NZ Certificate in Carpentry cheat sheet

Hierarchy of control, most to least effective: eliminate the hazard, substitute, isolate/engineer controls, administrative controls, then PPE last.

WorkSafe NZ notification is required for notifiable work: construction over 5 m depth, or where a person could fall 5 m or more.

Fall protection is required where a person could fall 3 m or more; use guardrails, scaffolds, or harness systems, not ladders as work platforms.

Scaffolding over 5 m, or from which a person could fall 5 m, must be erected, altered and dismantled by a certificated scaffolder.

Hazardous substances require a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) on site and inventory recording under HSNO; controls follow the substance's hazard classification.

Silica dust from cutting concrete, brick or fibre cement: use water suppression or on-tool extraction plus a P2/P3 respirator; dry sweeping is not acceptable.

Asbestos pre-1985 buildings: assume asbestos until a survey confirms otherwise; licensed removal is required for friable asbestos (Class A).

Noise action level is 85 dB(A) averaged over 8 hours; hearing protection and hearing checks are required above this level.

Site environmental controls: silt fences, stabilised entry/exit, covered stockpiles, and containment of washout water to prevent sediment entering stormwater.

Scale conversion: at 1:100, 1 mm on the drawing equals 100 mm on site; at 1:50, 1 mm equals 50 mm; at 1:20, 1 mm equals 20 mm.

Setting out uses a string line, dumpy/rotary level or total station; establish a datum and transfer levels rather than measuring from the ground.

3-4-5 method (or multiples: 6-8-10) sets a right angle; check diagonals of a rectangle are equal to confirm squareness.

Building consent drawings show consented dimensions; any change to consented work requires an amendment or variation before construction.

Grid lines are referenced by letter (one axis) and number (other axis); always confirm the north point and the grid origin before setting out.

Specification clauses override general notes; check the drawing revision number and issue date against the consent documents.

Allow for wall thickness and cladding/setback when setting out from boundary lines; boundary pegs and survey marks must not be disturbed.

Rise-and-going check: total rise divided by number of risers gives riser height; riser 150-190 mm and tread 250-300 mm for common stairs (NZS 3604).

NZS 3604 stud spacing commonly 300, 400 or 600 mm centres; spacing reduces as wind zone and load increase.

Lintel size depends on span, load width and wind zone; use NZS 3604 lintel tables rather than rule of thumb.

Bottom plates fixed to slab with approved anchors at centres specified by NZS 3604 (typically 900 mm max, closer at bracing elements).

Bracing: NZS 3604 uses braced wall elements rated in BU (bracing units); the total required BU depends on wind zone and floor area.

Trusses must be installed per the manufacturer's layout and fixing schedule; do not cut or notch top or bottom chords without engineer approval.

Notching: max depth 1/4 of member depth; holes max 1/4 depth, located within the middle third of the depth, per NZS 3604.

Wall framing tolerances: studs plumb within 3 mm over 2.4 m, and straightness within 3 mm; noggins/dwangs at 1350 mm max centres for walls.

Roof pitch is expressed as rise over run (e.g., 25 degrees or 1:3); purlin spacing depends on pitch, wind zone and roofing material.

4Ds of weathertightness: Deflection, Drainage, Drying, and Durability of materials.

Cavity battens create a 20 mm drained and ventilated cavity behind cladding; required for most cladding types under E2/AS1.

Ground clearance: cladding must finish at least 100 mm above paved ground and 175 mm above unpaved ground (E2/AS1).

Head flashings must have a 10 mm minimum upstand and lap over the cladding below; flashings are lapped shingle-style, upper over lower.

Building wrap must be installed with laps per manufacturer (typically 75-150 mm) and lapped over flashings so water drains outward.

Cladding fixings must be compatible with the cladding and treated timber; stainless or hot-dip galvanised in coastal zones.

Risk matrix under E2/AS1 combines wind zone, number of storeys and eaves width to determine cladding and cavity requirements.

Sealant joints: backer rod plus sealant sized to joint movement; sealant is a secondary defence, not the primary weather defence.

GIB lining: sheet thickness 10, 13 or 16 mm; 13 mm is standard for walls, 13 mm or 16 mm for ceilings depending on span and fixing centres.

Fixing centres: wall studs at 600 mm max for 13 mm lining; ceiling battens at 400-600 mm depending on sheet thickness and span.

Fire-rated and bracing linings use specified fixing patterns; substitute fixings void the rating and the bracing value.

