Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a building surveyor?
This depends on many factors – whether this is for a mortgage lender for a property that a client wants to buy, dealing with some issue relating to an existing property, or needing a more experienced Consultant to deal with a problem, others have failed to identify. As a small practice we can help you figure out how to get the best results from investigating and reporting on your property, regardless of its size and condition, and whether our services will be needed later for another reason, such as remediation, or even litigation. As with most Surveyors, we can offer one-off consultations and these can be very useful, and/or on-going services for clients such as Body Corporates, Schools and so on. We can give you guidance on many aspects of actual and potential issues with your property. In a short space of time, you can gain an enormous amount of valuable information which will help you realise the direction you may need to go in – whether that is repairing your own existing property, preparing it for sale, or in considering a property to buy or needing to search for an alternative property.
How much will it cost?
Our fees will vary depending on the location and complexity of the project and level of service expected by the client. Some Consultants may charge you on the basis of a total project cost, others on a fixed price lump sum, but we choose to base our fees on a ‘time charge and expenses’ basis, and which are considerably lower than many other practices. How much or how little you commission our practice is up to you – from an initial discussion through to the final delivery of the service – report, advice, acting as an Expert Witness. Clients often do not know who to appoint, might waste much time searching in the wrong places, or going to the top of the expensive list available on the internet. A more structured process of selection is desirable where matching requirements with the range of skills and services available by a local practice. We recommend comparisons with other Building Surveying practices, and that is available through our main professional body, New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors (NZIBS) – see https://buildingsurveyors.co.nz/find-a-surveyor/.
How do I choose a building surveyor?
You can create a shortlist and call each firm, based on your research. Describe your situation and needs, and ask if they are available to accommodate them. If so, request information that outlines the firm’s qualifications and experience, which should be briefly covered in their website, as is ours. Ask to see a portfolio of work, or to visit finished buildings. Above all, talk to your intended surveyor – it’s important you are compatible. Your surveyor must convince you both of their knowledge and their ability to get things done. We believe firmly in our abilities, and will offer you a service we think fits your needs, but you will never be pressured to appoint our practice.
How do I appoint my surveyor?
A good working relationship between designer and client is crucial to the success of any project. We can discuss and agree on the scope and cost of surveying services before the project begins and ensure the agreement is in writing. To help clients who are embarking on smaller building projects, the organisation New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors, provides its members with a properly designed and drafted agreement for services.
How do I keep track of work in progress?
This is part of the initial discussion following appointment of services, though the usual process following that, is for research to be carried out on the property, its history, issues, and people involved. Following that, a surveying of the property is usually carried out, which may range from 45 minutes to several hours, depending on the size and condition of the property and service requested. At times, several inspections may be required. After which, initial or draft reports may be prepared for review by the client. Finally, a formal report or written review is provided.
What happens if there is a dispute?
It is an unfortunate fact that disputes do arise in a small number of contracts. The NZIBS or RICS can offer advice to both clients and members in the event of any disagreement, and fully recommend that mediation is the first goal in any dispute.
Who owns the actual drawn designs?
Under the Copyright Act 1994, the copyright of any written work is held by the Consultant who provides or drafts it. That Act indicates that use of such reports etc. by a client cannot be prevented by the copyright owner, as long as the terms of the contract have been met and all fees fully paid.
Are other professional services needed?
If the need for a building surveyor has arisen due to a dispute, or some failure on the part of another, such as a builder or pre-purchase inspector, it may be necessary to enlist the professional services of a lawyer or barrister experienced in property/building disputes, and we can provide names of such ones if required. In addition, where damage is established following an investigative survey, remediation may be required in order to resolve the problem and/or enable a proper sale of the property. As such, remediation design services will likely be necessary. We can offer such services through our sister practice Archi Tectura Ltd.
