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Practice Advisory 16: Quality assurance in design and construction

The purpose of this Practice Advisory is to increase awareness of the importance of quality assurance systems and of the building control system we operate in.

This information was confirmed as current in December 2016.

  • Published on 27 January 2016
  • Updated on 12 August 2025
  • Of interest to Building consent authorities, Geotechnical engineers, Structural engineers,
  • ISBN: 978-0-478-43355-5 (Online)

This Practice Advisory is issued as guidance information in accordance with section 175 of the Building Act 2004 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. This document is not a compliance document in terms of the Act and not a substitute for professional advice.

Background

The Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission (CERC) identified systemic quality assurance issues related to the building regulatory system. From many perspectives, from Building Code compliance to customer satisfaction, it is imperative that all organisations involved in building projects implement an appropriate quality assurance programme.

Quality assurance systems

Quality assurance is necessary for successful building outcomes. Quality assurance of all work should occur at all stages throughout the building process, from project inception to final commissioning and handover. Quality assurance reviews enable the early identification and remediation of any shortcomings in design and construction, resulting in efficiencies and savings in project delivery.

For more information on appropriate quality processes in an engineering design office practice, refer to Practice Note 14: Structural engineering design office practice [PDF 837KB] — engineeringnz.org

For more information on the use of appropriate documentation to support quality design outcomes, refer to:

Design features report

  • Building designs often involve complex technical concepts, assumptions and judgements. It is imperative that these design assumptions and parameters be well-communicated for peer-review and consenting purposes. This information can also be very valuable to building owners.
  • A convenient way to articulate a building’s structural philosophy is through a Design Features Report, which describes key elements of design, including design actions, load paths, the foundations and lateral load resisting systems. Report templates have been prepared by SESOC to complement the Construction Industry Council Design Documentation Guidelines.
  • Design features reports should supplement notes and descriptions in the calculations.
Do Don't
  • Use Design Features Reports to articulate fundamental design approaches.
  • Expect design intents to be understood without a clear design statement.

 

Producer statement and consenting

Producer statements are widely used to assist Building Consent Authorities in deciding on ‘reasonable grounds’, if the design of a building work complies with the Building Code or if construction complies with the approved building consent. Although producer statements do not have statutory status under the Building Act 2004, it should be remembered that:

  • The intent, scope and any limitations of the producer statements are clearly set out
  • It is the responsibility of the design team to ensure that the proposed building work meets the Building Code and the responsibility of the contractor to construct the works in accordance with the contract documents.

For more information, refer to Practice Note 1: Guidelines on producer statements [PDF 711 KB] — engineeringnz.org

Do Don't
  • Understand the appropriate process and intent when issuing producer statements.
  • Use producer statements as risk transfer tools.]

Design peer review

Design peer reviews can be critical in achieving building designs which comply with the Building Code.

  • The scope and type of review should be clarified early in the peer review process.
  • It is recommended that peer reviewers are engaged from the onset of a project, especially for a complex building design.
  • It is generally desirable to have complex building work and Alternative Solutions independently peer reviewed.
  • If a peer review is not going to be commissioned, make sure other processes are adequate to assure compliance with the Building Code. This does not mean you can rely on the building consent authority to identify issues. Remember the responsibility lies with designers to produce code compliant designs.

For more information, refer to ACENZ/IPENZ Practice Note 2: Peer review on the IPENZ website.

Do Don't
  • Engage peer reviewers early in the project, especially for complex designs.
  • Rely on BCAs’ consenting process to assess compliance with the Building Code.

Construction Monitoring

On-site construction monitoring (preferably by the designer who is a Chartered Professional Engineer) is necessary to verify or confirm that projects are built to the design documents. Critical design assumptions and design features (e.g. correct potential plastic hinge zone detailing or assumed separation of secondary elements) may require a higher level of monitoring. An increase in construction monitoring can usually decrease the risks of non-compliance.

However, the level of construction monitoring should suit the size and complexity of the project, refer to the Guidance on an appropriate level of monitoring:

Guidance on Construction monitoring services [PDF 73 KB] — engineeringnz.org

Do Don't
  • Provide a suitable level of construction monitoring.
  • Involve the designer in construction monitoring processes.
  • Rely on BCAs’ inspection process as a means of construction monitoring.

Building control system

A basic principle of the building control system is that the Building Code (which is Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations 1992) sets out the minimum performance requirements for all new building work. Building owners have the choice to set higher performance levels to achieve better performance, (such as the use of low damage building technologies). In addition, all building work must comply with the Building Code, irrespective of the need for a building consent.

Read more information on:

Do
  • Understand the regulatory environment we operate in.
  • Understand that the legal system includes the Building Act 2004 and the Building Code.

References

  1. Practice Note 2: Peer Review Reviewing the work of another engineering. Version 1, 2003 [PDF 551 KB] — cloudfront.net
  2. Guidance on Construction monitoring services [PDF 73 KB] — engineeringnz.org
  3. Practice Note 14: Structural engineering design office practice. Version 1, August 2009 [PDF 837KB] — engineeringnz.org
  4. Practice Note 1: Guidelines on producer statements. Version 3, January 2014 [PDF 711 KB] — engineeringnz.org
  5. Guidance on the use of Certificates of Work, Producer Statements, and Design Features Reports by Chartered Professional Engineers under the new Restricted Building Work regime [PDF 1.6 MB]
  6. New Zealand Construction Industry Council (NZCIC), release dates up to 2014 − Design: Documentation Guidelines — masterspec.co.nz
  7. Structural Engineering Society New Zealand Inc. (SESOC), 2010 − Commercial Design Features Report Template — sesoc.org.nz

All guidance related to B1 Structure

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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: