides and bulletins
• overseas or New Zealand literature on building renovation
• historical documents such as catalogues of building components.

Question 9

Regarding compliance paths, what does “Comparison with in-service history” mean?

Answer 9

This option is helpful where the proposed product or method has been used successfully in similar applications.

The proposed solution must be directly comparable to past history, taking into account use, situation and environment.

When using in-service history as evidence, ensure that:

• the proposed work is sufficiently similar to the cited examples to make a valid comparison
• the in-service history for the product is adequate
• the historical use record has been interpreted by a person with appropriate expertise
• it is relevant to New Zealand
• it is relevant to the specific site and environmental conditions
• it meets or exceeds the current minimum requirements of the Building Code
• the proposed product is the same as the product for which the in-service history is presented (as products may change over time).

Question 10

Regarding compliance paths, what does “Expert opinion” mean?

Answer 10

Under this option, the designer uses documented support from an appropriately qualified and experienced person or organisation to demonstrate Code compliance. The expert opinion may be a peer review (by a designer experienced in reconstruction of the relevant house type), a BRANZ appraisal or a producer statement.

Question 11

Regarding compliance paths, what does “Comparison to a previously accepted Alternative Solution” mean?

Answer 11

This option uses an Alternative Solution that a building consent authority has previously accepted.

The documentation must demonstrate that the solution is working in practice, as prior acceptance does not guarantee its performance.

The solution must also be directly comparable and relevant to the proposed situation.

Question 12

What is an Alternative Solution?

Answer 12

An alternative solution is all or part of a building design that demonstrates compliance with the Building Code, but differs completely or partially from the Acceptable Solutions or Verification Methods.

This where where the 9 paths to compliance comes in! (they are tools for proving the alterative solution).

Question 13

How many techinical clauses does the Building Code consist of?

Answer 13

three general clauses (classification field uses, interpretation, building importance levels)

and 38 technical clauses

Question 14

Does each building code techical clause contain both Verification menthods and acceptable solutions?

Answer 14

Generally one or more acceptable solutions and may contain a verification methods

Question 15

What are “compliance doucments” called now?

Answer 15

Acceptable Solutions and Verrification methods

Question 15

Why might you use an alterative solution?

Answer 15

• There may not be a Compliance Document for the proposed construction.
• A building may otherwise fall outside the scope of a Compliance Document.
• A building may incorporate unusual design features.
• New materials and methods may have become available.
• Specifically engineered solutions might provide a better means of compliance.

Question 15

What can the Building Code Clauses sometimes called?

Answer 15

NZ Standards

Question 15

When developing fire designs with an alternative solution proposal to meet the performance criteria of the Building Code, what entity might be involved, requiring the submission of designs?

Answer 15

New Zealand Fire Service’s
Design Review Unit (DRU).

Question 16

What is the 5-level structure that the Building Code, Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods follow?

Answer 16

1. Objective
2. Funtional Requirement
3. Performance Criteria
4. Vertification Method
5. Acceptable Solution

This is in alignment with international approach to performance-based building regulations.

Question 17

In each technical clause, how are the requirements explained, and how many levels are utilized to present them? (execpt for Clause C)

Answer 17

Within each technical clause the requirements are explained in three levels:

• Objectives - social objectives from the Building Act
• Functional requirements - functions the building must perform to meet the Objective
• Performance criteria - the performance criteria the building must achieve. By meeting the performance criteria, the Objective and Functional requirement can be achieved.

Question 18

What does C1 contain as opposed to C2 to C6

Answer 18

Clause C1 contains the Objectives for the Protection from Fire Clauses C2 to C6. Clauses C2 to C6 contain only Functional Requirements and Performances.

Question 19

Is the NZ Building Code prescritive?

Answer 19

The New Zealand Building Code is a performance-based code. Rather than telling people exactly how to build, it sets out objectives to be achieved.

The Code does not prescribe construction methods, but gives guidance on how a building and its components must perform as opposed to how the building must be designed and constructed.

Question 20

Are councils able to grant Building Consent Retrospectively?

