Your Trusted Partner for Hassle Free Certificates of Acceptance in Whakatane & the Surrounding Bay of Plenty.

What is a Certificate of Acceptance?

A Certificate of Acceptance (COA) is a formal document validating that building work, which was undertaken without a building consent, meets the standards outlined in the New Zealdand Building Code as nearly as is reasonably practicable.

There are various situations where a COA becomes necessary. For instance, if you purchase a property with unauthorized modifications done by a previous owner without a building consent, a COA can help validate that these alterations comply with safety and regulatory standards. The COA will subsequently identify noncompliance areas which may need to be remediated if any.

Why is a COA necessary for unconsented work?

A COA (Certificate of Acceptance) is necessary for unconsented work because it validates that specific construction work, which was undertaken without prior consent, meets the required standards set by the Building Code. This document helps verify that the unconsented building work will comply as nearly as is reasonably practicable with the building code. It provides assurance to regulatory authorities, property owners, insurance companies and potential buyers that the building meets essential standards despite its history of being carried out without prior consent.
Most often owners might be advised from council to obtain a COA or may receive a Notice To Fix, prompting them to acquire a COA.

How do I obtain a Certificate of Acceptance?

With years of experience in the industry, Supremegroup's team is well-versed in the intricacies of obtaining Certificates of Acceptance in Whakatane and throughout New Zealand. Having worked in councils reviewing and also completing many COA applications/reports we understand the process and can help take away the pressure and stress to obtain a COA.

What is involved in the COA process.

1. Initial Consultation
Contact Supremegroup to discuss your project and compliance needs. We’ll review existing work, address concerns, and will conduct a site visit to assess the work completed and provide a cost estimate to complete the COA report and application.

2. Comprehensive Site Assessment
We thoroughly evaluate your construction to identify compliance status, highlighting any areas that need attention. We also review local council requirements and can arrange a pre-application meeting (optional) to streamline the process.

3. Application Preparation
Supremegroup compiles all necessary documentation, including creating architectural plans and specifications as well as the COA report. If specialist consultants are needed, we’ll provide quotes and timelines before proceeding, ensuring transparency throughout.

4. Submission to Local Council
We submit your COA application to the relevant council and monitor its progress. Our team promptly addresses any inquiries or additional information requests to keep things moving.

5. Compliance Verification & Updates
If the council requires changes or clarifications, we coordinate with you to ensure full compliance. If a site visit is requested, we guide council representatives and clarify the work done.

6. Final Approval & COA Issuance
Once all requirements are met, the council issues the Certificate of Acceptance. Your project’s building work is officially recognized, confirming compliance with all necessary regulations.

Why Supremegroup?

In-House Expertise
Our teams expertise is vast in the construction industry which includes builders, designers, roofers, and weathertightness experts, as well as former council inspectors and processors. We can quickly provide detailed analyses and accurate cost estimates—often after a single site visit and property file review.

End-to-End Services
We can manage both the COA application process and any required building work. This fully integrated approach optimizes costs, reduces delays, and ensures consistent quality.

Honest Advice
If it’s not financially practical to pursue a COA, we’ll tell you upfront. Our focus is on delivering cost-effective, time-efficient solutions that align with your best interests.

Cost-Effective Solutions
Supremegroup recognizes the significance of considering costs. Our consultancy services are crafted to offer cost effective solutions without compromising on quality or compliance. We thoroughly evaluate all completed work, distinguishing between what aligns with the New Zealand building code and what does not. An essential aspect is understanding compliance and recognizing the criteria that councils seek in COA applications. This knowledge establishes a solid foundation for identifying compliant work addressing any potential issues early on.  Because we can complete both the COA report and any building work needed, we’re able to tailor a fully integrated solution that optimizes costs and efficiency. Being able to provide this comprehensive understanding early on provides clarity to our clients and allows us to devise innovative and cost-effective resolutions for any arising issues.

Our Goal
To make the COA process as smooth and economical as possible, giving you the information and support needed to make confident decisions about your property.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

  • Not all COA’s are the same and are specific to each building and the unconsented work, therefore we will always start with a site visit which allows us to assess the extent of work completed and from there we can provide a cost estimate.