Level 4 finish is the NZ standard for painted interior walls; Level 5 adds a skim coat for critical lighting or gloss finishes.

Stopping sequence: bedding coat, then fill and tape, then two finishing coats, sanding between; joints must be dry before recoating.

Wet area linings: use moisture-resistant board in bathrooms and laundries; waterproof membranes required in showers under E3/AS1.

Internal door openings: standard heights 1980 mm, 2000 mm or 2100 mm; check head trimmer and lintel before framing.

Skirting and architrave fixing: allow 1-2 mm gap to floor for movement; fix with nails or adhesive per substrate.

Timber treatment: H1.2 interior dry, H3.1/H3.2 exterior above ground, H4 ground contact, H5 in-ground or marine; treatment matches exposure.

Radiata pine grades: SG8 is the common structural grade; MSG8 and VSG8 denote machine and visual stress grading.

Steel nail corrosion: hot-dip galvanised or stainless in coastal and treated timber applications; electro-galvanised is for interior dry only.

Concrete: standard 17.5 MPa or 20 MPa for residential slabs; cure for 7 days minimum before loading.

Circular saw: retract guard must return freely; blade depth set so teeth protrude no more than 5 mm below the timber.

Power tools require RCD protection on site; 230 V tools on construction sites must be RCD-protected or use 110 V (SELV).

Ladder safety: 1 in 4 rule (base 1 unit out for every 4 units up); secure top and bottom, and maintain three points of contact.

Hand tool maintenance: sharp blades reduce kickback and effort; check chisels, plane irons and saw teeth regularly.

Site induction covers hazards, emergency procedures, first aid, and site rules; all workers and visitors must be inducted.

Toolbox talks are short (5-15 min) pre-task briefings covering hazards, controls and changes to the plan.

Method statements (safe work method statements) describe the sequence, hazards and controls for a specific task.

Daily site diary records weather, labour, deliveries, visitors, incidents and instructions; it is evidence in disputes.

Variations must be in writing and signed before work proceeds; verbal instructions should be confirmed by email or site instruction.

Chain of command: site foreman/supervisor directs work; engineer resolves structural queries; designer/architect resolves drawing queries.

Hazard reporting: report to supervisor immediately; record in the hazard register; near misses are recorded, not ignored.

Waste management plan: separate clean timber, metals, plasterboard and general waste; record diversion from landfill.

Building Code clauses: B1 structure, B2 durability, C fire, D access, E1 surface water, E2 external moisture, E3 internal moisture, F sanitation, G services, H energy efficiency.

Durability (B2): 50 years for structural and inaccessible items, 15 years for accessible but not easily replaced items, 5 years for easily replaced items.

Building consent is required before construction; work without consent is an offence under the Building Act 2004.

Inspection stages: foundation/slab, framing (pre-line), pre-clad, drainage, and final; each must be signed off before covering up.

Producer statements (PS1 design, PS2 design review, PS3 construction, PS4 construction review) are issued by suitably qualified people.

Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) is issued at completion after all inspections and documentation are accepted.

Record of Work is required for restricted building work (RBW) by licensed building practitioners (LBPs).

Variations to consented work require an amendment to the consent before work continues; minor variations may be handled by the BCA.

NZS 3604 is an Acceptable Solution for timber-framed residential buildings up to 3 storeys; outside its scope requires specific design.

Hierarchy of control, most to least effective: eliminate the hazard, substitute, isolate/engineer controls, administrative controls, then PPE last.

WorkSafe NZ notification is required for notifiable work: construction over 5 m depth, or where a person could fall 5 m or more.

Fall protection is required where a person could fall 3 m or more; use guardrails, scaffolds, or harness systems, not ladders as work platforms.

Scaffolding over 5 m, or from which a person could fall 5 m, must be erected, altered and dismantled by a certificated scaffolder.

Hazardous substances require a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) on site and inventory recording under HSNO; controls follow the substance's hazard classification.

Silica dust from cutting concrete, brick or fibre cement: use water suppression or on-tool extraction plus a P2/P3 respirator; dry sweeping is not acceptable.

Asbestos pre-1985 buildings: assume asbestos until a survey confirms otherwise; licensed removal is required for friable asbestos (Class A).

Noise action level is 85 dB(A) averaged over 8 hours; hearing protection and hearing checks are required above this level.

Site environmental controls: silt fences, stabilised entry/exit, covered stockpiles, and containment of washout water to prevent sediment entering stormwater.