Answer 20

No

Question 21

What happens if council finds Unauthorised work?

Answer 21

Council Procedures for Unauthorised Work:

• Recording and Correction:
  
  • Councils will establish own procedures for recording and correcting unauthorised work.
• Notice to Fix and Building Consent:
  
  • Notice to Fix may be required, necessitating a Building Consent.
  • No Code Compliance Certificate for unauthorised work.
• Code Compliance Certificate Limitations:
  
  • Unauthorised work details remain public, restricting Code Compliance Certificate issuance.
• Safe & Sanitary Report:
  
  • Owners may need to provide a “Safe & Sanitary Report” accessible on the property file.
• Building Consent for Correction:
  
  • Council may demand a Building Consent for corrective work without legitimising the original unauthorised work.
• Certificate of Acceptance:
  
  • In certain cases, a Certificate of Acceptance may be issued.

Question 22

What is a certificate of acceptance?

Answer 22

A CoA provides a limited assurance that we are satisfied, on reasonable grounds, that unconsented building work complies with the current New Zealand Building Code.

Question 23

What is the implication of working on a project without consent on the architect?

Answer 23

• Undertaking work without consent has serious implications for the Architect, property owner, and future owners.
• Unauthorized work may lead to litigation between a third-party purchaser and those responsible for the unauthorized work.
• The Architect should not advise the Owner to apply for a Building Consent after the event; consultation with the Council is the only available remedy.

Question 24

What are the 4 D’s E2 is based on

Answer 24

• Deflection: The first line of defence is a well designed and constructed cladding system to ‘deflect’ the water away.
• Drainage: A cavity provides a second line of defence by ‘draining’ away water that may leak behind the cladding.
• Drying: By ventilating the cavity, any moisture that has not drained away is removed by ‘drying’.
• Durability: Materials for wall and cavity construction must be sufficiently ‘durable’ to resist decay for a period that will allow time for a leak to be discovered and repaired.

Question 25

All building work, whether or not it requires a building consent, must still comply
with the Building Code (under section 17 of the Building Act). Building work must also
comply with any other relevant legislation, including:

Answer 25

• Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006
• Gas (Safety and Measurement) Regulations 2010
• Electricity Act 1992
• Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010
• Resource Management Act 1991
• Fire Service Act 1975
• Health and Safety at Work Act 2015

Question 26

Which section of the Building Act deals with exempt work?

Answer 26

Section 41 of the Building Act describes the circumstances in which a building consent is not required, including any of the building work
described in Schedule 1.

Question 27

Who can carry out exempt work under Schedule 1 of the Building Act?

Answer 27

• Part 1which lists exempt building work that anyone can carry out
• Part 2 outlines plumbing and drainlaying work restricted to authorized individuals, defined under the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act 2006.
• Part 3 identifies building work only exempt if designed or reviewed by a chartered professional engineer registered with IPENZ under the Chartered Professional Engineers of New Zealand Act 2002.

Can include LBPs

Question 28

Can a TA decide your application can be exempt form BC under Schedule 1?

Answer 28

Yes

Question 29

When would a 30m2 builidng not be exempt from BC?

Answer 29

Has plumbing
has non ‘light’ materials

Heavy materials can be used if an LBP is building

Question 30

What is the function of a cladding cavity?

Answer 30

The is intended as back-up protection if water
leaks past the cladding.

The cavity separates the cladding material from the timber framing. It protects the timber framing from any occasional leaking by providing a gap allowing water to drain down the back of the cladding and out through the base of the cavity.

Question 31

When is a cavity required?

Answer 31

As per risk matrix in E2/AS1

Question 32

When can a alterative solution for Fire Safety (C) be used?

Answer 32

Alternative Solution is expected to be only for a specific case not covered by the Verification Method C/VM2.

Question 33

What must you do if you are using C/VM2?

Answer 33

1. Conduct a pre-application meeting with the Council, documenting details.
2. Agree with the Council on the fire designer/engineer’s suitability.
3. Establish terms with the Council for peer review and select a peer reviewer.
4. Collaborate with the Council on the Fire Engineering Brief.
5. Peer review the C/VM2 design, with the peer reviewer issuing a PS2 to the Council. Refer to the Council’s Peer Review Guidance Document for details.

