Compliance. Closure. Confidence.
BASE (Building Approval Signoff Experts) is a specialist consultancy dedicated to helping homeowners, developers, and businesses across New Zealand resolve and close out historic or outstanding Code Compliance Certificates (CCCs).
With extensive experience in the industry and a deep understanding of local council processes, BASE specialises in demonstrating compliance with the New Zealand Building Code.
We provide practical, tailored roadmaps to compliance and support you in addressing the actions required to obtain Code Compliance Certification (CCC), ultimately adding value to your property.
Visit our What We Do and Our Approach pages to see what we have to offer and see how we may be able to assist you.
What We Do
Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) Resolution
We specialise in assisting clients with resolving historic or outstanding Code Compliance Certificates, ensuring compliance with building regulations and local council processes.
Certificate of Acceptance / Certificate for Public Use
We offer practical, reliable support to help homeowners, developers, and businesses secure Certificates of Acceptance (CoA) and Certificates for Public Use (CPU), ensuring compliance with council requirements and enabling safe, lawful occupancy.
Project Management
Cost Engineering
Our in-house team can oversee the financial management of your project from the initial budget estimation and feasibility assessment through to the certification of final progress claims.
Should physical works be required prior to the issuance of the Code Compliance Certificate, we would be pleased to provide Project Management services for onsite and offsite management of works.
Our Approach
While each project is unique, our standard methodology follows a structured process as outline in the flowchart below.
INITIAL
CONSULTATION
Free 20 min call to discuss and understand your property issues.
COUNCIL ENGAGEMENT & DISCOVERY
RECTIFICATION & ACTION
REVIEW & RECOMMENDATIONS
We act as your agent with the Council to discover what is needed.
We see what's required for compliance and manage the process. You get a step-by-step plan, a cost range, and a timeline.
We review all the paperwork and inspect any works required by Council.
CLOSE-OUT PROCESS
We submit, chase, and coordinate until Council gives the green light. You receive the approval and a neat pack for your files.
The process begins with a free, no-obligation phone or online consultation to discuss your specific situation and explore how we can assist.
Please don't hesitate to contact us to see how we can help.
The Cost of Non-Compliance
Why CCC Matters
What Is a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC)?
In New Zealand, a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) is issued by the local council to confirm that completed building work complies with the approved building consent and meets the requirements of the New Zealand Building Code. Without it, a building project is considered incomplete from a regulatory standpoint.
Legal Implications
If a CCC is not obtained, there can be legal consequences. Under the Building Act 2004, property owners are required to apply for a CCC once the work is finished. Failing to do so could result in the council issuing a notice to fix or even fines. In more serious situations—particularly where building work wasn't consented properly—councils may take enforcement action.
Impact on Property Sales
When it comes time to sell, not having a CCC can cause significant delays or complications. Most buyers, along with their lawyers, will want assurance that all building work was completed to code. A missing CCC often raises concerns, leading to reduced buyer confidence, lower offers, or deals falling through altogether.
Insurance and Lending Risks
There can also be insurance and financial consequences. Some insurers may limit coverage or reject claims related to uncertified work. Similarly, banks may be unwilling to approve a mortgage or refinance a loan on a property without full compliance documentation, including a CCC.
Can You Occupy a Building Without a CCC?
Occupying a building without a CCC—particularly in the case of apartments and commercial spaces—can be risky and, in some cases, unlawful. While the Building Act doesn’t explicitly prohibit occupation without a CCC, it does require a CCC to be issued as confirmation that the work is complete and code-compliant.
For residential apartment buildings, councils may allow temporary occupation under a Certificate for Public Use (CPU) if certain conditions are met and if it’s safe to do so, but this is intended to be short-term. Commercial tenants often find themselves under pressure to begin trading or fitting out, but moving in without a CCC or CPU can breach both building regulations and lease terms.
Why It Matters
While it might be tempting to overlook the CCC once the building work appears finished, doing so can create long-term problems. Obtaining a CCC is a critical step in protecting your investment, ensuring legal compliance, and avoiding future issues when selling, occupying, or insuring the property.