Scale conversion: at 1:100, 1 mm on the drawing equals 100 mm on site; at 1:50, 1 mm equals 50 mm; at 1:20, 1 mm equals 20 mm.

Setting out uses a string line, dumpy/rotary level or total station; establish a datum and transfer levels rather than measuring from the ground.

3-4-5 method (or multiples: 6-8-10) sets a right angle; check diagonals of a rectangle are equal to confirm squareness.

Building consent drawings show consented dimensions; any change to consented work requires an amendment or variation before construction.

Grid lines are referenced by letter (one axis) and number (other axis); always confirm the north point and the grid origin before setting out.

Specification clauses override general notes; check the drawing revision number and issue date against the consent documents.

Allow for wall thickness and cladding/setback when setting out from boundary lines; boundary pegs and survey marks must not be disturbed.

Rise-and-going check: total rise divided by number of risers gives riser height; riser 150-190 mm and tread 250-300 mm for common stairs (NZS 3604).

NZS 3604 stud spacing commonly 300, 400 or 600 mm centres; spacing reduces as wind zone and load increase.

Lintel size depends on span, load width and wind zone; use NZS 3604 lintel tables rather than rule of thumb.

Bottom plates fixed to slab with approved anchors at centres specified by NZS 3604 (typically 900 mm max, closer at bracing elements).

Bracing: NZS 3604 uses braced wall elements rated in BU (bracing units); the total required BU depends on wind zone and floor area.

Trusses must be installed per the manufacturer's layout and fixing schedule; do not cut or notch top or bottom chords without engineer approval.

Notching: max depth 1/4 of member depth; holes max 1/4 depth, located within the middle third of the depth, per NZS 3604.

Wall framing tolerances: studs plumb within 3 mm over 2.4 m, and straightness within 3 mm; noggins/dwangs at 1350 mm max centres for walls.

Roof pitch is expressed as rise over run (e.g., 25 degrees or 1:3); purlin spacing depends on pitch, wind zone and roofing material.

4Ds of weathertightness: Deflection, Drainage, Drying, and Durability of materials.

Cavity battens create a 20 mm drained and ventilated cavity behind cladding; required for most cladding types under E2/AS1.

Ground clearance: cladding must finish at least 100 mm above paved ground and 175 mm above unpaved ground (E2/AS1).

Head flashings must have a 10 mm minimum upstand and lap over the cladding below; flashings are lapped shingle-style, upper over lower.

Building wrap must be installed with laps per manufacturer (typically 75-150 mm) and lapped over flashings so water drains outward.

Cladding fixings must be compatible with the cladding and treated timber; stainless or hot-dip galvanised in coastal zones.

Risk matrix under E2/AS1 combines wind zone, number of storeys and eaves width to determine cladding and cavity requirements.

Sealant joints: backer rod plus sealant sized to joint movement; sealant is a secondary defence, not the primary weather defence.

GIB lining: sheet thickness 10, 13 or 16 mm; 13 mm is standard for walls, 13 mm or 16 mm for ceilings depending on span and fixing centres.

Fixing centres: wall studs at 600 mm max for 13 mm lining; ceiling battens at 400-600 mm depending on sheet thickness and span.

Fire-rated and bracing linings use specified fixing patterns; substitute fixings void the rating and the bracing value.

Level 4 finish is the NZ standard for painted interior walls; Level 5 adds a skim coat for critical lighting or gloss finishes.

Stopping sequence: bedding coat, then fill and tape, then two finishing coats, sanding between; joints must be dry before recoating.

Wet area linings: use moisture-resistant board in bathrooms and laundries; waterproof membranes required in showers under E3/AS1.

Internal door openings: standard heights 1980 mm, 2000 mm or 2100 mm; check head trimmer and lintel before framing.

Skirting and architrave fixing: allow 1-2 mm gap to floor for movement; fix with nails or adhesive per substrate.

Timber treatment: H1.2 interior dry, H3.1/H3.2 exterior above ground, H4 ground contact, H5 in-ground or marine; treatment matches exposure.

Radiata pine grades: SG8 is the common structural grade; MSG8 and VSG8 denote machine and visual stress grading.

Steel nail corrosion: hot-dip galvanised or stainless in coastal and treated timber applications; electro-galvanised is for interior dry only.

Concrete: standard 17.5 MPa or 20 MPa for residential slabs; cure for 7 days minimum before loading.

