Substructure
Concrete slabs
Prepare and pour slab-on-ground or proprietary raft systems with the right base, moisture control, reinforcement, services, edge details, and curing.
How to execute this stage
Micro-stage control plan
Work through each applicable step in order. A hold point means pause the dependent decision or work until the stated evidence and authorised review are complete.
01Check subgrade, basecourse, compaction evidence, DPM, edge insulation if specified, service penetrations, reinforcing, set-downs, and finished floor levelsLevel 2 · Substructure
TaskCheckHold pointEvidenceRecordNext actionSimple explanation
Check subgrade, basecourse, compaction evidence, DPM, edge insulation if specified, service penetrations, reinforcing, set-downs, and finished floor levels.
Technical context
Coordinate this work against Slab plan, Concrete specification, the current consent status, and the actual site condition. Confirm interfaces before releasing dependent work.
Why it matters: The main recorded risk is: Poor compaction. A missed check can create rework, delay, hidden defects, an inspection failure, or a departure from approved project documents.
Prerequisites
- Slab plan is current, approved for the intended use, and available to the people doing the work.
- Concrete specification and relevant product information have been checked.
- Access, responsibility, safety controls, preceding work and the pre-pour inspection sequence are confirmed.
Checks
- Check the completed work against Slab plan and Concrete specification.
- Check specifically for: Poor compaction.
- Avoid this known mistake: No cover-up photos.
Evidence to save
- Wide, location-identifying and close-up photographs of the completed concrete slabs work before it is concealed.
- Marked-up Slab plan or a precise drawing/detail reference.
- Pre-pour inspection result, consultant record, trade QA record or written not-applicable reason.
Hold point
Do not cover, backfill, load, connect, certify or release the next activity until Pre-pour inspection and the required project evidence are complete or the authorised reviewer confirms what may proceed.
Stop or escalate when
- Poor compaction
- No cover-up photos
- The current drawing, approval, competent reviewer or required evidence cannot be confirmed.
Documents and records
- Slab plan
- Concrete specification
- Current RFI/site-instruction/change record
- Inspection and evidence register
- Cost effect
- Rectification, reinspection, delay, damaged follow-on work, access loss and changed scope can increase the cost of concrete slabs. Record the cause and obtain written pricing before approving a commercial change.
- Programme effect
- This activity controls the release of dependent work. Update the lookahead programme and notify affected trades if the hold point, information, inspection or evidence is not ready.
Next action
Run a formal pre-pour checklist before ordering concrete.
Applicability: Apply when this work package is included in the current project scope. Confirm project-specific consent, contract, design, site and authority requirements.
Use the current consented/issued project documents and competent site review. BuildPath does not approve work.
02Run a formal pre-pour checklist before ordering concreteLevel 2 · Substructure
TaskCheckHold pointEvidenceRecordNext actionSimple explanation
Run a formal pre-pour checklist before ordering concrete.
Technical context
Coordinate this work against Foundation details, Proprietary slab system manual if used, the current consent status, and the actual site condition. Confirm interfaces before releasing dependent work.
Why it matters: The main recorded risk is: DPM punctures. A missed check can create rework, delay, hidden defects, an inspection failure, or a departure from approved project documents.
Prerequisites
- Foundation details is current, approved for the intended use, and available to the people doing the work.
- Proprietary slab system manual if used and relevant product information have been checked.
- Access, responsibility, safety controls, preceding work and the engineer inspection sequence are confirmed.
Checks
- Check the completed work against Foundation details and Proprietary slab system manual if used.
- Check specifically for: DPM punctures.
- Avoid this known mistake: Pouring in unsuitable weather without controls.
Evidence to save
- Wide, location-identifying and close-up photographs of the completed concrete slabs work before it is concealed.
- Marked-up Foundation details or a precise drawing/detail reference.
- Engineer inspection result, consultant record, trade QA record or written not-applicable reason.
Hold point
Do not cover, backfill, load, connect, certify or release the next activity until Engineer inspection and the required project evidence are complete or the authorised reviewer confirms what may proceed.
Stop or escalate when
- DPM punctures
- Pouring in unsuitable weather without controls
- The current drawing, approval, competent reviewer or required evidence cannot be confirmed.