Question 34

What is an ANARP?

Answer 34

as nearly as is reasonably practicable

Altering an existing building can trigger certain requirements, including:

complying ‘as nearly as is reasonably practicable’ (ANARP) with current Building Code requirements for:
* means of escape from fire
* access and facilities for persons with disabilities

When it comes to assessing compliance for means of escape from fire, if the building does not comply with the Acceptable Solutions, compliance can be demonstrated using the C/VM2 process.

Question 35

When altering an existing building, what must you ensure?

Answer 35

• continues to comply with the Building Code as it may have applied to the same extent as before the work
• complies as near as reasonably practicable with requirements for:
  - means of escape from fire to the extent this applies to the use of the building
  - access and facilities for persons with disabilities.
• is designed, constructed and used in a way that allows for sustainable development.

Question 36

What is special about NZS4121?

Answer 36

NZS 4121 Design for Access and Mobility

NZS 4121 is to be taken as an Acceptable Solution.

Question 37

What are Energy Work Certificates?

Answer 37

Energy work certificates show that certain electricity and gas work is carried out by qualified and licensed people, and also demonstrates compliance with the Building Code to BCAs.

Building owners should receive an energy work certificate from any electrical worker or gasfitter working on their property. This certifies that the work, connected to the energy supply, is safe, legal and complete.

You need to include any energy work certificates with your code compliance certificate application

Question 37

Which Act prescribes the forms to be used under the Building Act?

Answer 37

Building (Forms) Regulations 2004

Question 38

What is a ‘Use’ of a Building? Where are these listed? What happens if you want to change the use of a building?

Answer 38

Change of Building Use Requirements:

• Definition of Uses:
  
  • Building uses are specified in Schedule 2 of the Building (Specified Systems, Change the Use, and Earthquake-Prone Buildings) Regulations 2005.
• Criteria for Change of Use:
  
  • A change of use occurs when a building shifts from one Schedule 2 use to another, with added or more stringent Building Code compliance for the new use.
• Owner Notice Requirement:
  
  • Owners must give written notice to the territorial authority when proposing a change of use.
• Specific Household Units Requirement:
  
  • Creating household units requires written notice from the authority, ensuring Building Code alignment through measures like building consent.
• Other Change of Use:
  
  • For other changes, owners need written notice confirming compliance with relevant Building Code provisions.
• Focus Areas for Compliance:
  
  • Compliance targets fire safety, property protection, sanitary facilities, structural and fire-rating performance, and accessibility for people with disabilities.
• Continued Compliance:
  
  • The authority ensures ongoing compliance with Building Code provisions to the same extent as before the change of use.

Question 39

What is a Notice to Fix?

Answer 39

A notice to fix is a statutory notice requiring
a person to remedy a breach of the Building Act
or Regulations under the Act

Question 40

What are Compliance Schedules?

Answer 40

• Compliance schedule lists specified systems in a building.
• Identifies present specified systems, their performance standards, and outlines inspection and maintenance procedures.
• Ensures ongoing functionality of specified systems.

A BCA may require Compliance Schedules from the owner.

The compliance schedule will be issued by the building consent authority to the building owner with the code compliance certificate.

Question 41

When are compliance schedules needed?

Answer 41

All buildings, other than single residential buildings, require a compliance schedule and annual warrant of fitness if they contain any of the following:

• automatic systems for fire suppression (for example, sprinkler systems)
• automatic or manual emergency warning systems for fire or other dangers
• electromagnetic or automatic doors or windows (for example, ones that close on fire alarm activation)
• emergency lighting systems
• escape route pressurisation systems
• riser mains for use by fire services
• automatic backflow preventers connected to a potable water supply
• lifts, escalators, travelators or other systems for moving people or goods within buildings
• mechanical ventilation or air-conditioning systems
• building maintenance units providing access to exterior and interior walls of buildings
• laboratory fume cupboards
• audio loops or other assistive listening systems
• smoke control systems
• emergency power systems for, or signs relating to, a system or feature specified for any of the above systems or features
• any or all of the following features, so long as:
• they form part of a building’s means of escape from fire
• those means also contain any or all of the systems or features specified in clauses 1-6, 9 and 13

Question 42

What is a Buildig Warrenty of Fitness?

