If you're undertaking a subdivision, infrastructure upgrade, or any civil construction project in Christchurch, you'll likely hear the term "as-built survey" come up near the end of the process. While it may sound like a simple formality, an as-built survey plays a crucial role in confirming that your project has been constructed as approved, and that it's ready for sign-off.

What Is an As-Built Survey?

An as-built survey is a detailed measurement of what has actually been built on site. Unlike design plans, which show proposed features, an as-built survey captures the exact location, dimensions, and levels of physical infrastructure once construction is complete.

It typically records:

• Underground services (stormwater, wastewater, water supply, power, fibre)

• Manholes, inlets, outlets, valves, and pipe alignments

• Kerbs, channels, driveways, footpaths, and roading elements

• Building platforms and finished surface levels

• Retaining walls, fences, easements, and legal boundaries

The survey is usually carried out by a licensed cadastral or engineering surveyor and is presented in digital format, often in line with Council GIS and CAD standards.

Why As-Built Surveys Are Important

As-built surveys provide independent verification that works have been completed as per approved engineering plans and council standards. They are essential for:

• Council Sign-Off: Christchurch City Council requires as-built documentation before issuing 224c certificates or accepting infrastructure into public ownership.

• Certification and Handover: Service providers use as-builts to verify that their asset requirements have been met.

• Future Maintenance: Accurate records ensure efficient maintenance and future upgrades by identifying exactly where services are located.

• Legal Documentation: For subdivisions, as-builts are often required to finalise easement documents and ensure they reflect actual service positions.

When Do You Need an As-Built Survey?

You will typically need an as-built survey when:

• You're completing a residential or commercial subdivision

• Civil works such as drainage, water supply, or roading are finished

• Council or utility providers require verification of infrastructure

• You're applying for 224c certification to obtain new titles

• You're constructing in a flood-prone area and need to confirm finished levels

In many cases, a resource consent or engineering approval will include a condition requiring submission of as-built plans. These must meet specific standards for accuracy, formatting, and detail.

What Happens If You Skip It?

Failing to provide an accurate as-built survey can delay council sign-off and prevent title release, code compliance certificates, or service connections. In some cases, missing or incorrect information may result in costly rework or legal issues down the line.

That’s why it's essential to engage a qualified surveying team who understand Christchurch standards and can coordinate effectively with your engineers and contractors.

Our Approach at Civix

At Civix, we provide precise, council-compliant as-built surveys for a wide range of developments. Our surveyors work closely with site engineers, contractors, and council officers to ensure all required data is collected, processed, and submitted correctly the first time.

We help with:

• As-builts for stormwater, wastewater, and water mains

• Roading and accessway verification

• Building platform and finished level confirmation

• Integration with easement documentation

• Digital file formats aligned with council requirements

Whether you're delivering a two-lot subdivision or a multi-stage residential development, we make sure your final survey documentation meets every box for compliance.

An as-built survey is more than a tick-box task, it's a critical tool for proving compliance, enabling certification, and protecting your investment. Done right, it ensures your project finishes strong.