Documents and records
- Foundation details
- Proprietary slab system manual if used
- Current RFI/site-instruction/change record
- Inspection and evidence register
- Cost effect
- Rectification, reinspection, delay, damaged follow-on work, access loss and changed scope can increase the cost of concrete slabs. Record the cause and obtain written pricing before approving a commercial change.
- Programme effect
- This activity controls the release of dependent work. Update the lookahead programme and notify affected trades if the hold point, information, inspection or evidence is not ready.
Next action
Control placement, finishing, curing, protection, saw cuts where specified, and early loading restrictions.
Applicability: Apply when this work package is included in the current project scope. Confirm project-specific consent, contract, design, site and authority requirements.
Use the current consented/issued project documents and competent site review. BuildPath does not approve work.
03Control placement, finishing, curing, protection, saw cuts where specified, and early loading restrictionsLevel 2 · Substructure
TaskCheckHold pointEvidenceRecordNext actionSimple explanation
Control placement, finishing, curing, protection, saw cuts where specified, and early loading restrictions.
Technical context
Coordinate this work against Services penetration plan, Engineer requirements, the current consent status, and the actual site condition. Confirm interfaces before releasing dependent work.
Why it matters: The main recorded risk is: Wrong mesh laps/support. A missed check can create rework, delay, hidden defects, an inspection failure, or a departure from approved project documents.
Prerequisites
- Services penetration plan is current, approved for the intended use, and available to the people doing the work.
- Engineer requirements and relevant product information have been checked.
- Access, responsibility, safety controls, preceding work and the council inspection sequence are confirmed.
Checks
- Check the completed work against Services penetration plan and Engineer requirements.
- Check specifically for: Wrong mesh laps/support.
- Avoid this known mistake: Not checking set-downs before concrete arrives.
Evidence to save
- Wide, location-identifying and close-up photographs of the completed concrete slabs work before it is concealed.
- Marked-up Services penetration plan or a precise drawing/detail reference.
- Council inspection result, consultant record, trade QA record or written not-applicable reason.
Hold point
Do not cover, backfill, load, connect, certify or release the next activity until Council inspection and the required project evidence are complete or the authorised reviewer confirms what may proceed.
Stop or escalate when
- Wrong mesh laps/support
- Not checking set-downs before concrete arrives
- The current drawing, approval, competent reviewer or required evidence cannot be confirmed.
Documents and records
- Services penetration plan
- Engineer requirements
- Current RFI/site-instruction/change record
- Inspection and evidence register
- Cost effect
- Rectification, reinspection, delay, damaged follow-on work, access loss and changed scope can increase the cost of concrete slabs. Record the cause and obtain written pricing before approving a commercial change.
- Programme effect
- This activity controls the release of dependent work. Update the lookahead programme and notify affected trades if the hold point, information, inspection or evidence is not ready.
Next action
Close the concrete slabs stage, link its evidence, resolve outstanding defects and release only the next applicable stage.
Applicability: Apply when this work package is included in the current project scope. Confirm project-specific consent, contract, design, site and authority requirements.
Use the current consented/issued project documents and competent site review. BuildPath does not approve work.
Trade-to-trade control
Interfaces and release gates
Use the actual consented design, specification and authorised reviewers. These controls help expose gaps; they do not approve work.
Earthworks, set-out and foundations
Prerequisites
- • Survey set-out and legal boundaries are confirmed
- • Geotechnical/civil/structural design assumptions match exposed ground
- • Excavation, bearing, groundwater and contamination surprises are recorded and referred
Interface checks
- • Formation levels, founding depth, setbacks and services agree across drawings
- • Engineer/council hold points are booked before concrete or backfill
- • Temporary support, dewatering and public/adjacent-property protection remain effective
Evidence before release
- • Survey/set-out record
- • Ground and excavation photographs with levels
- • Inspection/engineer record and concrete pre-pour checklist
Next team: Foundation, slab or subfloor team
Open the related Workspace control →Foundations, slab and framing set-out
Prerequisites
- • Concrete strength/release and foundation defects are resolved
- • Hold-downs, starter bars, rebates, slab edges and penetrations are located
- • Architectural and structural grids use the same current datum
Interface checks
- • Wall lines, openings and bracing elements land on the designed support
- • Anchor/hold-down type, edge distance, embedment and corrosion protection are correct
- • Wet areas, level thresholds and accessible entries have the designed floor relationships
Evidence before release
- • Foundation/slab acceptance record
- • Framing set-out and anchor photographs
- • Marked-up discrepancy/RFI record
Next team: Framing and structural steel team
Open the related Workspace control →What happens in this stage
- Check subgrade, basecourse, compaction evidence, DPM, edge insulation if specified, service penetrations, reinforcing, set-downs, and finished floor levels.
