Managing building work

Once you’ve obtained the relevant consents, secured your funding, and engaged the necessary building professionals, you’ll be ready to get the project underway.

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Site administration

Some building owners may choose to manage their building project, while others will engage a building professional to do this. The project manager could be your engineer, architect, designer, builder or a professional project manager.

One of the main obligations that comes with site administration is the health and safety of workers on site. These obligations often mean that the main works contractor is best placed to administer the site.

WorkSafe New Zealand has more information on construction health and safety obligations.

WorkSafe New Zealand website

Resolving issues

If you have any concerns with your building professionals, talk to them about the issue. If you can’t resolve the issue directly with them, you can consider making a formal complaint. 

Complaints can be made through the appropriate professional body.

Alternatively, you can contact the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. Their Building Performance website has information on resolving issues.

Resolving problems - Building Performance website

Completion and sign-off

The first step to formally completing your project is having a certificate of practical completion issued by your building contractor. At this point the contractor hands the works over to you – it is usually the end of their obligations to their contracted works. In preparing for this certificate, you may need to work through a list of any defects and incomplete works.

You’ll also need to get sign-off from your council once your project is complete. If your council is satisfied that the building work has been completed appropriately and any fees are paid, they will issue a code compliance certificate. 

Accessing funding

If you have been awarded Heritage EQUIP funding for upgrade works, you’ll need to contact the Ministry for Culture and Heritage to have those funds released. You will be required to show us that you have met the conditions of the funding agreement.

Heritage EQUIP funding requirements

Celebrating completion

Completing a seismic strengthening project is an achievement worth celebrating. As a building owner you will likely have relied on support and funding from a range of sources. A celebration is an opportunity to thank them. 

It is also a good opportunity to promote your project and your building, and attract new tenants if your building is vacant. And don't forget to update your insurer as your project may reduce your premium.

 


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