New construction, alterations and change of use to a building under the New Zealand Building Act (NZBA) requires that the Building Consent Authority (BCA) is satisfied that the building will comply as near as reasonably practicable (ANARP) with the provision of the building code that relates to the following:

• Means of escape from fire; and
• Access and facilities for persons with disabilities (if this is a requirement in terms of section 118)

The accessibility assessment report can verify the requirements to ensure that the provisions of the building comply too at least the same extent as before the alterations. Noting that new construction shall fully comply with the requirements of the New Zealand Building Code.

Typically this type of report is required if your development involves the following:

• Any building with the exception of residential houses
• Office
• Restaurant
• Childcare
• Apartments
• Factories

If you have any questions about whether a new build fire report is required for your property, please contact us to discuss.

To demonstrate accessibility compliance Chester makes use of the Acceptable Solutions in the New Zealand Building Code Clause D1/AS 1, NZS 4121:2001 Design for Access and Mobility Buildings and Facilities.

The accessibility reports review and verify compliance with issues such as:

• Egress routes
• Door widths
• Surface finishes (critical for floor surfaces)
• Toilet requirements, layout and quantity
• Handrails,
• Car parking requirement, and
• signage

Currently we can serve the greater Auckland area. However, we can always put you in touch with a company that might be able to help if your development is outside this region.