- Run a formal pre-pour checklist before ordering concrete.
- Control placement, finishing, curing, protection, saw cuts where specified, and early loading restrictions.
Before work starts
- Confirm the latest issued-for-construction and consented documents for concrete slabs are on site, including Slab plan.
- Check Concrete specification, approved product data, RFIs, minor variations, and amendment status before work starts.
- Confirm the subcontractor understands the scope, hold points, access, protection requirements, H&S controls, and quality evidence required.
- Check the programme sequence so this stage does not start before earlier work, inspections, testing, or concealed-work photos are complete.
- Confirm materials delivered to site match the specification, are dry/undamaged, and are stored according to manufacturer instructions.
During the work
- Walk the work face early, mid-shift, and before close-up. Compare actual work with the consented drawings, specification, and manufacturer details.
- Check set-out, levels, falls, clearances, penetrations, fixings, bracing, waterproofing, or protection points that will be difficult to see later.
- Ask trades to show their own quality checks rather than only saying the work is complete.
- Keep weather, site condition, delivery, delay, inspection, RFI, variation, and safety notes in the daily report.
- Photograph any work before it is covered, backfilled, lined, clad, tiled, painted, or otherwise hidden.
After the work
- Complete a close-out walk with the subcontractor and mark defects immediately while access is still available.
- Confirm required inspection bookings, council results, producer statements, LBP Records of Work, warranties, test certificates, or installer declarations are obtained.
- Update as-built notes where service routes, drainage, fixings, penetrations, or dimensions differ from the design.
- Confirm the area is protected from weather, other trades, impact damage, contamination, or premature loading.
- Update the lookahead programme and tell affected trades what is ready, what is blocked, and what must not be covered.
Common problems and step-by-step solutions
Concrete delivery delay
- 1Stop the affected concrete slabs activity if continuing could hide defective work, create unsafe work, or move away from the consented design.
- 2Photograph the condition from wide, medium, and close-up angles. Include a tape, level, datum mark, gridline, or drawing reference where useful.
- 3Check the latest consented architectural, structural, civil, services, and specification documents before giving an instruction.
- 4Ask the subcontractor to explain the cause, proposed fix, timing impact, and whether the fix changes consented work.
- 5Escalate to the builder/project manager, designer, engineer, council inspector, or client when the fix affects structure, weathertightness, drainage, H1, fire/safety, cost, programme, or consent.
- 6Record the decision, responsible person, drawing/RFI/variation reference, photos, and follow-up inspection in the daily report.
Concrete curing problem
- 1Stop the affected concrete slabs activity if continuing could hide defective work, create unsafe work, or move away from the consented design.
- 2Photograph the condition from wide, medium, and close-up angles. Include a tape, level, datum mark, gridline, or drawing reference where useful.
- 3Check the latest consented architectural, structural, civil, services, and specification documents before giving an instruction.
- 4Ask the subcontractor to explain the cause, proposed fix, timing impact, and whether the fix changes consented work.
- 5Escalate to the builder/project manager, designer, engineer, council inspector, or client when the fix affects structure, weathertightness, drainage, H1, fire/safety, cost, programme, or consent.
- 6Record the decision, responsible person, drawing/RFI/variation reference, photos, and follow-up inspection in the daily report.
Penetration in wrong location
- 1Stop the affected concrete slabs activity if continuing could hide defective work, create unsafe work, or move away from the consented design.
- 2Photograph the condition from wide, medium, and close-up angles. Include a tape, level, datum mark, gridline, or drawing reference where useful.
- 3Check the latest consented architectural, structural, civil, services, and specification documents before giving an instruction.
- 4Ask the subcontractor to explain the cause, proposed fix, timing impact, and whether the fix changes consented work.
