What is a CCC?

A Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) is the gold standard, the council’s independent guarantee that your home meets or exceeds all New Zealand Building Code requirements.

It’s the only piece of paper that proves:

• The home is legally compliant.
• Independent inspections have been carried out and passed.
• The build quality and documentation stand up to scrutiny.

Without it, everything else is just words.

Why can’t all builders offer a CCC?

Because it’s not easy.

• To get a CCC, you must first get a building consent.
• You must pass inspections.
• Every material, join, cable, and pipe must meet Building Code standards.
• You need proper documentation: producer statements, engineering sign-offs, and quality assurance checks.

Most small “tiny home” operators simply don’t want the overhead. It costs time, money, and a proper compliance process. Many hide behind the “it’s on wheels so it’s a vehicle” excuse - a loophole that councils are increasingly shutting down.

At HouseMe, we know. It took us years of trial and error before we reached the point where every single new build comes with a CCC. We achieved this milestone in October 2021, and we’ve never looked back.

Why does a CCC matter to you?

Choosing a home without a CCC is gambling with your money, your security, and your future. Here’s what’s at stake:

• Insurance – Without a CCC, comprehensive cover is either impossible or severely limited.
• Finance – Banks will not lend against a non-compliant dwelling. You’ll be forced into third-party finance.
• Resale value – A home without a CCC is almost unsellable in today’s market. Buyers know the risks.
• Council services – Without a CCC, you may not be allowed to legally connect to power, water, or sewerage.
• Permanent siting – You can’t put it on foundations such as screw piles or timber piles without compliance.

In short: no CCC, no certainty.

The truth about “building to code”...

You’ll hear plenty of builders say, “We build to code.” That’s meaningless unless they can prove it with a CCC.

• If they can’t back it up with a council-issued document, it’s just marketing spin.
• If they tell you “you don’t need one” - get it in writing from your local council, and ask them to offer a money-back guarantee for when the council inevitably disagrees.

Spoiler: they won’t.

A CCC separates the professionals from the cowboys!

HouseMe spent years developing the systems, processes, and documentation to make sure every home we sell is backed by a CCC. It wasn’t easy, but that’s the point. The builders who avoid it are taking shortcuts at your expense.

So whether you buy from HouseMe or not, remember this:

The most critical question you can ask any builder is: "Do your homes come with a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC)?"

If the answer is anything other than a confident “Yes, every single one,” then you already know what to do.

What a CCC Gets You:

• Peace of mind – Independent council sign-off that your home meets every NZ Building Code requirement.
• Proof of quality – Passed inspections on structure, fire safety, insulation, plumbing, drainage, and electrics.
• Longevity guarantee – Built to last at least 50 years structurally, as required by the Code.
• Finance-ready – Banks will actually lend against it, because it’s recognised as a compliant dwelling.
• Full insurance cover – No grey areas or exclusions because your home is properly certified.
• Council recognition – Legally site it on permanent foundations and connect to services.
• Resale value – Buyers pay more for homes with a CCC, because the compliance is locked in.
• Investment potential – You’ll be able to legally rent your home to new tenants.

A CCC isn’t just a piece of paper – it’s your ticket to certainty. 

It means your home has passed every required inspection, from structural integrity to fire safety, insulation, plumbing, drainage, and electrical systems. It guarantees the home was built to last at least 50 years for structure and durability, as required by law under the New Zealand Building Code. With a CCC, banks treat your home as a real asset, insurers provide full cover, and councils recognise it as a lawful dwelling. In short, a CCC gives you peace of mind today and protects the value of your investment for the future.