Answer 42

• BWoF is a statement from the building owner to the territorial authority.
• Owner engages a Independent Qualified Person (inspector) to inspect and certify.
• Confirms maintenance and checks of compliance schedule systems in the past 12 months.
• Affirms the systems will continue to perform as required.

Question 43

What is a “Certificates for public use”?

Answer 43

• A safety provision under the Building Act.
• Certifies that premises affected by building work are safe for public use.
• Can be used when a building consent is granted but no CCC has been issued yet.
• Does not exempt the owner from applying for a CCC after completing all building work.

Question 44

What is a building certificate?

Answer 44

I think this was more so in the former Act 1991 but now it’s CCC

• Formal confirmation by a building certifier.
• Affirms compliance with the Building Code.
• Territorial authority obliged to accept.
• Transitional allowance under the Building Act 2004.

Question 45

Where do you find the Wind Zones?

Answer 45

Council Geomaps, BRANZ maps but engineer has final say

Question 46

Where do you find the Earthquake Zones?

Answer 46

BRANZ maps, Ultimately should be up to Structural Engineer.

Question 47

What is BPIR

Answer 47

Building Product Information Requirements

Question 48

What is Standards NZ?

Answer 48

Standards New Zealand is the national standards body for New Zealand.

Question 50

What is a BC Amendment?

Answer 50

Amendments occur when the changes materially affect compliance. Inspections may only proceed
if the building work, which is the subject of the amendment, does not affect the inspection that has
been booked.

Examples of amendments include but are not limited to:
* an alteration that changes the footprint of the building
* the location or removal of internal load bearing supports
* substantive change in ground levels resulting in changes to foundations / retaining
structures
* any change to fire or acoustic rated elements
* any change to the exterior cladding or external waterproof membranes
* any change to pool fencing
* any change to a specified system
* any change to accessibility

Question 51

What is a Minor Variation?

Answer 51

A minor variation is work that does not materially affect compliance with the Building Code

Examples of minor variations include but are not limited to:
* minor wall bracing changes
* minor construction changes e.g. changing the framing method around a window
* changing a room layout
* changing one brand of insulation for another
* changing one brand of wall lining for another
* changing membranes to wet areas (internal only)

Question 52

What is the difference between a minor variation and BC amendment?

Answer 52

An Amendments occur when changes materially affect compliance

A minor variation is work that does not materially affect compliance with the Building Code

Question 53

What should you tell your clietns about RBW?

Answer 53

• They will need to Engage licensed building practitioners (LBPs) for trade work during Restricted Building Work (RBW) construction.
• Provide the council with names of trade LBPs, preferably during building consent application or before RBW construction begins.
• Inform the council of any changes in trade LBPs if replacements occur.
• Upon completion of RBW construction, trade LBPs must furnish clients with a Memorandum (Record of Work).
• Include these Memoranda in the Council’s CCC application.
• Clients must be aware that knowingly not using an LBP for RBW is an offense.

Question 54

What is considered Design RBW?

Answer 54

The design of the primary structure of houses and small-to-medium-sized apartments.

The design of external moisture management systems of houses and small-to-medium-sized apartment buildings.

The design of fire safety systems in small-to-medium-sized apartment buildings.

Question 55

Are commerical buildings defined as RBW?

Answer 55

No

Question 56

What is restricted building work?

Answer 56

RBW only applies to residential buildings. The building can be a house of any size or a small to medium apartment building of less than 10 m in height (this includes townhouses). The building must not have any commercial elements to it (no shops on the ground floor, for example).

Question 57

Why is it a problem if you sign a CoW without supervising and adequately checking the design work?

Answer 57

The design could be substandard, which could lead to significant problems and harm to the client – for example, leaky buildings.

