How to Write Better RFI Responses & Speed Up Your Building Consent

RFIs (Requests for Information) are a normal part of the consent process—but vague or incomplete responses can cost you time and money. Every extra hour a BCO (Building Control Officer) spends searching for information or chasing clarification is another delay (and another bill).

Here’s how to reduce RFIs, lower processing costs, and get your consent approved faster:

✅ Be Specific—Don’t Make the BCO Hunt for Information
If your response refers to a document, specify the exact page number—or better yet, extract and upload that page separately. Don’t assume the BCO will find the right information in a 100-page report. If they miss it, they’ll ask again, delaying your consent and adding more costs.

✅ Use Clear Headings for Each RFI Response
Structure your response document so each answer is clearly labeled and easy to find. A well-organized response lets the BCO open the relevant information instantly, reducing processing time.

✅ Explain How Your Design Complies with the NZ Building Code (NZBC)
It’s your responsibility to demonstrate compliance—not the council’s job to figure it out for you. Every response should clearly state why your design meets NZBC requirements. Remember, the BCO only needs to be satisfied on reasonable grounds, so help them get there faster by providing a clear justification for your proposed solution.

🚀 Why does this matter?

• Faster consent approvals = fewer delays on-site.

• Clear responses reduce back-and-forth RFIs, saving you money.

• A well-prepared RFI response shows professionalism and makes future consents smoother.

Struggling with consent delays? We specialize in getting applications approved faster by ensuring compliance from the start. Get in touch to see how we can help! 📩