In a significant move aimed at revolutionizing the building consent process, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk has announced that the Government will release a discussion document on making remote building inspections the “default approach” for building consent authorities across New Zealand. This document will explore various aspects, including the suitability of remote inspections for different construction phases and situations where in-person inspections might still be necessary.
This announcement follows the National party's commitment to streamline the building consent process by standardizing council approaches. Minister Penk emphasized that discussions have already been held with many stakeholders using remote inspection methodologies, indicating a well-considered plan rather than a new, untested idea. This initiative aligns with previous government efforts to boost productivity in the construction sector, such as simplifying building consent amendments and encouraging the use of trusted international building materials.
Some councils, like Auckland Council and Mackenzie District Council, have already implemented remote inspections for certain buildings using apps like Artisan, CONQA, and ZYTE. For instance, during the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, Auckland Council conducted 400 remote inspections and now maintains this rate monthly. These examples highlight the potential for remote inspections to become a standardized practice across the country.
Adopting remote building inspections as the default approach offers several benefits:
Currently, remote inspection practices vary between councils, causing frustration for contractors working across different regions. A nationally consistent approach would streamline operations for both councils and contractors, reducing inefficiencies and increasing productivity.
By minimizing the need for inspectors to travel, remote inspections can increase the rate of inspections and expedite consent applications. This is especially beneficial in large cities with traffic congestion and rural areas with dispersed construction sites. Reduced travel also translates into cost savings and lower emissions, supporting sustainability goals.
Remote inspections facilitate better documentation and record-keeping, enhancing quality assurance for homeowners. Comprehensive digital records are more reliable than hard copies, which may be incomplete, especially in cases where robust inspection processes need to be demonstrated.
While the shift to remote inspections promises many advantages, it also presents challenges:
The efficacy of remote inspections for large-scale, complex projects remains a concern. Different building elements, such as residential houses versus commercial tower blocks, may require varied inspection approaches. Any framework for remote inspections must address these differences to ensure effectiveness.
Rural areas with limited or no cellular coverage may find remote inspections impractical. Even in regions with 4G and 5G coverage, the quality of video transmissions might not meet the standards required for thorough inspections.
New Zealand’s history of building defects necessitates careful consideration of any changes to inspection practices. Councils must ensure that remote inspections do not compromise their ability to identify defects and maintain compliance with the Building Act 2004. Any regulatory changes should prioritize the identification and resolution of potential defects to uphold building standards.
The proposal for remote inspections has sparked significant discussion among councils, construction industry participants, and their advisors. The Government's upcoming discussion paper will provide further details and invite feedback from stakeholders.
As this initiative progresses, it will be crucial for the Government to balance the efficiency gains of remote inspections with the need to maintain rigorous and reliable inspection processes. For businesses like Straight Up Inspections, which already provide non-invasive, same-day building inspections in Tauranga, Mt Maunganui, Papamoa, and many parts of Waikato and Bay of Plenty, these changes could streamline operations and enhance service delivery.
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