Construction: Your Responsibilities Checklist

Before work begins

Make sure resource consent (if required) and building consent has been issued and...
Make sure that you understand all the documentation – have the architect or builder explain the plans and specifications to you and make sure you are happy with the design, changes during construction are likely to be costly.
Talk to a lawyer about the contract.
Ensure that the site is cleared and ready for the builder to start work.
Make sure your builder has unhindered access to the site.

Develop a good working relationship with your builder.
If you have any concerns about the work, discuss them right away.
Keep changes to a minimum and instruct your builder in writing about all variations to the specified work and ensure you get a written costing.
Be aware any changes you make may mean you have to amend your building consent.Choose materials and finishes carefully and approve them before use.
If you are responsible for choosing the appliances and any other materials or fittings and fixtures, make sure they are already bought when the builder reaches that stage.
Keep to the payments schedule and pay promptly.Ensure Architect or architectural designer is involved throughout.

Report any urgent defects to your builder promptly and in writing.
List any non-urgent defects for your builder to correct at an agreed time.
Often some funds are retained until work is completed satisfactorily but only with the understanding and agreement of the project manager as agreed in the contractSettle the final account promptly.
It is your responsibility to apply for a Code Compliance Certificate when the building work is complete

Try to avoid these as much as possible as changes are most probably going to cost you time and money.
Changes to the plans may require an amendment to the building consent to cover those changes and even if this is not required, depending on the scope of the change to the plan you may wish to get changes specified in writing and to record discussions and agreements, especially with regards to cost.