- 5Escalate to the builder/project manager, designer, engineer, council inspector, or client when the fix affects structure, weathertightness, drainage, H1, fire/safety, cost, programme, or consent.
- 6Record the decision, responsible person, drawing/RFI/variation reference, photos, and follow-up inspection in the daily report.
Verification
Source / where to check
Use current official information and the controlled documents for the actual project.
Check structure requirements, B1/AS1, Verification Methods, structural engineer design, bracing, foundations, wind, earthquake, and consented structural drawings.
Check durability expectations for materials and systems, alongside manufacturer literature and consented specifications.
Check insulation, glazing, thermal envelope, energy calculations, and consented H1 documentation.
Use the exact current installation manual, warranty requirements, BRANZ/Appraisal information where applicable, and product data sheet for the product on site.
The issued consent drawings, stamped specifications, engineering drawings, RFIs, minor variations, and amendments control the specific project.
Use the exact current installation manual, warranty requirements, BRANZ/Appraisal information where applicable, and product data sheet for the product on site.
Insufficient data to verify — confirm against the current consented drawings, specifications, Auckland Council requirements, Auckland Unitary Plan, NZ Building Code, relevant NZ Standard, consultant advice, manufacturer instructions, insurance broker, insurer, lender, lawyer, accountant or project contract.
Project-specific consented documents and professional advice override generic guidance.
Common inspections required
- Pre-pour inspection
- Engineer inspection
- Council inspection
- Concrete delivery/pour records
Common risks
- Poor compaction
- DPM punctures
- Wrong mesh laps/support
- Services in wrong place
- Poor curing/cracking
Common mistakes
- No cover-up photos
- Pouring in unsuitable weather without controls
- Not checking set-downs before concrete arrives
Required documentation
- Latest consented drawings and specifications
- Relevant RFIs, site instructions, amendments, minor variations, and variation approvals
- Subcontractor scope, QA checklist, delivery dockets, product data, and installation records
- Inspection booking/result records and photos before cover-up
- Daily site report notes covering labour, weather, progress, delays, risks, and decisions
Photos or diagrams needed
- Wide photo showing where concrete slabs is happening on the site
- Close-up photos of critical details, fixings, laps, seals, penetrations, clearances, levels, or falls
- Photo of product labels, batch numbers, delivery dockets, and installer marks where relevant
- Marked-up drawing or simple diagram showing any changed location, clash, defect, or agreed remedial detail
Construction manager checklist
- 1Scope, drawings, specification, product data, and latest revision confirmed
- 2Trade briefed on hold points, tolerances to verify, evidence required, and inspection sequence
- 3Access, storage, protection, temporary works, and safety controls in place
- 4Work checked against drawings during installation, not only at completion
- 5Photos and records captured before work is concealed
- 6Defects, RFIs, delays, and variations recorded with owner and due date
- 7Inspection/producer statement/warranty/Record of Work requirements tracked for CCC
Questions to ask the subcontractor
- Which drawing, detail, or manufacturer instruction are you working from?
- What needs to be checked before this is covered or handed to the next trade?
- What could stop you today: weather, access, materials, information, inspections, or other trades?
- Does anything on site differ from the drawings or specification?
- What evidence will you provide for the quality file and CCC file?
Red flags to stop work
- Work differs from consented drawings or specification and no approved variation/RFI exists
- A structural, weathertightness, waterproofing, drainage, fire/safety, or H1 detail is unclear
- The trade wants to cover work before inspection, testing, or photos are complete
- Specified materials are missing, substituted, damaged, wet, expired, or installed outside manufacturer instructions
- A safety control is missing for excavation, heights, plant movement, electrical work, asbestos, silica, or public protection
What to record in the daily report
- Exact location and quantity of work completed
- Trade headcount, company names, plant used, deliveries, and material batch/product details
- Weather, site conditions, delays, instructions received, RFIs raised, and inspections booked/passed/failed
- Photos taken before cover-up and any defects or non-conformances found
- Next-day lookahead, blockers, and who is responsible for each action
Use this in my project
Turn concrete slabs into controlled action
Open the relevant workspace register, create the project-specific record, link the controlling documents and preserve evidence. The guide does not automatically approve or verify the action.