If you own a commercial property, you must ensure the safety of all its tenants and visitors. One of the key ways to prove you are meeting that responsibility is by securing a Building Warrant of Fitness (BWOF). A building WOF in NZ tells everyone that your building meets all the standards and regulations required under the Building Act 2004.
However, how can you make sure your building secures its BWOF? Here is a definitive checklist to help your building meet its BWOF requirements.
Identify What Kind of Building You Own
Certain buildings—such as single dwellings—do not need a building WOF in NZ. However, for buildings that house multiple dwellings such as apartment blocks, a BWOF is likely to be essential for you to meet your legal obligations and to ensure resident safety. Also, large buildings likely feature such things as automated doors, sprinkler systems, passenger lifts, and manual emergency warning systems. It is crucial all these things are maintained regularly and that they operate correctly, otherwise, people could suffer serious harm or lose their lives. If you have any of these things in your building, you will need a BWOF.
As such, one of the first things you need to do is research the type of building you own and what this means when it comes to Building Warrant of Fitness requirements in NZ. Once you’ve done this, work out what maintenance or adaptions will be required for your commercial building management to comply.
Documentation That Will Be Required
You will need to keep log books that highlight all inspections completed by yourself and by relevant maintenance professionals. These need to show that work has been carried out correctly and promptly. These will be essential when it comes to obtaining your BWOF.
Hire a Qualified Inspector
An Independent Qualified Person (IQP) is an independent professional who is qualified to inspect, maintain and report procedures on the compliance schedule. They will then issue the relevant form—form 12A—when they feel your property is ready to pass.
Submit Your BWOF Form Along With Relevant Payment and Paperwork
Once you have completed form 12A, submit this to the correct council along with all relevant paperwork that your IQP has given you. Also, make sure you supply the required payment promptly when needed.
You will need to ensure your building meets all current fire standards to meet BWOF requirements. We at Fireaway can ensure your building is fully compliant, so please get in touch.