Circular saw: retract guard must return freely; blade depth set so teeth protrude no more than 5 mm below the timber.

Power tools require RCD protection on site; 230 V tools on construction sites must be RCD-protected or use 110 V (SELV).

Ladder safety: 1 in 4 rule (base 1 unit out for every 4 units up); secure top and bottom, and maintain three points of contact.

Hand tool maintenance: sharp blades reduce kickback and effort; check chisels, plane irons and saw teeth regularly.

Site induction covers hazards, emergency procedures, first aid, and site rules; all workers and visitors must be inducted.

Toolbox talks are short (5-15 min) pre-task briefings covering hazards, controls and changes to the plan.

Method statements (safe work method statements) describe the sequence, hazards and controls for a specific task.

Daily site diary records weather, labour, deliveries, visitors, incidents and instructions; it is evidence in disputes.

Variations must be in writing and signed before work proceeds; verbal instructions should be confirmed by email or site instruction.

Chain of command: site foreman/supervisor directs work; engineer resolves structural queries; designer/architect resolves drawing queries.

Hazard reporting: report to supervisor immediately; record in the hazard register; near misses are recorded, not ignored.

Waste management plan: separate clean timber, metals, plasterboard and general waste; record diversion from landfill.

Building Code clauses: B1 structure, B2 durability, C fire, D access, E1 surface water, E2 external moisture, E3 internal moisture, F sanitation, G services, H energy efficiency.

Durability (B2): 50 years for structural and inaccessible items, 15 years for accessible but not easily replaced items, 5 years for easily replaced items.

Building consent is required before construction; work without consent is an offence under the Building Act 2004.

Inspection stages: foundation/slab, framing (pre-line), pre-clad, drainage, and final; each must be signed off before covering up.

Producer statements (PS1 design, PS2 design review, PS3 construction, PS4 construction review) are issued by suitably qualified people.

Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) is issued at completion after all inspections and documentation are accepted.

Record of Work is required for restricted building work (RBW) by licensed building practitioners (LBPs).

Variations to consented work require an amendment to the consent before work continues; minor variations may be handled by the BCA.

NZS 3604 is an Acceptable Solution for timber-framed residential buildings up to 3 storeys; outside its scope requires specific design.

Hierarchy of control, most to least effective: eliminate the hazard, substitute, isolate/engineer controls, administrative controls, then PPE last.

WorkSafe NZ notification is required for notifiable work: construction over 5 m depth, or where a person could fall 5 m or more.

Fall protection is required where a person could fall 3 m or more; use guardrails, scaffolds, or harness systems, not ladders as work platforms.

Scaffolding over 5 m, or from which a person could fall 5 m, must be erected, altered and dismantled by a certificated scaffolder.

Hazardous substances require a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) on site and inventory recording under HSNO; controls follow the substance's hazard classification.

Silica dust from cutting concrete, brick or fibre cement: use water suppression or on-tool extraction plus a P2/P3 respirator; dry sweeping is not acceptable.

Asbestos pre-1985 buildings: assume asbestos until a survey confirms otherwise; licensed removal is required for friable asbestos (Class A).

Noise action level is 85 dB(A) averaged over 8 hours; hearing protection and hearing checks are required above this level.

Site environmental controls: silt fences, stabilised entry/exit, covered stockpiles, and containment of washout water to prevent sediment entering stormwater.

Scale conversion: at 1:100, 1 mm on the drawing equals 100 mm on site; at 1:50, 1 mm equals 50 mm; at 1:20, 1 mm equals 20 mm.

Setting out uses a string line, dumpy/rotary level or total station; establish a datum and transfer levels rather than measuring from the ground.

3-4-5 method (or multiples: 6-8-10) sets a right angle; check diagonals of a rectangle are equal to confirm squareness.

Building consent drawings show consented dimensions; any change to consented work requires an amendment or variation before construction.

Grid lines are referenced by letter (one axis) and number (other axis); always confirm the north point and the grid origin before setting out.

Specification clauses override general notes; check the drawing revision number and issue date against the consent documents.

Allow for wall thickness and cladding/setback when setting out from boundary lines; boundary pegs and survey marks must not be disturbed.

Rise-and-going check: total rise divided by number of risers gives riser height; riser 150-190 mm and tread 250-300 mm for common stairs (NZS 3604).

NZS 3604 stud spacing commonly 300, 400 or 600 mm centres; spacing reduces as wind zone and load increase.

