Pre-Construction and Post-Construction Condition Surveys
Pre-Construction Condition Surveys
In New Zealand, where a development is taking place adjacent to existing buildings or structures, it is likely that the developer will need to procure condition surveys of the existing buildings prior to commencing development. This is often imposed as a condition of resource consent, but where it is not, it is considered good practice for both developers and adjoining owners to protect themselves in the event of potential or alleged damage.
Much like our premises condition surveys, the pre-construction survey is predominantly a photographic schedule covering all relevant parts of the property. Descriptive text will be used to state the condition the various building elements are in, using standard terms good, fair, poor, very poor.
This report can then be referred to after the development has completed in order to assess whether any alleged damage may have been caused by the development.
Post-Construction Condition Surveys
Once a development has completed, it is possible that adjacent property owners will allege damage to their property, resulting from the development. This may be a result of vibrations from construction works, excavations undermining existing structures or other causes. In other cases, resource consents or building contracts may require all adjoining properties to be resurveyed in order to identify potential damage.
Pinnacle Building Consultancy provides independent services in the event of these disputes, including:
Monitoring of adjacent properties during construction works, especially vulnerable properties during periods of high vibration.
Undertaking surveys to compare the pre-construction condition survey against its condition post-development.
Investigating specific defects to give a building surveyor’s opinion on the potential cause.
Providing expert witness services to support legal action (either for developers or adjoining owners).
How can Pinnacle help?
Pinnacle Building Consultancy uses app-based software to quickly capture high quality images and present clear and professional reports. Our efficient system allows us to survey large quantities of properties, in a short space of time, minimising your costs and maintaining your development programmes.