    A variety of elements can affect the costs associated with obtaining a Certificate of Acceptance (COA). These include:

    Scope & Complexity: The size and intricacy of unconsented work significantly impact costs, as larger or more detailed projects usually need extra documentation, inspections, and potential corrections/additional building work to bring up to standard.

    Quality of Existing Work: If previously completed work isn’t up to standard, repairs and even partial or complete removal may be necessary, adding to the overall expense.

    Specialist Involvement: In some cases, additional professionals such as engineers, surveyors, or other consultants might need to be brought in to prepare documentation, conduct assessments, and liaise with council authorities. These fees can also increase the total investment.

  • We have successfully completed the site visit, reporting & lodgement with council in 2 weeks for buyers during the contract period and have obtained COA’s for the building work prior to settlement.

    However more realistically. The duration for obtaining a Certificate of Acceptance (COA) varies based on many factors, including the complexity of the unconsented work, how quickly all parties (e.g., owners, consultants, and regulatory authorities) respond, and any additional inspections or requirements needed to ensure compliance with building codes. While straightforward applications may be processed within a few weeks, more complex cases can extend to a few months. On average, most COA applications are completed within 1–2 months.

    Remedial Work & Modifications
    If any part of the unconsented work fails to meet building code standards, remedial actions or modifications may be required before approval. These adjustments can extend the overall timeframe of the COA process, as additional inspections or documentation may be necessary once the work is brought up to standard.

  • Real estate agents in New Zealand are obligated to disclose material information about a property to potential buyers. Unconsented building work can heavily influence a buyer's decision to purchase or not.

    Due to NZ’s DIY mentality a lot of homes listed for sale have work completed that is unconsented. With the process of buying a home lots of different parties now review the property & the property file which may include the banks, insurers, lawyers, building report company & real estate agents all who have really cracked down on this and are enforcing owners to remove these works or obtain a COA. Sometimes banks will even refuse lending based on the unconsented work or require the new owners to remediate the works within a timeframe after settlement.

    Market Appeal: Unconsented work can undermine buyer confidence, as it may make securing lending or insurance more difficult. When buyers perceive added risks, you’re likely to see fewer offers or lower bids.

    Impact on Property Value: Properties lacking official approval for renovations or alterations often see diminished market appeal. In turn, this can drive down the final sale price, as buyers factor in the cost and effort required to legitimize the work.

    Without a COA, you risk complicated negotiations and potential deal-breakers when selling your home. Buyers, lenders, and insurers often hesitate if they perceive unconsented work as a legal or financial risk. By obtaining a COA and verifying that your alterations meet building code requirements—you remove these uncertainties, minimize renegotiations, and streamline the entire sale process. Essentially, a COA offers peace of mind to all parties involved, allowing you to maintain a stronger asking price and close the deal faster.

  • Financing & Insurance Hurdles
    Lenders and insurers are often wary of unconsented work, which can mean added scrutiny or requirements before approving loans or coverage. For instance, if a fire starts in an area with unconsented alterations, insurers may deny a claim—even if you assumed you were covered.

    Negotiation Power
    Unconsented building work typically lowers a property’s value, giving buyers leverage to negotiate a better price. Factoring in the cost of potential fixes or legal risks is key to forming a realistic offer.

    Clarity on Future Costs
    A thorough inspection and expert review can pinpoint potential issues with unconsented work. By identifying these deficiencies early, buyers can anticipate any required remedial actions and avoid unexpected costs. Even if the work is complete, it may not meet building code standards, so knowing what complies—and what doesn’t—can save significant time and money in the long run.

    Long-Term Resale Considerations
    Although unconsented work may not stop you from buying, it could create headaches if you decide to sell. Being aware of these concerns now ensures you maintain your property’s appeal and avoid complications down the road.

    If you’re considering a property that has unconsented work, obtaining a Certificate of Acceptance (COA) can offer substantial peace of mind. Not only does it confirm that alterations meet building code standards, but it also helps avoid complications with lenders and insurers. If you find unconsented work in a property you purchase we can help safeguard your investment and obtain the requisite sign offs. We have obtained COA’s for clients during the contracting period and had council issue prior to settlement, this is not always guaranteed, however get in touch with us today and we can help guide you through the process.

Contact Us:

Ready to start the Certificate of Acceptance process or need more information? Contact Supremegroup today to speak with our experts and get personalized assistance for your project.