Understanding Producer Statements - PS1(Design), PS2(Design Review), PS3(Construction) and PS4(Construction Review)

Producer Statements are formal documents provided by design professionals and contractors to confirm that specific building work complies with the New Zealand Building Code and relevant standards. These statements are well-established and widely utilized throughout the New Zealand construction industry.

Producer statements are acknowledged by Building Consent Authorities (BCA) as a significant source of information. Councils may rely on them to determine whether there are reasonable grounds to conclude that building work complies with the Building Code and whether a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) can be issued. For official guidance on this process, please refer to the Building consent process.

When accepting a Producer Statement, the council will evaluate the qualifications, competence, and relevant experience of the individual issuing the statement to ensure they are suitably experienced in the specific field of work.

Why producer statements are important

For building owners, Producer Statements offer assurance throughout the construction process. Their primary benefits include:

• Achieving Code Compliance: The Council requires confirmation that your building is safe before issuing a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC). These statements facilitate quicker approvals by providing documented evidence that essential work complies with the Building Code.

• Professional Accountability: By signing a statement, the professional assumes responsibility for their specific scope of work, ensuring that critical components are managed by qualified, insured experts.

• Property Sales and Insurance: These documents enhance the long-term value of your property. Prospective buyers, insurers, and lenders may seek them as proof of compliance. Missing statements can lead to delays or may even jeopardize a property sale.

• Risk Management: They assist in managing technical and legal risks, particularly for complex work or designs that deviate from standard building regulations (such as NZS 3604).

Importance of quality documentation to support Producer Statements

Producer statements are essential documents for demonstrating code compliance to Building Consent Authorities. It is crucial that the accompanying documentation clearly establishes compliance, leaving no room for doubt or confusion.

Although a poorly documented design may be quicker and less expensive to assemble, it risks causing delays in obtaining approvals from the relevant BCAs.

At AB Consulting Engineers, we take pride in our industry-leading documentation. Consequently, our clients frequently benefit from smoother approval processes, resulting in overall cost savings.

Types of Producer Statement

There are four commonly recognized types of Producer Statements in New Zealand:

Type	Who issues it?	Purpose
PS1: Design	Design Professional	Confirms the proposed design meets the Building Code. Usually the PS1 is submitted with the building consent application.
PS2: Design Review	Design Professional	An independent peer review of a complex design to ensure it is accurate and compliant. Not all projects require a PS2. Clients and council authorities usually demand a PS2 for structures that they feel the need for an independent review.
PS3: Construction	Contractor	Confirms the construction is according to the approved plans and specifications.
PS2: Construction Review	Design Professional	Verifies that the completed construction matches the design, based on site inspections. Required for the Code Compliance Certificate.

AB Consulting Engineers is a leading structural engineering firm with a team of highly qualified Chartered Engineers. We are committed to ensuring the safety, structural integrity, and regulatory compliance of your building projects.

According to the project's specific needs and the nature of our involvement, our services might include providing key documents like PS1, PS2, and PS4 statements. These documents are vital for showing compliance with clause B1 of the Building Code (Structure).

We assist clients in complying with clause B2 of the Building Code (Durability) by providing a comprehensive letter that details how materials and construction techniques meet durability standards, ensuring long-term functionality and safety.

At AB Consulting Engineers, we take pride in our meticulous approach, innovative solutions, and dedication to excellence. Our services are customized to address the specific requirements of each project, offering the expertise and support essential for ensuring a safe and compliant building.