Frame and roof
Wall framing
Stand, plumb, brace, and fix external and internal wall frames so loads, bracing, openings, services, and linings all work as designed.
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 frame delivery, treatment, layout, openings, lintels, bracing walls, hold-downs, bottom plates, and fixingsLevel 2 · Frame and roof
TaskCheckHold pointEvidenceRecordNext actionSimple explanation
Check frame delivery, treatment, layout, openings, lintels, bracing walls, hold-downs, bottom plates, and fixings.
Technical context
Coordinate this work against Floor plan, NZS 3604 or engineer details, the current consent status, and the actual site condition. Confirm interfaces before releasing dependent work.
Why it matters: The main recorded risk is: Frame out of plumb. A missed check can create rework, delay, hidden defects, an inspection failure, or a departure from approved project documents.
Prerequisites
- Floor plan is current, approved for the intended use, and available to the people doing the work.
- NZS 3604 or engineer details and relevant product information have been checked.
- Access, responsibility, safety controls, preceding work and the framing inspection sequence are confirmed.
Checks
- Check the completed work against Floor plan and NZS 3604 or engineer details.
- Check specifically for: Frame out of plumb.
- Avoid this known mistake: Ignoring bracing plan.
Evidence to save
- Wide, location-identifying and close-up photographs of the completed wall framing work before it is concealed.
- Marked-up Floor plan or a precise drawing/detail reference.
- 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 Framing inspection and the required project evidence are complete or the authorised reviewer confirms what may proceed.
Stop or escalate when
- Frame out of plumb
- Ignoring bracing plan
- The current drawing, approval, competent reviewer or required evidence cannot be confirmed.
Documents and records
- Floor plan
- NZS 3604 or engineer details
- 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 wall 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
Coordinate plumber/electrician penetrations so they do not compromise structural members or bracing.
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.
02Coordinate plumber/electrician penetrations so they do not compromise structural members or bracingLevel 2 · Frame and roof
TaskCheckHold pointEvidenceRecordNext actionSimple explanation
Coordinate plumber/electrician penetrations so they do not compromise structural members or bracing.
Technical context
Coordinate this work against Wall framing plan, Timber treatment, the current consent status, and the actual site condition. Confirm interfaces before releasing dependent work.
Why it matters: The main recorded risk is: Missing lintel. A missed check can create rework, delay, hidden defects, an inspection failure, or a departure from approved project documents.
Prerequisites
- Wall framing plan is current, approved for the intended use, and available to the people doing the work.
- Timber treatment and relevant product information have been checked.
- Access, responsibility, safety controls, preceding work and the pre-line inspection sequence are confirmed.
Checks
- Check the completed work against Wall framing plan and Timber treatment.
- Check specifically for: Missing lintel.
- Avoid this known mistake: Wrong lintel sizes.
Evidence to save
- Wide, location-identifying and close-up photographs of the completed wall framing work before it is concealed.
- Marked-up Wall framing plan or a precise drawing/detail reference.
- Pre-line 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-line inspection and the required project evidence are complete or the authorised reviewer confirms what may proceed.
Stop or escalate when
- Missing lintel
- Wrong lintel sizes
- The current drawing, approval, competent reviewer or required evidence cannot be confirmed.
Documents and records
- Wall framing plan
- Timber treatment
- 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 wall 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
Prepare for council framing/pre-line inspection with bracing evidence and fixing checks complete.
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.
03Prepare for council framing/pre-line inspection with bracing evidence and fixing checks completeLevel 2 · Frame and roof
TaskCheckHold pointEvidenceRecordNext actionSimple explanation
Prepare for council framing/pre-line inspection with bracing evidence and fixing checks complete.
Technical context
Coordinate this work against Lintel schedule, 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: Wrong bracing fixings. A missed check can create rework, delay, hidden defects, an inspection failure, or a departure from approved project documents.
Prerequisites
- Lintel schedule 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 engineer check where required sequence are confirmed.
Checks
- Check the completed work against Lintel schedule and Fixing schedule.
- Check specifically for: Wrong bracing fixings.
- Avoid this known mistake: Covering framing before inspection.
Evidence to save
- Wide, location-identifying and close-up photographs of the completed wall framing work before it is concealed.
- Marked-up Lintel schedule or a precise drawing/detail reference.
- Engineer check where required 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 check where required and the required project evidence are complete or the authorised reviewer confirms what may proceed.
Stop or escalate when
- Wrong bracing fixings
- Covering framing before inspection
- The current drawing, approval, competent reviewer or required evidence cannot be confirmed.
Documents and records
- Lintel schedule
- 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 wall 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 wall 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.
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 →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
- Check frame delivery, treatment, layout, openings, lintels, bracing walls, hold-downs, bottom plates, and fixings.
- Coordinate plumber/electrician penetrations so they do not compromise structural members or bracing.
- Prepare for council framing/pre-line inspection with bracing evidence and fixing checks complete.
Before work starts
- Confirm the latest issued-for-construction and consented documents for wall framing are on site, including Floor plan.
- Check NZS 3604 or engineer details, 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
Framing out of plumb
- 1Stop the affected wall 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.
Missing lintel
- 1Stop the affected wall 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.
Bracing problem
- 1Stop the affected wall 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.
Use where the project is within NZS 3604 scope; always confirm against the consented structural drawings and engineer details.
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.
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
- Framing inspection
- Pre-line inspection
- Engineer check where required
Common risks
- Frame out of plumb
- Missing lintel
- Wrong bracing fixings
- Service holes weakening members
- Wet framing enclosed
Common mistakes
- Ignoring bracing plan
- Wrong lintel sizes
- Covering framing before inspection
- No moisture check before lining
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 wall 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 wall 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.