Services
HVAC and ventilation
Coordinate heat pumps, ducting, extract fans, ventilation paths, condensate drains, penetrations, acoustic issues, and commissioning evidence.
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.
01Confirm equipment locations, airflow paths, duct runs, penetrations, condensate drainage, outdoor unit positions, and access for maintenanceLevel 2 · Services
TaskCheckHold pointEvidenceRecordNext actionSimple explanation
Confirm equipment locations, airflow paths, duct runs, penetrations, condensate drainage, outdoor unit positions, and access for maintenance.
Technical context
Coordinate this work against Mechanical/ventilation layout, NZBC G4/H1 guidance, the current consent status, and the actual site condition. Confirm interfaces before releasing dependent work.
Why it matters: The main recorded risk is: Poor ventilation. A missed check can create rework, delay, hidden defects, an inspection failure, or a departure from approved project documents.
Prerequisites
- Mechanical/ventilation layout is current, approved for the intended use, and available to the people doing the work.
- NZBC G4/H1 guidance and relevant product information have been checked.
- Access, responsibility, safety controls, preceding work and the rough-in check sequence are confirmed.
Checks
- Check the completed work against Mechanical/ventilation layout and NZBC G4/H1 guidance.
- Check specifically for: Poor ventilation.
- Avoid this known mistake: Duct crushed by insulation/linings.
Evidence to save
- Wide, location-identifying and close-up photographs of the completed hvac and ventilation work before it is concealed.
- Marked-up Mechanical/ventilation layout or a precise drawing/detail reference.
- Rough-in check 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 Rough-in check and the required project evidence are complete or the authorised reviewer confirms what may proceed.
Stop or escalate when
- Poor ventilation
- Duct crushed by insulation/linings
- The current drawing, approval, competent reviewer or required evidence cannot be confirmed.
Documents and records
- Mechanical/ventilation layout
- NZBC G4/H1 guidance
- 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 hvac and ventilation. 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
Check ducts and penetrations before lining/ceiling closure.
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.
02Check ducts and penetrations before lining/ceiling closureLevel 2 · Services
TaskCheckHold pointEvidenceRecordNext actionSimple explanation
Check ducts and penetrations before lining/ceiling closure.
Technical context
Coordinate this work against Electrical plan, Manufacturer installation manuals, the current consent status, and the actual site condition. Confirm interfaces before releasing dependent work.
Why it matters: The main recorded risk is: Condensate leak. A missed check can create rework, delay, hidden defects, an inspection failure, or a departure from approved project documents.
Prerequisites
- Electrical plan is current, approved for the intended use, and available to the people doing the work.
- Manufacturer installation manuals and relevant product information have been checked.
- Access, responsibility, safety controls, preceding work and the penetration flashing check sequence are confirmed.
Checks
- Check the completed work against Electrical plan and Manufacturer installation manuals.
- Check specifically for: Condensate leak.
- Avoid this known mistake: Outdoor unit placed where client will reject it.
Evidence to save
- Wide, location-identifying and close-up photographs of the completed hvac and ventilation work before it is concealed.
- Marked-up Electrical plan or a precise drawing/detail reference.
- Penetration flashing check 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 Penetration flashing check and the required project evidence are complete or the authorised reviewer confirms what may proceed.
Stop or escalate when
- Condensate leak
- Outdoor unit placed where client will reject it
- The current drawing, approval, competent reviewer or required evidence cannot be confirmed.
Documents and records
- Electrical plan
- Manufacturer installation manuals
- 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 hvac and ventilation. 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
Collect commissioning sheets, warranties, manuals, and user instructions.
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.
03Collect commissioning sheets, warranties, manuals, and user instructionsLevel 2 · Services
TaskCheckHold pointEvidenceRecordNext actionSimple explanation
Collect commissioning sheets, warranties, manuals, and user instructions.
Technical context
Coordinate this work against Roof/wall penetration details, Ventilation design, the current consent status, and the actual site condition. Confirm interfaces before releasing dependent work.
Why it matters: The main recorded risk is: No access for filter maintenance. A missed check can create rework, delay, hidden defects, an inspection failure, or a departure from approved project documents.
Prerequisites
- Roof/wall penetration details is current, approved for the intended use, and available to the people doing the work.
- Ventilation design and relevant product information have been checked.
- Access, responsibility, safety controls, preceding work and the commissioning check sequence are confirmed.
Checks
- Check the completed work against Roof/wall penetration details and Ventilation design.
- Check specifically for: No access for filter maintenance.
- Avoid this known mistake: No condensate fall.
Evidence to save
- Wide, location-identifying and close-up photographs of the completed hvac and ventilation work before it is concealed.
- Marked-up Roof/wall penetration details or a precise drawing/detail reference.
- Commissioning check 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 Commissioning check and the required project evidence are complete or the authorised reviewer confirms what may proceed.
Stop or escalate when
- No access for filter maintenance
- No condensate fall
- The current drawing, approval, competent reviewer or required evidence cannot be confirmed.
Documents and records
- Roof/wall penetration details
- Ventilation design
- 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 hvac and ventilation. 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 hvac and ventilation 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.
Structure, penetrations and building services
Prerequisites
- • Coordinated services routes and fixture/equipment positions are issued
- • Restricted drilling/notching zones and fire/acoustic systems are identified
- • Required sleeves, supports and access panels are agreed
Interface checks
- • No member, brace, connection or fire/acoustic element is altered without authorised detail
- • Falls, ventilation paths, clearances and maintenance access can still be achieved
- • Penetration sealing system matches substrate, service and required rating
Evidence before release
- • Coordinated services drawing or marked-up route
- • Pre-line photographs of every concealed service zone
- • Engineer/designer RFI response and penetration schedule where required
Next team: Insulation, lining and commissioning teams
Open the related Workspace control →What happens in this stage
- Confirm equipment locations, airflow paths, duct runs, penetrations, condensate drainage, outdoor unit positions, and access for maintenance.
- Check ducts and penetrations before lining/ceiling closure.
- Collect commissioning sheets, warranties, manuals, and user instructions.
Before work starts
- Confirm the latest issued-for-construction and consented documents for hvac and ventilation are on site, including Mechanical/ventilation layout.
- Check NZBC G4/H1 guidance, 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
Ducting clash
- 1Stop the affected hvac and ventilation 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.
Condensate drainage issue
- 1Stop the affected hvac and ventilation 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.
Missing commissioning sheet
- 1Stop the affected hvac and ventilation 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.
Use MBIE Building Performance to find the current Building Code clauses, Acceptable Solutions, Verification Methods, updates, and technical guidance.
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
- Rough-in check
- Penetration flashing check
- Commissioning check
Common risks
- Poor ventilation
- Condensate leak
- No access for filter maintenance
- Noisy unit
- Unflashed penetration
Common mistakes
- Duct crushed by insulation/linings
- Outdoor unit placed where client will reject it
- No condensate fall
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 hvac and ventilation 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 hvac and ventilation 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.