Substructure
Piles and subfloor framing
Build pile, bearer, and joist systems for raised timber floors, including bracing, durability, ventilation, fixings, and ground clearance checks.
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 pile layout, ground conditions, pile type, bracing piles, bearer sizes, joist direction, fixings, and subfloor ventilationLevel 2 · Substructure
TaskCheckHold pointEvidenceRecordNext actionSimple explanation
Confirm pile layout, ground conditions, pile type, bracing piles, bearer sizes, joist direction, fixings, and subfloor ventilation.
Technical context
Coordinate this work against Pile plan, Timber treatment specification, the current consent status, and the actual site condition. Confirm interfaces before releasing dependent work.
Why it matters: The main recorded risk is: Wrong pile locations. A missed check can create rework, delay, hidden defects, an inspection failure, or a departure from approved project documents.
Prerequisites
- Pile plan is current, approved for the intended use, and available to the people doing the work.
- Timber treatment specification and relevant product information have been checked.
- Access, responsibility, safety controls, preceding work and the pile inspection sequence are confirmed.
Checks
- Check the completed work against Pile plan and Timber treatment specification.
- Check specifically for: Wrong pile locations.
- Avoid this known mistake: No check of timber treatment marks.
Evidence to save
- Wide, location-identifying and close-up photographs of the completed piles and subfloor framing work before it is concealed.
- Marked-up Pile plan or a precise drawing/detail reference.
- Pile 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 Pile inspection and the required project evidence are complete or the authorised reviewer confirms what may proceed.
Stop or escalate when
- Wrong pile locations
- No check of timber treatment marks
- The current drawing, approval, competent reviewer or required evidence cannot be confirmed.
Documents and records
- Pile plan
- Timber treatment 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 piles and subfloor framing. 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 treatment markings and material storage before installation.
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 treatment markings and material storage before installationLevel 2 · Substructure
TaskCheckHold pointEvidenceRecordNext actionSimple explanation
Check treatment markings and material storage before installation.
Technical context
Coordinate this work against Subfloor framing plan, Fixing schedule, the current consent status, and the actual site condition. Confirm interfaces before releasing dependent work.
Why it matters: The main recorded risk is: Incorrect fixings. A missed check can create rework, delay, hidden defects, an inspection failure, or a departure from approved project documents.
Prerequisites
- Subfloor framing plan is current, approved for the intended use, and available to the people doing the work.
- Fixing schedule and relevant product information have been checked.
- Access, responsibility, safety controls, preceding work and the subfloor/framing inspection sequence are confirmed.
Checks
- Check the completed work against Subfloor framing plan and Fixing schedule.
- Check specifically for: Incorrect fixings.
- Avoid this known mistake: Bearer/joist layout not matched to penetrations.
Evidence to save
- Wide, location-identifying and close-up photographs of the completed piles and subfloor framing work before it is concealed.
- Marked-up Subfloor framing plan or a precise drawing/detail reference.
- Subfloor/framing 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 Subfloor/framing inspection and the required project evidence are complete or the authorised reviewer confirms what may proceed.
Stop or escalate when
- Incorrect fixings
- Bearer/joist layout not matched to penetrations
- The current drawing, approval, competent reviewer or required evidence cannot be confirmed.
Documents and records
- Subfloor framing plan
- Fixing schedule
- 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 piles and subfloor framing. 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
Inspect connections and bracing before flooring hides the framing.
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.
03Inspect connections and bracing before flooring hides the framingLevel 2 · Substructure
TaskCheckHold pointEvidenceRecordNext actionSimple explanation
Inspect connections and bracing before flooring hides the framing.
Technical context
Coordinate this work against Bracing details, Bracing requirements, the current consent status, and the actual site condition. Confirm interfaces before releasing dependent work.
Why it matters: The main recorded risk is: Inadequate bracing. A missed check can create rework, delay, hidden defects, an inspection failure, or a departure from approved project documents.
Prerequisites
- Bracing details is current, approved for the intended use, and available to the people doing the work.
- Bracing requirements and relevant product information have been checked.
- Access, responsibility, safety controls, preceding work and the engineer inspection if specific design sequence are confirmed.
Checks
- Check the completed work against Bracing details and Bracing requirements.
- Check specifically for: Inadequate bracing.
- Avoid this known mistake: Subfloor bracing missed.
Evidence to save
- Wide, location-identifying and close-up photographs of the completed piles and subfloor framing work before it is concealed.
- Marked-up Bracing details or a precise drawing/detail reference.
- Engineer inspection if specific design 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 if specific design and the required project evidence are complete or the authorised reviewer confirms what may proceed.
Stop or escalate when
- Inadequate bracing
- Subfloor bracing missed
- The current drawing, approval, competent reviewer or required evidence cannot be confirmed.
Documents and records
- Bracing details
- Bracing 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 piles and subfloor framing. 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 piles and subfloor framing 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
- Confirm pile layout, ground conditions, pile type, bracing piles, bearer sizes, joist direction, fixings, and subfloor ventilation.
- Check treatment markings and material storage before installation.
- Inspect connections and bracing before flooring hides the framing.
Before work starts
- Confirm the latest issued-for-construction and consented documents for piles and subfloor framing are on site, including Pile plan.
- Check Timber treatment 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
Pile set-out mismatch
- 1Stop the affected piles and subfloor framing 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.
Framing bounce or level issue
- 1Stop the affected piles and subfloor framing 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.
Subfloor ventilation blocked
- 1Stop the affected piles and subfloor framing 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.
Use where the project is within NZS 3604 scope; always confirm against the consented structural drawings and engineer details.
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
- Pile inspection
- Subfloor/framing inspection
- Engineer inspection if specific design
Common risks
- Wrong pile locations
- Incorrect fixings
- Inadequate bracing
- Timber durability mismatch
- Poor ventilation
Common mistakes
- No check of timber treatment marks
- Bearer/joist layout not matched to penetrations
- Subfloor bracing missed
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 piles and subfloor framing 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 piles and subfloor framing 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.