Previous determinations

Determinations are made by MBIE on matters of doubt or dispute to do with building work. Rulings are legally binding, but only in relation to each case.

Previous determinations may provide some useful guidance for those faced with similar problems, but note that individual circumstances may vary.

You can also search for Determinations on Building CodeHub

Find a determination

Applying filters will narrow down your search results

Find a determination

Search results

59 Determinations match your query
Show detailed results

2024/006: The refusal to issue a certificate of acceptance for building work associated with a dwelling

This determination considers the authority's refusal to issue a certificate of acceptance for building work associated with a dwelling, that was carried out without building consent. The authority considered that Building Code clauses B1 Structure, B2 Durability, E2 External Moisture, G2 Laundering, G9 Electricity, G12 Water Supplies and H1 Energy Efficiency were not met. The determination considers the reasons for refusal set out in the authority’s refusal letter and subsequent report.

About this document

2023/007: Regarding the authority’s decision to refuse to grant a building consent for alterations to an existing building

This determination considers the authority’s decision to refuse to grant a building
consent for alterations to an existing detached building. The determination considers the
authority’s reasons for refusal and whether sufficient information was included in the
building consent application for the authority to be satisfied that the provisions of the
Building Code would be met if the building work were properly completed in accordance
with the plans and specifications that accompanied the application.

About this document

2020/033: The refusal to issue a code compliance certificate for historical building work to construct an outbuilding

This determination concerns the authority's decision to refuse to issue a code compliance certificate for construction of an outbuilding that was later converted to a sleepout. The determination considers the compliance of the building work identified by the authority in its reasons for refusing to issue the code compliance certificate.

2020/009: Regarding the compliance of a washing machine and an instantaneous water heater with the Building Code

This determination considers the compliance of a washing machine with Clause G13 Foul water of the Building Code. The determination also considers the compliance of an instantaneous water heater without a safe tray with Clauses E3 Internal water and G12 Water supplies.

About this document

2018/061: Installation of a replacement wood burner and wetback where a new tempering valve was also installed

This determination considers the installation of a tempering valve to an existing hot water system in a house that was being altered: the alteration involved the replacement of both a wood burner and wetback water heater.  A tempering valve was installed as part of the alteration and the determination considers the compliance of the existing hot water system to the extent required by section 112 of the Act.

About this document

2018/014: Refusal of a code compliance certificate for alterations to a house

This determination considers the compliance of consented alterations to an existing house where some inspections during the construction had not been completed by the authority. The determination considers the compliance of the as-built work and whether the authority was correct in declining to issue a code compliance certificate for the work.

2018/012: Refusal to issue two code compliance certificates for alterations and additions to a house

This determination considers the compliance of alteration and additions to an existing two-storey house that was the subject of two building consents.  The determination considers the compliance of the as-built work and whether the authority was correct in declining to issue code compliance certificates for the work.

About this document

2017/087: Refusal to issue a code compliance certificate for a 19-year-old house with EIFS wall cladding

This determination is concerned with the compliance of a 19-year-old house. The determination considers the authority’s reasons for refusing to issue a code compliance certificate, and whether the house complies with the requirements of the Building Code, particularly with respect to weathertightness and durability.

About this document

2016/062: Regarding additional information required by the authority before issuing a code compliance certificate for a house and garage

This determination considers the information required to establish on reasonable grounds that specific elements of building work complies with the relevant clauses of the Building Code.  At issue was the compatibility of plumbing fittings and pipes from different manufacturers, and whether evidence of construction monitoring was required.

About this document

2016/049: Regarding the refusal to issue code compliance certificates for an 18 to 20-year-old house with monolithic cladding

This determination is concerned with the compliance of a 20-year-old house. This determination considers the authority’s reasons for refusing the code compliance certificate, and whether the house complies with the requirements of the Building Code.

About this document

This information is published by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Chief Executive. It is a general guide only and, if used, does not relieve any person of the obligation to consider any matter to which the information relates according to the circumstances of the particular case. Expert advice may be required in specific circumstances. Where this information relates to assisting people: