Glossary
Use this glossary when a trade, designer, engineer, council inspector, or project manager uses a term you do not know. Each entry explains where it is used and gives an example sentence.
67 results
A chronological written record of daily site events, decisions, labour, weather, delays, and instructions.
A structured daily site record covering progress, people, weather, inspections, photos, delays, safety, and tomorrow's plan.
A short-range plan, usually one to three weeks, showing immediate work, blockers, inspections, deliveries, and trade sequencing.
The sequence of tasks that directly controls the project finish date.
Request for Information: a formal question when drawings, specifications, or site conditions are unclear.
A written instruction issued under the project communication/contract process.
A change to scope, cost, time, selection, or method compared with the agreed contract.
The contract point where work is sufficiently complete for use/handover, subject to the contract wording and agreed outstanding items.
Defects liability period or maintenance period: the post-handover period where defects are reported, tracked, and repaired according to the contract.
Code Compliance Certificate: council/BCA statement that, on reasonable grounds, the completed work complies with the issued building consent.
Council/BCA approval of plans and specifications for proposed building work.
Planning approval that may be needed for land use, density, height, earthworks, trees, stormwater, or other Auckland planning matters.
A small change to consented work that council may approve without a full amendment, depending on the circumstances.
A formal change to a building consent, usually needed when a change is more than minor.
Licensed Building Practitioner: a licensed person who carries out or supervises restricted building work.
A document completed by an LBP for restricted building work they carried out or supervised.
A construction/installation statement often used to support council compliance assessment for specific work.
A construction review statement often issued by an engineer or professional who reviewed work.
Building Code clause covering structural performance.
Building Code clause covering durability of building elements.
Building Code clause covering surface water disposal and protection from water entering buildings.
Building Code clause covering keeping external moisture from causing dampness or damage.
Building Code clause covering wet areas, surfaces, and moisture inside the building.
Building Code clause covering permanent safety from falling, such as barriers and some stairs/decks.
Building Code clause covering safe water supply.
Building Code clause covering energy efficiency and the thermal envelope.
New Zealand timber-framed building standard used where a residential building is within its scope.
Acceptable Solution for some external moisture details when the project and products are within its scope.
Service location request system used before excavation to help identify underground services.
Traffic Management Plan, used when work affects roads, footpaths, berms, or public traffic/pedestrians.
Marking the building, levels, boundaries, and work positions on site.
A fixed reference level used to set heights on site.
Damp-proof membrane, usually a sheet membrane under concrete slabs where specified.
Welded steel mesh used in concrete where specified.
Steel reinforcing bar used in concrete footings, beams, pads, or walls.
Foundation element that transfers loads from walls or columns to ground.
Vertical support element used to transfer load to ground.
Horizontal member supported by piles and supporting floor joists.
Horizontal member supporting floor sheets, ceilings, or decking.
Vertical wall framing member.
Short horizontal timber blocking between studs.
Structural member over an opening.
Structural resistance to wind and earthquake loads.
Fixing or connector that resists uplift or bracing forces.
Prefabricated roof frame member.
Sloping roof framing member.
Roof support member for roof cladding.
Underlay installed beneath roof cladding.
Flexible wall underlay behind cladding.
Batten creating a drained cavity behind cladding.
Overlapping cladding board used externally.
Outer brick cladding separated from framing by a cavity.
Material/detail that directs water away from a junction.
Trim piece fitted beside weatherboards at joinery or corners.
Lining under roof eaves.
Board or metal edge member at roof eaves supporting gutters.
Channel collecting rainwater from the roof.
Vertical pipe moving water from gutter to stormwater system.
Accessible point for drainage inspection and cleaning.
Access chamber for drainage or services.
First installation of services before linings or finishes.
Final installation of fixtures, fittings, outlets, switches, appliances, and trims.
Test to check pipework holds pressure and does not leak.
Record showing what was actually built or installed.
Incomplete, damaged, incorrect, or poor-quality work that needs correction.
A point where work must stop until inspection, approval, or evidence is complete.
Collected manuals, warranties, as-builts, certificates, keys, and maintenance information for the client.
A chronological written record of daily site events, decisions, labour, weather, delays, and instructions.
Used every construction day as project evidence.
The site diary noted heavy rain stopped excavation at 11:30.
Construction manager
A structured daily site record covering progress, people, weather, inspections, photos, delays, safety, and tomorrow's plan.
Used as the main day-to-day project record.
Attach photos before the waterproofing was covered to today's daily report.
Construction manager
A short-range plan, usually one to three weeks, showing immediate work, blockers, inspections, deliveries, and trade sequencing.
Used in site coordination and subcontractor planning.
The two-week lookahead shows cladding cannot start until cavity inspection passes.
Construction manager
The sequence of tasks that directly controls the project finish date.
Used when deciding which delays matter most.
The roofing delay is on the critical path because linings cannot start until the building is dry.
Project manager
Request for Information: a formal question when drawings, specifications, or site conditions are unclear.
Used before making assumptions or changing work.
Raise an RFI for the roof-wall flashing conflict.
Construction manager
A written instruction issued under the project communication/contract process.
Used when directing a trade or recording a decision.
The site instruction told the roofer to stop until the revised flashing detail was issued.
Project manager
A change to scope, cost, time, selection, or method compared with the agreed contract.
Used when work differs from the original agreement.
The client upgrade to timber flooring is a variation.
Project manager
The contract point where work is sufficiently complete for use/handover, subject to the contract wording and agreed outstanding items.
Used near handover.
Do not issue practical completion until critical documents and safety items are complete.
Project manager
Defects liability period or maintenance period: the post-handover period where defects are reported, tracked, and repaired according to the contract.
Used after handover.
The sticking door was added to the DLP defect log.
Construction manager
Code Compliance Certificate: council/BCA statement that, on reasonable grounds, the completed work complies with the issued building consent.
Used at project closeout.
The CCC application needs inspection records and producer statements.
Council/BCA
Auckland Council building consents: Auckland Council explains local building consent processes, CCC, related certificates, producer statements, LBP notification, and whether resource consent may also be needed.
Council/BCA approval of plans and specifications for proposed building work.
Used before consented work starts.
Build exactly to the building consent unless a minor variation or amendment is approved.
Designer / builder / council
MBIE Build to the consent: MBIE guidance explains that work should be built to the issued building consent, inspections must be managed, and records/certificates should be kept for CCC.
Planning approval that may be needed for land use, density, height, earthworks, trees, stormwater, or other Auckland planning matters.
Used before or alongside building consent where triggered.
The planner confirmed whether the addition needs resource consent.
Planner
Auckland Council building consents: Auckland Council explains local building consent processes, CCC, related certificates, producer statements, LBP notification, and whether resource consent may also be needed.
A small change to consented work that council may approve without a full amendment, depending on the circumstances.
Used when site work changes from the consent.
Ask council whether the drainage route change is a minor variation or amendment.
Builder / council
MBIE Making changes to plans: Use when a site change may require a minor variation or amendment before work continues.
A formal change to a building consent, usually needed when a change is more than minor.
Used when design or compliance changes affect the consent.
The structural beam change needs an amendment before work continues.
Designer / council
MBIE Making changes to plans: Use when a site change may require a minor variation or amendment before work continues.
Licensed Building Practitioner: a licensed person who carries out or supervises restricted building work.
Used for restricted building work records and council requirements.
Collect the LBP Record of Work before CCC.
LBP / builder
Auckland Council building consents: Auckland Council explains local building consent processes, CCC, related certificates, producer statements, LBP notification, and whether resource consent may also be needed.
A document completed by an LBP for restricted building work they carried out or supervised.
Used for CCC/handover records.
The roofer and carpenter Records of Work are on the CCC tracker.
LBP
MBIE Build to the consent: MBIE guidance explains that work should be built to the issued building consent, inspections must be managed, and records/certificates should be kept for CCC.
A construction/installation statement often used to support council compliance assessment for specific work.
Used where consent or council requires it.
The waterproofing PS3 is needed before CCC submission.
Installer / specialist
Auckland Council building consents: Auckland Council explains local building consent processes, CCC, related certificates, producer statements, LBP notification, and whether resource consent may also be needed.
A construction review statement often issued by an engineer or professional who reviewed work.
Used where consent or council requires it.
The engineer's PS4 is required after retaining wall construction review.
Engineer
Auckland Council building consents: Auckland Council explains local building consent processes, CCC, related certificates, producer statements, LBP notification, and whether resource consent may also be needed.
Building Code clause covering structural performance.
Used for foundations, framing, bracing, retaining, beams, lintels, and fixings.
Check B1 and the engineer drawings before accepting that beam change.
Engineer / builder
NZ Building Code B1 Structure: Check structure requirements, B1/AS1, Verification Methods, structural engineer design, bracing, foundations, wind, earthquake, and consented structural drawings.
Building Code clause covering durability of building elements.
Used for timber treatment, cladding, fixings, coatings, and product suitability.
The coastal fixing substitution must be checked for B2 durability.
Builder / supplier
NZ Building Code B2 Durability: Check durability expectations for materials and systems, alongside manufacturer literature and consented specifications.
Building Code clause covering surface water disposal and protection from water entering buildings.
Used for stormwater, gutters, downpipes, site falls, and drainage.
The driveway fall must not direct water toward the garage.
Drainlayer / civil contractor
NZ Building Code E1 Surface water: Check stormwater, surface water, drainage paths, and council/engineer stormwater design.
Building Code clause covering keeping external moisture from causing dampness or damage.
Used for cladding, roofing, windows, doors, flashings, decks, and penetrations.
The window head flashing is an E2-critical detail.
Cladder / roofer
NZ Building Code E2 External moisture: Check E2/AS1, consented wall/roof details, cladding specifications, flashing details, and manufacturer installation requirements.
Building Code clause covering wet areas, surfaces, and moisture inside the building.
Used for bathrooms, laundries, waterproofing, surfaces, and ventilation.
Check E3 and the waterproofing manual before tiling starts.
Waterproofer / tiler
NZ Building Code E3 Internal moisture: Check wet-area surfaces, ventilation, waterproofing details, and manufacturer systems against consented documents.
Building Code clause covering permanent safety from falling, such as barriers and some stairs/decks.
Used for decks, stairs, barriers, retaining drops, and openings.
The deck barrier detail needs F4 verification.
Builder
NZ Building Code F4 Safety from falling: Check barriers, stairs, decks, retaining drops, fall risks, consented details, and inspection requirements.
Building Code clause covering safe water supply.
Used for plumbing, hot water, pipework, and water supply systems.
The hot water system must follow G12 and the manufacturer's manual.
Plumber
NZ Building Code G12 Water supplies: Check hot/cold water supply requirements, plumber producer statements/certificates where applicable, and consented plumbing layouts.
Building Code clause covering energy efficiency and the thermal envelope.
Used for insulation, glazing, slab edge/floor/wall/roof systems, and energy calculations.
The window substitution must be checked against H1 documentation.
Designer / builder
NZ Building Code H1 Energy efficiency: Check insulation, glazing, thermal envelope, energy calculations, and consented H1 documentation.
New Zealand timber-framed building standard used where a residential building is within its scope.
Used for many low-rise timber-framed residential projects.
Check whether the engineer has used NZS 3604 or specific design.
Builder / engineer
NZS 3604 Timber-framed buildings: Use where the project is within NZS 3604 scope; always confirm against the consented structural drawings and engineer details.
Acceptable Solution for some external moisture details when the project and products are within its scope.
Used for many roof, cladding, window, and flashing details.
Do not assume E2/AS1 applies without checking the consented details.
Designer / cladder
NZ Building Code E2 External moisture: Check E2/AS1, consented wall/roof details, cladding specifications, flashing details, and manufacturer installation requirements.
Service location request system used before excavation to help identify underground services.
Used before digging, trenching, drilling, or piling.
BeforeUdig records were checked before the drainage trench was opened.
Earthworks contractor
Traffic Management Plan, used when work affects roads, footpaths, berms, or public traffic/pedestrians.
Used around deliveries, skips, cranes, or works in the road corridor.
The skip on the road needs corridor/TMP confirmation.
Traffic contractor
Marking the building, levels, boundaries, and work positions on site.
Used before earthworks, foundations, drainage, and framing.
Surveyor set-out confirmed the finished floor level.
Surveyor / builder
A fixed reference level used to set heights on site.
Used for foundations, drainage, floors, and exterior levels.
Do not move the datum peg until final levels are checked.
Surveyor / builder
Damp-proof membrane, usually a sheet membrane under concrete slabs where specified.
Used before slab pours.
The DPM was taped around penetrations before mesh went down.
Builder / concrete contractor
Welded steel mesh used in concrete where specified.
Used in slabs and concrete elements.
The mesh must be supported before the pour.
Concrete contractor
Steel reinforcing bar used in concrete footings, beams, pads, or walls.
Used in foundations and structural concrete.
Photograph rebar before concrete is poured.
Steel fixer
Foundation element that transfers loads from walls or columns to ground.
Used below walls, posts, and structural supports.
The footing base needs engineer inspection before concrete.
Builder / engineer
Vertical support element used to transfer load to ground.
Used for raised floors, decks, or engineered foundations.
The pile positions must match the pile plan.
Builder / piling contractor
Horizontal member supported by piles and supporting floor joists.
