Building A-Z

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S

Safety from falling 

One of the objectives of the Building Code is to safeguard people from injury caused by falling. Buildings are to be constructed in a way that will reduce the likelihood of accidental fall. Clause F4 Safety from Falling is the relevant Building Code clause. There have been a number of determinations concerning barriers, which can be viewed using the determinations search feature.

Sales by residential property developers 

See residential property developer.

Section

A parcel of land. In New Zealand the size, location and ownership of a section is defined by the certificate of title. For information about buying a section, including information about certificates of title and other legal provisions, see ConsumerBuild .

Slender precast concrete walls 

Wall panels used in high-stud single-storey industrial buildings. There have been concerns raised about the behaviour of these wall panels in earthquakes and fires. You can view the report commissioned by the Department of Building and Housing on the Review of Design and Construction of Slender Precast Concrete Walls [PDF 85 KB, 27 pages].

Smoke alarm 

A safety device that detects airborne smoke and issues an audible alarm, thereby alerting nearby people to the danger of fire. For more information about smoke alarm installation and requirements, see ConsumerBuild . The Building Code clause concerning smoke alarms is F7 Warning Systems. There have been a number of determinations concerning smoke alarms, which can be viewed using the determinations search feature.

Solar heating 

Use of the sun’s energy to heat buildings and water. Solar energy can be collected in photovoltaic cells and used to produce electricity or the energy can be used directly to heat water and homes. The Building Code clause relating to energy efficiency is Clause H1. For information about uses of solar energy for heating, visit the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) website  and search under ‘Solar’. See also the section in ConsumerBuild on passive design for energy efficiency .

Specifications

Detailed written instructions containing details of work to be done and materials to be used in the construction of a building. For more information, see the section in ConsumerBuild on plans and specifications .

Specified systems 

A system or feature in a building that contributes to the proper functioning of the building, for example, an automatic sprinkler system. It includes a cable car servicing a building (see full definition in section 7 of the Building Act 2004). The specified systems that must be inspected for building warrant of fitness purposes are listed in the Building (Specified Systems, Change the Use, and Earthquake-prone Buildings) Regulations 2005. For more information see information for building owners, managers and developers and the information for building officials.

Stairway

A series of steps or stairs with or without landings giving access between two different levels. There are a number of Building Code clauses relevant to the construction and placement of stairs and stairways, including B2 Durability; C1-4 Fire Safety; D1 Access Routes; F4 Safety from Falling.

Standards New Zealand

The trading arm of the Standards Council, a Crown entity operating under the Standards Act 1988 . Standards New Zealand specialises in developing and marketing national, regional and international Standards covering a wide variety of subjects and industries, including building and the environment. New Zealand Standards are commonly cited by the Department in its Compliance Documents. Find out more ». See Codewords no.3 for an article on how the Department of Building and Housing and Standards New Zealand coordinate with each other. For further information visit the Standards New Zealand website .

Statement of Intent (SOI) 

A document produced by the Department of Building and Housing on its future operating intentions, in accordance with the Public Finance Act 1989 , detailing its vision, objectives and planned outcomes over a set period of time. View the Department’s SOI for the period 2006-2009.

Statistics (building and housing) 

The Department collates and publishes statistics and data on building and housing trends as part of its goal of building and enabling access to sector-related information and knowledge. View the Department’s Sector information.

Steel

A very hard and strong alloy of iron and carbon. Steel is used mainly in the structural framework and in the roofing and flashings of buildings. Building Code clauses relevant to the use of steel include B1 Structure, B2 Durability and E2 External Moisture. The Department of Building and Housing has produced a Wallchart guide to reinforcing steel in New Zealand . See also grade 500E steel.

Surface water 

All naturally occurring water other than sub-surface water that results from rainfall. It is usually channelled into drain systems in urban areas to prevent damage or nuisance to neighbouring property, and flooding within housing. The Building Code clause relevant to surface water is E1 Surface Water. There have been a number of determinations concerning disposal of surface water, which can be viewed using the Determinations search feature.

Structural practice advisory

The Department publishes information and reports on structural engineering practice, ranging from basic structural concepts to the detailing of connections in steel structures. The purpose of these advisories is to encourage improvement in structural performance. They are particularly useful for structural engineers, building officials and those involved in the construction process. Find out more.

Subcontractor

A tradesperson hired to do specific work such as roofing, plumbing, wiring or painting. The subcontractor takes instructions from, is paid by, and is responsible to the main contractor. See our information for builders, trades and designers. For advice for consumers employing subcontractors, see ConsumerBuild . See also dealing with breaches of contract by subcontractors .

Swimming pool fences 

A fence that complies with the requirements of the Building Code for swimming pools subject to the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 (section 2). It includes any part of a building and any gates or doors that form part of the fence. The Building Code clause relating to fencing of swimming pools is F4 Safety from Falling. You have to get building consent to put in a pool or spa pool and its fencing. The building consent authority will approve the plans and specifications at consent stage, and inspect the building work including the fence before issuing a code compliance certificate. For further information see ConsumerBuild .

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