Step 4: Conforming compliance on buildings under construction
If a BCA has reasonable cause to believe that non load-bearing timber may have been used on any given building project, then it is important an appropriate process is undertaken.
The BCA should confirm if this is the case and then manage an appropriate solution.
Guidance for considering documentation
Producer statements or other statements from experts are tools that BCAs can use to help confirm the strength of the timber or that compliance with the Building Code is achieved. Examples include the following.
- Means of establishing compliance: alternative solutions has guidance on the assessment of alternative solutions.
- Guide to building consent amendments can give you further guidance on assessing and progressing amendments to building consents.
Existing houses that may contain non load-bearing timber of issue
BCAs need to reassure homeowners that these cases are not widespread and the likelihood of failure is small. There is no immediate life safety issue.
There is currently no evidence indicating that buildings affected pose a risk of collapsing from non load-bearing timber.
However, there are some key questions that the BCA can talk over with the person concerned to identify the extent of the potential problem and discuss the options outlined above.
They may also wish to seek advice from a technical specialist (such as a structural engineer or a timber grader/verifier).