Building A-Z

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D

Dam

In terms of the Building Act 2004 (section 7), a dam is an artificial barrier constructed to hold back water (or other fluid) forming a reservoir to a depth of 3 metres or more and holding 20,000 or more cubic metres. It does not include a stopbank designed to control floodwaters. See the section on dam safety for the Building Act requirements for dams and the responsibilities of regional authorities and dam owners.

Dangerous buildings 

In terms of the Building Act 2004 (section 121), a building is dangerous if in the ordinary course of events it is likely to cause injury or death to people using the building or nearby, or likely to cause damage to other property. It includes a building that is likely to be dangerous in the event of fire. See our information for building officials on dangerous buildings policies. See also insanitary buildings.

Deck/decking 

An open platform projecting from an exterior wall of a building and supported by framing. A deck may be over enclosed internal spaces, or may be open underneath. May also be known as a balcony. Building Code clauses relating to decks include E2 External Moisture and B2 Durability. For safety advice about checking potentially unsafe balconies, decks and balustrades, see Building Controls Update 33.

Department of Building and Housing 

Established in November 2004, the Department of Building and Housing is responsible for regulation and dispute resolution in New Zealand’s building and housing sector. Find out more »

Designer 

A broad term to describe people who design buildings. It may include engineers, architects, architectural designers, design technicians and draughtspeople. A designer is usually (but not always) qualified and trained to design and document building design. They may also be capable of coordinating and administering all aspects of building design and construction. For more information about the role of designers and where to find one, see ConsumerBuild . Designers seeking regulatory information - view our information for builders, trades and designers.

Determination (Building Act determination) 

A binding decision made by the Department of Building and Housing under the Building Act 2004. It provides a way of solving disputes or questions about the rules that apply to buildings, how buildings are used, building accessibility, health and safety. You can find out how to apply for a determination and browse past determinations issued.

Determination (adjudication determination under the Weathertight Homes Resolution Services Act)

The WHRS Act 2006 transferred the adjudication functions of the Act to the Weathertight Homes Tribunal supported by the Ministry of Justice. To view determinations visit their website .

Developer

Any person who builds or arranges to build a building for the purpose of selling it. This could include developers of large commercial buildings, or builders or individuals building homes on ‘spec’. To find out more about the legal obligations of developers, see our information for building owners, managers and developers.

Disabled (person with a disability)

Any person who suffers from physical or mental disablement to such a degree that they are seriously limited in the extent to which they can engage in the activities, pursuits and processes of everyday life. There are a number of Building Code clauses relating to access and facilities for people with disabilities, including: C Fire Safety; D1 Access Routes; F8 Artificial Light; G1 Personal Hygiene; G2 Laundering; G3 Food Preparation and Prevention of Contamination; G5 Interior Environment; G9 Electricity; G12 Water Supplies. There have been a number of determinations regarding provision for people with disabilities and access-related disputes that you can view using the determinations search feature.

DIY (‘Do it yourself’) 

A term applied to work undertaken by building owners (generally residential) on their building or house. From 30 November 2009, some work currently undertaken by DIY home renovators will need to be carried out or supervised by a licensed building practitioner. Find out more about licensing. The ConsumerBuild  website also has information and guidance on DIY.

Drained cavity 

See cavity.

Durability 

‘Durability’ is covered by Clause B2 of the Building Code. For durability requirements as they relate to timber and weathertightness, refer to the Weathertightness section.

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