Used in subfloor framing.
Check bearer treatment and fixings before floor sheets.
Builder
Horizontal member supporting floor sheets, ceilings, or decking.
Used in floors and decks.
Services should not cut joists without approved detail.
Builder
Vertical wall framing member.
Used in timber wall frames.
The stud layout must suit linings and services.
Builder/framer
Short horizontal timber blocking between studs.
Used for stiffening and fixing support.
Add nogs for bathroom accessories before lining.
Builder/framer
Structural member over an opening.
Used over windows, doors, and large openings.
The lintel schedule controls the required lintel.
Builder/framer
Structural resistance to wind and earthquake loads.
Used in walls, subfloor, and roof systems.
Do not let services cut bracing elements without approval.
Builder / engineer
Fixing or connector that resists uplift or bracing forces.
Used at bracing walls, roof tie-downs, and foundations.
The bracing hold-down must be installed before inspection.
Builder/framer
Prefabricated roof frame member.
Used to form roof structure.
Do not cut a truss unless the truss designer approves it.
Builder / truss supplier
Sloping roof framing member.
Used in conventionally framed roofs.
Rafters must match the structural detail.
Builder/framer
Roof support member for roof cladding.
Used under metal roofing or roof cladding systems.
Check purlin spacing against the roofing manual.
Roofer / builder
Underlay installed beneath roof cladding.
Used in roof weatherproofing assemblies.
Repair roof underlay tears before roofing continues.
Roofer
Flexible wall underlay behind cladding.
Used before cavity battens and cladding.
Do not clad over torn building wrap.
Builder / cladder
Batten creating a drained cavity behind cladding.
Used behind many residential cladding systems.
Cavity battens must not block the drainage path.
Cladder
Overlapping cladding board used externally.
Used as wall cladding.
Check weatherboard end sealing and clearances.
Cladder
Outer brick cladding separated from framing by a cavity.
Used as an external wall cladding system.
Keep brick veneer cavity clean and weepholes open.
Bricklayer
Material/detail that directs water away from a junction.
Used at windows, roofs, cladding bases, corners, and penetrations.
The head flashing must be installed before cladding hides it.
Roofer / cladder
NZ Building Code E2 External moisture: Check E2/AS1, consented wall/roof details, cladding specifications, flashing details, and manufacturer installation requirements.
Trim piece fitted beside weatherboards at joinery or corners.
Used with some weatherboard systems.
Paint or seal scriber cut ends as specified.
Cladder
Lining under roof eaves.
Used at eaves and roof overhangs.
Check soffit ventilation if specified.
Builder / cladder
Board or metal edge member at roof eaves supporting gutters.
Used at roof perimeter.
Gutter brackets fix to the fascia.
Roofer / builder
Channel collecting rainwater from the roof.
Used at roof edges.
Check gutter fall and outlet positions.
Roofer / plumber
NZ Building Code E1 Surface water: Check stormwater, surface water, drainage paths, and council/engineer stormwater design.
Vertical pipe moving water from gutter to stormwater system.
Used on exterior walls.
Downpipes must connect to the stormwater system as designed.
Roofer / drainlayer
Accessible point for drainage inspection and cleaning.
Used in drainage systems.
Do not bury an inspection opening under landscaping.
Drainlayer
Access chamber for drainage or services.
Used in underground drainage/service networks.
Record manhole location and finished lid level.
Drainlayer
First installation of services before linings or finishes.
Used for plumbing, electrical, HVAC, data, and gas.
Photograph rough-ins before pre-line inspection.
Services trades
Final installation of fixtures, fittings, outlets, switches, appliances, and trims.
Used after linings/finishes are ready.
Electrical fit-off starts after painting is sufficiently complete.
Services trades
Test to check pipework holds pressure and does not leak.
Used before cover-up and commissioning.
Record the plumbing pressure test in the daily report.
Plumber
Record showing what was actually built or installed.
Used for services, drainage, structure, and handover.
Mark the as-built drainage route before backfill.
Construction manager
Incomplete, damaged, incorrect, or poor-quality work that needs correction.
Used during QA, handover, and DLP.
The scratched door leaf is a handover defect.
All trades
A point where work must stop until inspection, approval, or evidence is complete.
Used before pouring, backfilling, lining, cladding, tiling, or covering work.
Pre-pour inspection is a hold point.
Construction manager
Collected manuals, warranties, as-builts, certificates, keys, and maintenance information for the client.
Used at client handover.
The handover pack includes paint colours and appliance manuals.
Construction manager
