1 What this means
Before detailed design, specialists check whether the ground can support a house, where wastewater and stormwater can go, and whether special constraints apply. These findings shape the foundation design and the consent application.
2 What still needs checking
- Survey — ground levels, features and (where needed) legal boundaries
- Ground-bearing or geotechnical testing — whether the ground can support foundations
- Wastewater assessment — if off sewer, whether the soil suits an on-site system
- Stormwater and soakage — where roof and surface water can safely go
- Special constraints — flooding, contamination, archaeology, wetlands, wāhi tapu
3 What you can do next
Ask your designer which investigations your site needs, and get quotes before committing.
Official sources
Last reviewed 13 November 2026. General guidance only — not legal, financial or building advice. Court, lending and building decisions remain with the relevant decision makers.