Lintel size depends on span, load width and wind zone; use NZS 3604 lintel tables rather than rule of thumb.

Bottom plates fixed to slab with approved anchors at centres specified by NZS 3604 (typically 900 mm max, closer at bracing elements).

Bracing: NZS 3604 uses braced wall elements rated in BU (bracing units); the total required BU depends on wind zone and floor area.

Trusses must be installed per the manufacturer's layout and fixing schedule; do not cut or notch top or bottom chords without engineer approval.

Notching: max depth 1/4 of member depth; holes max 1/4 depth, located within the middle third of the depth, per NZS 3604.

Wall framing tolerances: studs plumb within 3 mm over 2.4 m, and straightness within 3 mm; noggins/dwangs at 1350 mm max centres for walls.

Roof pitch is expressed as rise over run (e.g., 25 degrees or 1:3); purlin spacing depends on pitch, wind zone and roofing material.

4Ds of weathertightness: Deflection, Drainage, Drying, and Durability of materials.

Cavity battens create a 20 mm drained and ventilated cavity behind cladding; required for most cladding types under E2/AS1.

Ground clearance: cladding must finish at least 100 mm above paved ground and 175 mm above unpaved ground (E2/AS1).

Head flashings must have a 10 mm minimum upstand and lap over the cladding below; flashings are lapped shingle-style, upper over lower.

Building wrap must be installed with laps per manufacturer (typically 75-150 mm) and lapped over flashings so water drains outward.

Cladding fixings must be compatible with the cladding and treated timber; stainless or hot-dip galvanised in coastal zones.

Risk matrix under E2/AS1 combines wind zone, number of storeys and eaves width to determine cladding and cavity requirements.

Sealant joints: backer rod plus sealant sized to joint movement; sealant is a secondary defence, not the primary weather defence.

GIB lining: sheet thickness 10, 13 or 16 mm; 13 mm is standard for walls, 13 mm or 16 mm for ceilings depending on span and fixing centres.

Fixing centres: wall studs at 600 mm max for 13 mm lining; ceiling battens at 400-600 mm depending on sheet thickness and span.

Fire-rated and bracing linings use specified fixing patterns; substitute fixings void the rating and the bracing value.

Level 4 finish is the NZ standard for painted interior walls; Level 5 adds a skim coat for critical lighting or gloss finishes.

Stopping sequence: bedding coat, then fill and tape, then two finishing coats, sanding between; joints must be dry before recoating.

Wet area linings: use moisture-resistant board in bathrooms and laundries; waterproof membranes required in showers under E3/AS1.

Internal door openings: standard heights 1980 mm, 2000 mm or 2100 mm; check head trimmer and lintel before framing.

Skirting and architrave fixing: allow 1-2 mm gap to floor for movement; fix with nails or adhesive per substrate.

Timber treatment: H1.2 interior dry, H3.1/H3.2 exterior above ground, H4 ground contact, H5 in-ground or marine; treatment matches exposure.

Radiata pine grades: SG8 is the common structural grade; MSG8 and VSG8 denote machine and visual stress grading.

Steel nail corrosion: hot-dip galvanised or stainless in coastal and treated timber applications; electro-galvanised is for interior dry only.

Concrete: standard 17.5 MPa or 20 MPa for residential slabs; cure for 7 days minimum before loading.

Circular saw: retract guard must return freely; blade depth set so teeth protrude no more than 5 mm below the timber.

Power tools require RCD protection on site; 230 V tools on construction sites must be RCD-protected or use 110 V (SELV).

Ladder safety: 1 in 4 rule (base 1 unit out for every 4 units up); secure top and bottom, and maintain three points of contact.

Hand tool maintenance: sharp blades reduce kickback and effort; check chisels, plane irons and saw teeth regularly.

Site induction covers hazards, emergency procedures, first aid, and site rules; all workers and visitors must be inducted.

Toolbox talks are short (5-15 min) pre-task briefings covering hazards, controls and changes to the plan.

Method statements (safe work method statements) describe the sequence, hazards and controls for a specific task.

Daily site diary records weather, labour, deliveries, visitors, incidents and instructions; it is evidence in disputes.

Variations must be in writing and signed before work proceeds; verbal instructions should be confirmed by email or site instruction.

Chain of command: site foreman/supervisor directs work; engineer resolves structural queries; designer/architect resolves drawing queries.

