What Happens Before You Get the Keys? Final Inspections and Code of Compliance Explained
April 7, 2025
Getting the keys to your brand-new home is an exciting milestone—but before that moment arrives, your home must go through a series of final checks and approvals to ensure it’s 100% ready, safe, and compliant with New Zealand building regulations.
At Today Homes, we take this stage seriously. From council inspections to our internal quality control process, we go the extra mile to ensure that your home is delivered in perfect condition—not just built to code, but to the standard you deserve.
Passing Council Inspections: Meeting NZ Building Standards
Throughout the construction of your home, there are typically around 10 council inspections that must be passed. These are carried out by your local authority and cover everything from foundations and framing to plumbing, drainage, insulation, and final completion.
The most important of these is the final inspection.
This is where a council inspector visits the finished home to ensure that every part of the build complies with the New Zealand Building Code. They assess everything according to strict guidelines and won’t sign off until every detail has been approved.
Only once this inspection is passed can your home move to the next critical stage: applying for the Code of Compliance Certificate (CCC).
What Is a Code of Compliance Certificate?
The Code of Compliance Certificate is issued by the local council and confirms that the home has been completed according to the approved building consent and complies with all legal requirements.
Without a CCC:
- You cannot legally occupy the home
- You may have trouble securing insurance or finance
- It can cause problems when selling the property in the future
At Today Homes, we handle all the paperwork and submission for the CCC on your behalf—once your final inspection has passed. This is a vital part of delivering a home that is fully complete, certified, and ready to move into.
The Final Walkthrough: Our Internal Handover Process
While we wait for the Code of Compliance Certificate to be issued, we don’t sit idle. This is when we carry out our own strict handover and snagging process.
Here’s how it works:
1. Client Walkthrough and Snag List
We walk through the entire home with you, room by room, to identify any minor imperfections or finishing touches that need attention. These are often small items like paint touch-ups, hardware alignment, or other fine details.
2. Immediate Rectification
Any items identified in the walkthrough are added to a snag list and actioned immediately by our team. Our goal is to ensure that by the time you receive your keys, your home is not just compliant—but completely ready to live in, down to the finest detail.
3. Final Presentation
Once everything on the snag list has been resolved and the CCC is issued, we schedule your key handover. At this point, your home will be clean, complete, and built exactly to the specification you signed off on—if not better.
Why This Matters
This thorough approach ensures:
- You move into a home that is fully certified, legal, and safe
- Minor finishing issues are resolved before you take possession
- You experience peace of mind knowing your builder stands behind their work
- The quality you see in our show homes is what you receive in your own home
Final Thoughts: Handover Done Right
At Today Homes, we believe the final stages of your build are just as important as the foundations. From council inspections to snag list walk-throughs, we’re committed to getting it right before you move in—so that when we hand over the keys, your home is everything you hoped for, and more.
If you’re planning to build and want confidence in the final result, talk to us about how we handle the details—right through to the last nail.