12A Inspections & BWOF Compliance
Certified 12A inspections for your kitchen extraction system. Stay on the right side of the Building Act and keep your Building Warrant of Fitness up to date.
What Is a 12A Inspection?
Under the Building Act 2004, commercial buildings with specified systems — things like fire alarms, sprinklers, and mechanical ventilation — must maintain a Building Warrant of Fitness (BWOF). Your BWOF confirms that these systems are regularly inspected and maintained.
A 12A certificate is the document issued by a qualified inspector after inspecting a specified system. For commercial kitchens, that specified system is your extraction setup — the canopy, ductwork, fans, and fire dampers that remove grease-laden air from the cooking area.
The inspection confirms that your extraction system is in safe working order and meets the performance standards set out in your building's compliance schedule. Without a current 12A certificate, your BWOF cannot be renewed.
Why You Need a 12A Certificate
A current 12A certificate is not optional — it is a legal requirement. Building owners and managers are responsible for ensuring their specified systems are inspected on time and their BWOF is up to date.
Operating without a valid BWOF can result in fines of up to $20,000 and personal liability if something goes wrong. More importantly, an uninspected extraction system is a genuine safety risk. Grease buildup in ductwork is one of the most common causes of commercial kitchen fires.
Keeping on top of your 12A inspections protects your staff, your building, and your business. It is one of those jobs that is easy to forget about until it becomes a problem — and by then, it is usually expensive.
What We Inspect
Our 12A inspection covers every component of your kitchen extraction system. Here is what we check.
If we find grease buildup or other issues during the inspection, we can usually resolve them with a kitchen extract clean. Many clients book both at the same time to keep things simple.
How the Inspection Works
Book Your Inspection
Get in touch and we will find a time that works for you. We can usually schedule within the week.
On-Site Inspection
Our qualified inspector goes through every component of your extraction system against the compliance checklist.
Detailed Report
You receive a thorough report covering the condition of every component. If anything needs attention, we spell it out clearly.
12A Certificate
If your system passes, we issue your 12A compliance certificate on the spot. This goes straight into your BWOF file.
Common Questions
Everything you need to know about 12A inspections and BWOF compliance.
When do I need a 12A inspection?
If your building has a specified system — such as a commercial kitchen extraction system — it needs a current 12A certificate to maintain its Building Warrant of Fitness. Most systems need inspecting annually, but the required frequency depends on the compliance schedule set by your territorial authority.
How often does my system need inspecting?
Most kitchen extraction systems need an annual inspection, but some compliance schedules call for more frequent checks. Your building's compliance schedule will specify the required frequency. If you are not sure, we can help you figure it out.
What happens if my system fails the inspection?
If we find issues during the inspection, we will tell you exactly what needs fixing. In many cases, the issue is grease buildup that can be resolved with a professional clean. We offer kitchen extract cleaning and can often address the problem quickly so you can get certified without a long delay.
What affects the cost of a 12A inspection?
The main factors are the size and complexity of your extraction system, the number of systems in your building, and your location. We provide upfront pricing with no hidden costs. Get in touch for a quote tailored to your building.
Can you do the clean and the inspection together?
Yes. Many of our clients book a kitchen extract clean and a 12A inspection at the same time. We clean the system first, then inspect it and issue the certificate. It is the most efficient way to stay compliant.
Related Services
Most buildings that need a 12A inspection also need their extraction system cleaned. We can handle both in a single visit.
Due for a 12A Inspection?
Do not wait until your BWOF is overdue. Get in touch and we will get your inspection booked in. We service Auckland, Hawkes Bay, Gisborne, the Bay of Plenty, and the Waikato.
Book an Inspection