Hazard reporting: report to supervisor immediately; record in the hazard register; near misses are recorded, not ignored.

Waste management plan: separate clean timber, metals, plasterboard and general waste; record diversion from landfill.

Building Code clauses: B1 structure, B2 durability, C fire, D access, E1 surface water, E2 external moisture, E3 internal moisture, F sanitation, G services, H energy efficiency.

Durability (B2): 50 years for structural and inaccessible items, 15 years for accessible but not easily replaced items, 5 years for easily replaced items.

Building consent is required before construction; work without consent is an offence under the Building Act 2004.

Inspection stages: foundation/slab, framing (pre-line), pre-clad, drainage, and final; each must be signed off before covering up.

Producer statements (PS1 design, PS2 design review, PS3 construction, PS4 construction review) are issued by suitably qualified people.

Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) is issued at completion after all inspections and documentation are accepted.

Record of Work is required for restricted building work (RBW) by licensed building practitioners (LBPs).

Variations to consented work require an amendment to the consent before work continues; minor variations may be handled by the BCA.

NZS 3604 is an Acceptable Solution for timber-framed residential buildings up to 3 storeys; outside its scope requires specific design.

Hierarchy of control, most to least effective: eliminate the hazard, substitute, isolate/engineer controls, administrative controls, then PPE last.

WorkSafe NZ notification is required for notifiable work: construction over 5 m depth, or where a person could fall 5 m or more.

Fall protection is required where a person could fall 3 m or more; use guardrails, scaffolds, or harness systems, not ladders as work platforms.

Scaffolding over 5 m, or from which a person could fall 5 m, must be erected, altered and dismantled by a certificated scaffolder.

Hazardous substances require a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) on site and inventory recording under HSNO; controls follow the substance's hazard classification.

Silica dust from cutting concrete, brick or fibre cement: use water suppression or on-tool extraction plus a P2/P3 respirator; dry sweeping is not acceptable.

Asbestos pre-1985 buildings: assume asbestos until a survey confirms otherwise; licensed removal is required for friable asbestos (Class A).

Noise action level is 85 dB(A) averaged over 8 hours; hearing protection and hearing checks are required above this level.

Site environmental controls: silt fences, stabilised entry/exit, covered stockpiles, and containment of washout water to prevent sediment entering stormwater.

Scale conversion: at 1:100, 1 mm on the drawing equals 100 mm on site; at 1:50, 1 mm equals 50 mm; at 1:20, 1 mm equals 20 mm.

Setting out uses a string line, dumpy/rotary level or total station; establish a datum and transfer levels rather than measuring from the ground.

3-4-5 method (or multiples: 6-8-10) sets a right angle; check diagonals of a rectangle are equal to confirm squareness.

Building consent drawings show consented dimensions; any change to consented work requires an amendment or variation before construction.

Grid lines are referenced by letter (one axis) and number (other axis); always confirm the north point and the grid origin before setting out.

Specification clauses override general notes; check the drawing revision number and issue date against the consent documents.

Allow for wall thickness and cladding/setback when setting out from boundary lines; boundary pegs and survey marks must not be disturbed.

Rise-and-going check: total rise divided by number of risers gives riser height; riser 150-190 mm and tread 250-300 mm for common stairs (NZS 3604).

NZS 3604 stud spacing commonly 300, 400 or 600 mm centres; spacing reduces as wind zone and load increase.

Lintel size depends on span, load width and wind zone; use NZS 3604 lintel tables rather than rule of thumb.

Bottom plates fixed to slab with approved anchors at centres specified by NZS 3604 (typically 900 mm max, closer at bracing elements).

Bracing: NZS 3604 uses braced wall elements rated in BU (bracing units); the total required BU depends on wind zone and floor area.

Trusses must be installed per the manufacturer's layout and fixing schedule; do not cut or notch top or bottom chords without engineer approval.

Notching: max depth 1/4 of member depth; holes max 1/4 depth, located within the middle third of the depth, per NZS 3604.

Wall framing tolerances: studs plumb within 3 mm over 2.4 m, and straightness within 3 mm; noggins/dwangs at 1350 mm max centres for walls.

Roof pitch is expressed as rise over run (e.g., 25 degrees or 1:3); purlin spacing depends on pitch, wind zone and roofing material.

4Ds of weathertightness: Deflection, Drainage, Drying, and Durability of materials.

Cavity battens create a 20 mm drained and ventilated cavity behind cladding; required for most cladding types under E2/AS1.

