Council Inspections
To avail a pass order from the council inspector, it is very
important to have on site council approved plans (marked "builders
copy"), specifications and the soil engineers report. Council
inspections must be called before any concrete is poured in footings,
stump holes or concrete slabs. This includes the following verifications
at the different stages.
Footing Stage
Inspection of the footings and pier holes includes a site inspection
by certifier and a footing/pier inspection by certifier or engineer,
although both can be done simultaneously by the certifier. Inspections
include checking for things like site conditions, footing/ piers
excavation size cleanliness and dryness of footings and reinforcement.
Slab Stage
An engineer can do inspection of slab preparation and steel work,
though notifications need to be given to the certifier. Inspections
include checking for things like steel placement, moisture barriers,
installation of termite system, slab heights and thickenings.
For both the stages, work cannot continue to the next stage unless a
form 16 stage certificate has been issued by the certifier.
Land Information Memorandums
In most states of Australia, it is compulsory for the Conveyancing
Practitioners or Settlement Agents to obtain orders and requisitions
from the Local Council for purchasing a property, though in New Zealand
most people do not obtain a Land Information Memorandum. Land
Information Memorandum is a valuable document, which details the Council
records in relation to the property. An application must be made to the
relevant Local Council and appropriate fees need to be paid in order to
obtain a LIM Report within 10 to 15 working days. Unless you want to
engage in costly legal actions later, secure a LIM report beforehand
since there is not much you can do if you discover something after the
event. The report includes:
- Land features like potential erosion, slippage or hazardous
problems
- Storm water and sewerage drainage
- Information on rates
- Consents and notices affecting the land and building
- Building certificates
- Use of land
- Pending orders or notices
- Any other information the Council deems relevant
Building Code of Australia
The Building Code of Australia is produced and maintained by the ABCB
on behalf of the Australian Government and State and Territory
Governments. The Council approves only those houses or commercial
structures that are built according to the Building Codes of Australia.
Thus, BCA has been given the status of building regulations by all
States and Territories. The goals of BCA extends no further than is
necessary in the public interest, are cost effective, comprehensive, and
are not needlessly onerous in application. The goals are framed to
enable the achievement and maintenance of acceptable standards of
structural sufficiency, safety (including safety from fire), health and
amenity for the benefit of the community.
Though Council inspections and approvals may sound a bit troublesome
in the beginning they ensure a safer lifestyle for future.
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