Envelope
Windows and exterior doors
Install exterior joinery with correct support, fixing, air seals, flashing tapes, head/sill flashings, drainage, and protection.
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 sizes, handing, reveal type, sill support, packers, fixings, flashings, tapes, air seals, and glazing safety requirementsLevel 2 · Envelope
TaskCheckHold pointEvidenceRecordNext actionSimple explanation
Check sizes, handing, reveal type, sill support, packers, fixings, flashings, tapes, air seals, and glazing safety requirements.
Technical context
Coordinate this work against Window schedule, Joinery specification, the current consent status, and the actual site condition. Confirm interfaces before releasing dependent work.
Why it matters: The main recorded risk is: Window leak. A missed check can create rework, delay, hidden defects, an inspection failure, or a departure from approved project documents.
Prerequisites
- Window schedule is current, approved for the intended use, and available to the people doing the work.
- Joinery specification and relevant product information have been checked.
- Access, responsibility, safety controls, preceding work and the window installation qa sequence are confirmed.
Checks
- Check the completed work against Window schedule and Joinery specification.
- Check specifically for: Window leak.
- Avoid this known mistake: No check against window schedule.
Evidence to save
- Wide, location-identifying and close-up photographs of the completed windows and exterior doors work before it is concealed.
- Marked-up Window schedule or a precise drawing/detail reference.
- Window installation QA 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 Window installation QA and the required project evidence are complete or the authorised reviewer confirms what may proceed.
Stop or escalate when
- Window leak
- No check against window schedule
- The current drawing, approval, competent reviewer or required evidence cannot be confirmed.
Documents and records
- Window schedule
- Joinery 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 windows and exterior doors. 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 joinery with cladding sequencing so critical flashings are not missed.
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 joinery with cladding sequencing so critical flashings are not missedLevel 2 · Envelope
TaskCheckHold pointEvidenceRecordNext actionSimple explanation
Coordinate joinery with cladding sequencing so critical flashings are not missed.
Technical context
Coordinate this work against Elevations, E2/AS1 where applicable, the current consent status, and the actual site condition. Confirm interfaces before releasing dependent work.
Why it matters: The main recorded risk is: Wrong joinery size. A missed check can create rework, delay, hidden defects, an inspection failure, or a departure from approved project documents.
Prerequisites
- Elevations is current, approved for the intended use, and available to the people doing the work.
- E2/AS1 where applicable and relevant product information have been checked.
- Access, responsibility, safety controls, preceding work and the pre-cladding/window flashing inspection sequence are confirmed.
Checks
- Check the completed work against Elevations and E2/AS1 where applicable.
- Check specifically for: Wrong joinery size.
- Avoid this known mistake: Head flashing not installed before cladding.
Evidence to save
- Wide, location-identifying and close-up photographs of the completed windows and exterior doors work before it is concealed.
- Marked-up Elevations or a precise drawing/detail reference.
- Pre-cladding/window flashing 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-cladding/window flashing inspection and the required project evidence are complete or the authorised reviewer confirms what may proceed.
Stop or escalate when
- Wrong joinery size
- Head flashing not installed before cladding
- The current drawing, approval, competent reviewer or required evidence cannot be confirmed.
Documents and records
- Elevations
- E2/AS1 where applicable
- 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 windows and exterior doors. 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
Protect frames and glass from scratches, plaster, paint, concrete, and trade damage.
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.
03Protect frames and glass from scratches, plaster, paint, concrete, and trade damageLevel 2 · Envelope
TaskCheckHold pointEvidenceRecordNext actionSimple explanation
Protect frames and glass from scratches, plaster, paint, concrete, and trade damage.
Technical context
Coordinate this work against E2 head/jamb/sill details, Manufacturer installation instructions, the current consent status, and the actual site condition. Confirm interfaces before releasing dependent work.
Why it matters: The main recorded risk is: Missing sill support. A missed check can create rework, delay, hidden defects, an inspection failure, or a departure from approved project documents.
Prerequisites
- E2 head/jamb/sill details is current, approved for the intended use, and available to the people doing the work.
- Manufacturer installation instructions and relevant product information have been checked.
- Access, responsibility, safety controls, preceding work and the final water-shedding check sequence are confirmed.
Checks
- Check the completed work against E2 head/jamb/sill details and Manufacturer installation instructions.
- Check specifically for: Missing sill support.
- Avoid this known mistake: Sealant used instead of designed flashing.
Evidence to save
- Wide, location-identifying and close-up photographs of the completed windows and exterior doors work before it is concealed.
- Marked-up E2 head/jamb/sill details or a precise drawing/detail reference.
- Final water-shedding 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 Final water-shedding check and the required project evidence are complete or the authorised reviewer confirms what may proceed.
Stop or escalate when
- Missing sill support
- Sealant used instead of designed flashing
- The current drawing, approval, competent reviewer or required evidence cannot be confirmed.
Documents and records
- E2 head/jamb/sill details
- Manufacturer installation instructions
- 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 windows and exterior doors. 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 windows and exterior doors 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.
Windows, underlay, cavity, flashings and cladding
Prerequisites
- • Opening dimensions and tolerances are checked before delivery
- • Window/cladding/underlay details are coordinated at sill, jamb, head and corners
- • Cavity closures, tapes, sealants and flashings are system-compatible
Interface checks
- • Drainage/ventilation paths remain open and shingle laps shed water outward
- • Fixings, packers, air seals and required clearances match the approved details
- • Adjacent decks, paving, roofs and landscaping preserve threshold and cladding clearances
Evidence before release
- • Opening pre-installation check
- • Sill/jamb/head sequence photographs
- • Window/cladding installer QA and any required observation record
Next team: Interior lining, sealant and exterior works teams
Open the related Workspace control →What happens in this stage
- Check sizes, handing, reveal type, sill support, packers, fixings, flashings, tapes, air seals, and glazing safety requirements.
- Coordinate joinery with cladding sequencing so critical flashings are not missed.
- Protect frames and glass from scratches, plaster, paint, concrete, and trade damage.
Before work starts
- Confirm the latest issued-for-construction and consented documents for windows and exterior doors are on site, including Window schedule.
- Check Joinery 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
Window installation issue
- 1Stop the affected windows and exterior doors 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.
Incorrect flashing installation
- 1Stop the affected windows and exterior doors 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.
Joinery damaged before handover
- 1Stop the affected windows and exterior doors 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 E2/AS1, consented wall/roof details, cladding specifications, flashing details, and manufacturer installation requirements.
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.
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
- Window installation QA
- Pre-cladding/window flashing inspection
- Final water-shedding check
Common risks
- Window leak
- Wrong joinery size
- Missing sill support
- Damaged frame
- Incorrect safety glass
Common mistakes
- No check against window schedule
- Head flashing not installed before cladding
- Sealant used instead of designed flashing
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 windows and exterior doors 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 windows and exterior doors 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.