Ground clearance: cladding must finish at least 100 mm above paved ground and 175 mm above unpaved ground (E2/AS1).

Head flashings must have a 10 mm minimum upstand and lap over the cladding below; flashings are lapped shingle-style, upper over lower.

Building wrap must be installed with laps per manufacturer (typically 75-150 mm) and lapped over flashings so water drains outward.

Cladding fixings must be compatible with the cladding and treated timber; stainless or hot-dip galvanised in coastal zones.

Risk matrix under E2/AS1 combines wind zone, number of storeys and eaves width to determine cladding and cavity requirements.

Sealant joints: backer rod plus sealant sized to joint movement; sealant is a secondary defence, not the primary weather defence.

GIB lining: sheet thickness 10, 13 or 16 mm; 13 mm is standard for walls, 13 mm or 16 mm for ceilings depending on span and fixing centres.

Fixing centres: wall studs at 600 mm max for 13 mm lining; ceiling battens at 400-600 mm depending on sheet thickness and span.

Fire-rated and bracing linings use specified fixing patterns; substitute fixings void the rating and the bracing value.

Level 4 finish is the NZ standard for painted interior walls; Level 5 adds a skim coat for critical lighting or gloss finishes.

Stopping sequence: bedding coat, then fill and tape, then two finishing coats, sanding between; joints must be dry before recoating.

Wet area linings: use moisture-resistant board in bathrooms and laundries; waterproof membranes required in showers under E3/AS1.

Internal door openings: standard heights 1980 mm, 2000 mm or 2100 mm; check head trimmer and lintel before framing.

Skirting and architrave fixing: allow 1-2 mm gap to floor for movement; fix with nails or adhesive per substrate.

Timber treatment: H1.2 interior dry, H3.1/H3.2 exterior above ground, H4 ground contact, H5 in-ground or marine; treatment matches exposure.

Radiata pine grades: SG8 is the common structural grade; MSG8 and VSG8 denote machine and visual stress grading.

Steel nail corrosion: hot-dip galvanised or stainless in coastal and treated timber applications; electro-galvanised is for interior dry only.

Concrete: standard 17.5 MPa or 20 MPa for residential slabs; cure for 7 days minimum before loading.

Circular saw: retract guard must return freely; blade depth set so teeth protrude no more than 5 mm below the timber.

Power tools require RCD protection on site; 230 V tools on construction sites must be RCD-protected or use 110 V (SELV).

Ladder safety: 1 in 4 rule (base 1 unit out for every 4 units up); secure top and bottom, and maintain three points of contact.

Hand tool maintenance: sharp blades reduce kickback and effort; check chisels, plane irons and saw teeth regularly.

Site induction covers hazards, emergency procedures, first aid, and site rules; all workers and visitors must be inducted.

Toolbox talks are short (5-15 min) pre-task briefings covering hazards, controls and changes to the plan.

Method statements (safe work method statements) describe the sequence, hazards and controls for a specific task.

Daily site diary records weather, labour, deliveries, visitors, incidents and instructions; it is evidence in disputes.

Variations must be in writing and signed before work proceeds; verbal instructions should be confirmed by email or site instruction.

Chain of command: site foreman/supervisor directs work; engineer resolves structural queries; designer/architect resolves drawing queries.

Hazard reporting: report to supervisor immediately; record in the hazard register; near misses are recorded, not ignored.

Waste management plan: separate clean timber, metals, plasterboard and general waste; record diversion from landfill.

Building Code clauses: B1 structure, B2 durability, C fire, D access, E1 surface water, E2 external moisture, E3 internal moisture, F sanitation, G services, H energy efficiency.

Durability (B2): 50 years for structural and inaccessible items, 15 years for accessible but not easily replaced items, 5 years for easily replaced items.

Building consent is required before construction; work without consent is an offence under the Building Act 2004.

Inspection stages: foundation/slab, framing (pre-line), pre-clad, drainage, and final; each must be signed off before covering up.

Producer statements (PS1 design, PS2 design review, PS3 construction, PS4 construction review) are issued by suitably qualified people.

Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) is issued at completion after all inspections and documentation are accepted.

Record of Work is required for restricted building work (RBW) by licensed building practitioners (LBPs).

Variations to consented work require an amendment to the consent before work continues; minor variations may be handled by the BCA.

NZS 3604 is an Acceptable Solution for timber-framed residential buildings up to 3 storeys; outside its scope requires specific design.