Yes, we answer Council RFI or construction queries from your builder as set out on our Short Form Agreement.

If construction work is proposed in a project, involving altering an existing structure, adding significant loads or a new structure, then you will need structural calculations. These calculations and drawings will be produced by a qualified structural engineer in order to comply with the building regulations and other statutory regulations. Not all projects require calculations, but it is recommended you speak to an engineer to seek advice.

Existing Structures – Depending on the size of the property and what we find, a structural survey can take anywhere between an hour or two on site to complete the report. The report can take 5-10 working days to complete. The timing will vary depending on access and the property size.

New Structures – Depending on the size and complexity of the project, our team will have an initial assessment of the architectural plans provided for the structural engineering that is required for the project and will get in touch with a timeframe to complete the required engineering reports. Typically, you will receive an email with a Scope of Works Description, Timeframe and Project Fee within 48 hours.

If you have concerns about a structural defect within your property then you should hire a structural engineer to visit and inspect the property and advise you whether the defects are ongoing, historic and whether they are serious or minor. Also, if you are preparing to embark on structural works within your property such as creating extensions or loft conversions or even knocking down walls or removing sub-floor braces, it is always recommended to hire a structural engineer to make an inspection and prepare necessary drawings & calculations to confirm which walls are structural and how to create support required to achieve your aspirations.

A structural engineer can help with specifying structural elements required for altering an existing building or creating a new one. This can be done by doing drawings & calculations to support the building and comply with building regulations. A structural engineer can also prepare a structural report as a specialist on structural defect issues such as subsidence, movement and cracking etc. A surveyor can be diverted to carry out general building surveys on the overall condition of the building, provide valuations or act as an expert witness to resolve a dispute. Party wall surveyors can also help with sorting out party wall disputes and ensuring compliance with party wall act.

The cost will vary considerably depending on factors such as the project size, complexity and the number of parties involved. For example, a simple beam design will cost a few hundred dollars, whereas the cost for full design of foundations, wall bracing, steel portal frames, roof beams etc. can start from two thousand dollars and upwards. Please get in touch with us for a fee estimate for your specific project.

Full property address, full set of architectural drawings (or floor plans), geotechnical report (if available) and project brief. We will then review the supplied information and if anything else is required for us to provide a quote, we will let you know.

Usually a full set of architectural drawings (plans, elevations and sections) is a good solid way to start. Other information may be required such as soil reports, drainage report, historic reports such as original drawings etc but these can be discussed individually for each project.

Quotes for residential projects can be provided within a day or two. For larger or more complex projects we may need more time to conclude the assessment, but typically within 3 working days.

This is dependent on the size and complexity of a project and on the supply of the information from relevant parties. We always try to deliver projects quickly, but timescales fill always be discussed. Typically for a domestic extension/loft conversion for a 3-bedroom house can take 5-7 days from the initial site visit. Structural reports will be concluded within 7 working days.

This depends on many factors such as the type and size of the project as well as the extent of issues we need to assess. For example a 3-4 bedroom house will take approximately 1-1.5 hours. Then a structural inspection report will be prepared and issued to you and building contractor.

Yes, we are happy to answer relevant queries about our design to facilitate the construction process.

No, we only provide consultancy services. However, we have a list of reputable building contractors and could potentially make a recommendation for your specific project.

Yes, we have a list of reputable building contractors and could potentially make a recommendation for your specific project.

No, we only provide structural engineering services. However, we have a list of reputable geotechnical engineering firms and could potentially make a recommendation for your specific project.

No, we do not provide architectural design services, but we are happy to recommend an architectural firm suitable for your project if required.

A structural engineer is responsible for the design of a building or structure, providing calculations and drawings relevant to assure structural integrity throughout construction and life cycle. This ensures buildings and structures are safely built and comply with NZ Building Code and NZ Standards.

It is recommended to engage with a structural engineer as well as an architect at building control design stage, well ahead of construction. In other cases, particularly for new builds or basement conversions, a structural engineer might be required to carry our a feasibility study before submitting a planning application. The architect can also advise the client on when a structural engineer is required.

Yes, each design is tailored to meet your projects requirements. We will work closely with the architect or other parties to find the best outcome for your project. We take into account relevant design codes, building regulations and requirements.

It is advisable to consult a structural engineer before doing any work. The engineer can guide you through the process and make necessary assessments in finding out whether it is a load bearing wall and provide solutions for carrying out the alterations.

Please speak to a structural engineer first before doing any changes or starting any building works. The engineer can advise whether the wall is load bearing.

This will depend on many design factors and there is definitely no set answer. For example a solution to reduce beam weight might be done by choosing two lighter beams instead of one beam or by changing architectural layout and inserting a column somewhere along the span of the beam or by changing the structural layout of the beams, etc. The options can be endless so best to discuss specific requirement with the project engineer with open mind that each project is different and solutions can vary from one project to another.

Cracks in walls, ceilings and floors are caused by several different reasons. Depending on the size, exact location and frequency of the cracks, the risks associated can vary substantially. Subsidence or movement of foundations can often cause cracking and structural damage to the building above. There are often a variety of causes for these movements and the investigation and remediation can vary based on the cause and associated risk.

Each project is different. Whist neighboring houses can appear the same, small variances can make a difference in how the design should be approached. We tailor each design to suit your preferences.