Thinking of developing your section? Here's what you need to know.

What your responsibilities are

Obtaining the building consent from council and resource consent (if applicable)
Employing designers, builders and tradespeople
Ensuring that all required inspections are booked at the appropriate stages of the building project and that any issues identified in these inspections are addressed
Ensure easements and covenants on the title are compliant
Apply for a Code Compliance Certificate when the building work is done (within two years of the building consent being granted)
Note: have a contract in place signed by yourself and the building contractor outlining costings; time frame of the build and the design plans of the home

Develop a good working relationship with your builder

If you have any concerns about the work, discuss them right away
Keep changes to a minimum and instruct your builder in writing about all variations to the specified work and ensure you get a written quote
Be aware any changes you make may mean you have to amend your building consent.
If you are responsible for choosing the appliances and any other materials or fittings and fixtures, make sure they are already bought when the builder reaches that stage
Ensure your architect or architectural designer is involved throughout

If there are any issues with the building work

Report any urgent defects to your builder promptly and in writing
List any non-urgent defects for your builder to correct at an agreed time
Often some funds are retained until work is completed satisfactorily but only with the understanding and agreement of the project manager as agreed in the contract

Sources: buildingguide.co.nz and realestate.co.nz