because of a fault occurring in the unauthorised work, an insurance company could legally refuse to pay you. With the introduction of the Building Act 2004 the service of providing what has been commonly known as 'Safe and Sanitary Inspections' has been discontinued. There is no longer the ability to make an application to Council for this service. The Building Act 2004 allows for a person to apply for a 'Certificate of Acceptance' for any work that has been completed without a Building Consent. This however is only applicable to work carried out after the inception of the Building Act 1991 (1 July 1992). A 'Certificate of Acceptance' must be applied for on the appropriate form - Application for Certificate of Acceptance (70KB) A Certificate of Acceptance is usually issued for urgent and minor works, such as a retaining wall that has been built because there was a slide in a hill. For any work completed without a Building Consent and prior to 1 July 1992 there is no process available through Council for acceptance or qualification of this work. Where such building work is the subject of a condition for a building report in a sale and purchase agreement, then you will need to obtain the services of a qualified person from the private sector. Council is bound by the Building Act 2004 and has a role to ensure the health and safety of the public, with regard to buildings, is always maintained. If you are aware of a