You could be disciplined for working negligently.

Question 58

Can more than one LBP provide a CoW for a design?

Answer 58

Yes, if more than one LBP has contributed to a design, this should be recorded through the CoWs.

Question 59

Why do we use CoWs?

Answer 59

So BCAs can see if a competent person carried out the work.
So we can track down the correct designer if they need to be held professionally accountable for their work to the Building Practitioners Board.
To highlight any waivers or modifications of the Building Code in the design.

Question 60

What is an COW?

Answer 60

A Certificate of Work (CoW) is a memorandum that you need to provide with a building consent or amendment application, if your design includes Restricted Building Work (RBW).

To:

provide assurance for building consent authorities that the design has been carried out or supervised by a competent person

track professional accountability without giving rise to additional civil liability by recording who completed or supervised each part of the design

confirm that the design complies with the Building Code

detail any waivers or modifications of the Building Code that have been required.

Question 61

Where did SGA talk about fees for RFIs?

Answer 61

Not noted - assumed under B5

Question 62

When is a fire engineer needed?

Answer 62

When a building is sufficiently complex to preclude using prescriptive guidance as a means of establishing compliance, a specifically-engineered solution is required (referred to as either alternative solution, or performance based engineering).

Question 63

What if you fail building inspection?

Answer 63

The inspector will advise that the inspection has failed and

provide you with a list of items that need to be fixed
let you know if work can continue while you fix the failed items
that you need to book a re-inspection of the fixed items, at an additional cost.
In some cases, an inspection may fail due to major non-compliance and this must be corrected immediately.

If it is not, we may issue a “Notice to fix”, a legal document that:

includes instructions to help you meet the Building Act and Regulations and
may require you to apply for an amendment to the building consent.
If you fail your final inspection, the outstanding work or information must be completed within 60 working days or a full re-inspection of the building work will have to be made.

Question 64

Why have CPUs if Practical Completion is a thing?

Answer 64

Because in public buildings the public cannot occupy after Practical Completion. The council have to allow you to have Public’s use the building. PCUs are usually given for a set period of time. You would want to request sat 3 months before CCC to allow adequate time for CCC to be granted.

Question 65

What is Classified Use and what are the seven types of buildings?

Answer 65

The Building Code is published in Schedule 1 of the Building Regulations 1992 and contains clause A1 Classified uses (this is one of the 3 general clauses when we look at the 38 technician clauses.

For the purposes of the Building Code buildings are classified according to type in seven categories.

A building with a given classified use may have one or more intended uses under the Building Act.

The broad classifications are:

housing
communal residential
communal non-residential
commercial
industrial
outbuildings
ancillary

Some aspects of the Building Code doesn’t apply to some Classified uses - eg Ancillary Buildings

Question 66

How do you know if you need building consent?

Question 67

What are the 4 specification sections?

Answer 67

1. General - scope of work, regulations, standards, manufacturers information, warranties, qualified tradespeople, no substitutions, performance requirements
2. Products - materials and system components
3. Execution - method of construction
4. Selections - product type, size etc.

Question 68

Can you apply for a Building Consent on a property you (or your client) does not own? Do you have to notify the owner and if so when (prior to application or once successful)?

Answer 68

Sales and purchase agreement,
Land owner approval (Auckland Council).

Yes the owner must be notified prior to the BC application.

Question 69

What are the NZ Standards
(learn common ones) and how are they applied?

Answer 69

NZS3604 - Timber-framed buildings
NZS4121 - Design for access and mobility
NZS4218 - Thermal insulation – housing and small buildings
NZS4223 - Glazing in buildings - human impact safety requirements
AS/NZS1170 - Structural Design Actions (SED)
NZS 3500 Plumbing and Drainage
NZS 4211 Compliant Timber Joinery
NZS PAS 4509:2008 Firefighting Water Supplies Code of Practice

Question 70

When can you apply for a Consent Separation (separable portions)?

Answer 70

You can apply for a separation any time after the building consent is issued, as long as the consent is still valid.

You must intend on doing all of the work across the consent you are applying to separate.