THE RIGHT ADVICE, AT THE RIGHT TIME FOR YOUR BUILDING

BUILDING PATHOLOGY & WEATHERTIGHTNESS

We can investigate defects in all types of property. Depending on the clients’ requirements, we typically use both non-intrusive and intrusive investigation tools to determine the cause and effect of the defect. Our reports explain technically complex issues in layman’s terms to help our clients understand how the defects have occurred and what the scope of repairs is likely to involve. Our reports are then used by architects, engineers and lawyers to help them understand the cause and extent of the problems to be addressed when designing repair solutions or advising on potential litigation strategies (see below).

We can also assist builders undertaking weathertightness remediation work by identifying and marking-up decayed timber which requires replacement in accordance with Building Consent Authority / Territorial Authority requirements.

Services

INSURANCE ASSESSMENT AND REINSTATEMENT

We can assist insurance companies and property owners in providing impartial expert advice relating to property-related insurance claims to determine the likely causes of the damage due to insured events; lack of maintenance; defective construction; or poor workmanship.

 
Services

EXPERT WITNESS & LITIGATION SUPPORT

Following on from the Building Pathology / Weathertightness investigation, we can act as an independent and objective expert witness in building related disputes for both plaintiffs and respondents. We can assist your legal representatives by clarifying the link between defects (the cause) and damage (the effect) and help determine parties that are potentially liable. Alternatively, we can assist in defending inaccurate claims that are made against defendant parties to a claim.

Our Building Surveyors have acted in a number of jurisdictions including expert conferences, mediations, Judicial Settlement Conferences, Weathertight Homes Tribunal and High Court proceedings.

Services

PROJECT MANAGEMENT & CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

We have a methodical approach to our project management services and advocate pro-active risk management from the start of all projects. We have developed simple and effective reporting tools to help our clients keep abreast of the key issues, such as, progress (achieved / planned), costs, design, quality and risks.

As independent project managers we can act impartially from the design team and hold them to account for their progress, asking the pertinent questions as and when they arise. We can also identify potentially incomplete scopes of services and/or programmes to assist in a no surprises solution.

We can provide the duties of Engineer to the Contract for the construction phase of your project. This ensures independent execution of the contract with no bias to the contract parties or the consultant team. The duties include certifying progress payments, issuing variation orders and facilitating completion of the project and the management of defects during the liability period.

Services

STRATEGIC ASSET MANAGEMENT

Planned maintenance, also referred to as scheduled maintenance or preventive maintenance. This is a proactive strategy where maintenance and inspections of buildings are scheduled at regular intervals to ensure that they are performing as required so as to minimise disruption and expenditure. We can undertake a condition assessment of a building to:

  • Advise when major repairs are likely
  • Identify future likely expenditure
  • Maximise the life expectancy of components by scheduling maintenance
Services

LANDLORD AND TENANT

We can provide schedules of condition of premises at lease commencement, part way through a lease or at the end. However, when no such schedule is prepared there is still an obligation on a Lessee (and Landlord) at lease termination. A schedule will identify repairs, make good or maintenance obligations that the tenant (or landlord) may have under the terms of their lease. Often this is needed at the end of a lease, at least. Such specialist reports can advise a Lessee or Landlord of potential dilapidation liabilities and cost estimates; and/or aid in understanding or minimising financial exposure during a lease, when considering lease renewal or, more typically, at lease termination.

Services
Noelle Fletcher

Principal, Te Atatu Intermediate

We used Keith Tickner to formulate our new 10 year property plan. It is a huge task and one that needs close attention to detail, many meticulous and complex calculations and endless paperwork. We found Keith was such a worker, he was patient in the constant demands for changes and need for more information and he was really wonderful to work with.
Denis Kinraid

Case Manager, Ministry of Education (Building Improvement)

I've had the pleasure or working with Keith (Tickner) in his role as project manager on various Ministry of Education remediation projects. Keith's professionalism and his attention to detail were key attributes that lead to the smooth running of all the projects that we worked on together. I would have no hesitation in recommending Keith's professional services for any similar project.
Fiona Shannon

Complexes Project Manager, Housing New Zealand

HNZ engaged HJ to provide a suite of condition surveys for the larger buildings in our portfolio, nationally. Keith (Tickner) project managed this programme of work and was our direct contact. He worked hard to understand our business and his approach was always pragmatic, thorough and efficient. Keith’s wealth of experience internationally, was key in helping us tighten up our brief to ensure we got the right outcomes to take forward. HNZ would recommend Keith to any prospective client.
Darrel Goosen

Principal, Matakana School

Matakana School recently completed its latest 10 Year Property Plan. On this occasion the Board made use of Keith Tickner to manage the process. In the past, this has usually been a frustrating and complicated task. Keith made the process so much simpler for us this time. His keen attention to detail, quick communication and overall grasp of our needs was impressive.  Keith kept everyone - Property Manager, Principal, School Board and Ministry of Education - very well informed and ensured that deadlines were met and supporting documentation submitted on time. It is not often that I am able to express complete satisfaction in professional services delivered by consultants but in this case, I am pleased to be able to do so. I would not hesitate in recommending Keith Tickner to any organisation wanting to make use of his specialist professional services.
Fleetwood Apartments

Body Corporate Chairperson, Fleetwood Apartments

We employed Keith Rankine in the role of Building Surveyor for a period of 10 months to help with a particularly difficult remediation dispute. Keith has been extremely thorough and detailed in his expert approach, collating information and evidence to support a defects list for dispute. While representing our best interests, Keith has been extremely professional, managing the many difficult stakeholder relationships, with care and skill. The Body Corporate has limited building experience and Keith always ensures the committee is kept informed of key decisions, focus and priorities, the communication is uncomplicated clear and in layman terms.  I am happy to recommend Keith both written and verbally.
Basque Road

Chair of the Owners Committee, Basque Road

Hello Peter, we have really appreciated the work you have done on our project, we were very fortunate to have you involved and you made a very positive difference for us. Thank you for being patient and considerate and hanging in to see this through. All best wishes for your next endeavours.
Neil Perfect

Body Corporate Chairperson, St Paul Street Apartments

During the period of six years, while I was body corporate chairman of a large apartment leaky building in Central Auckland, I found Keith Rankine working as a consulting engineer, and laterally as Project Manager, extremely helpful to the owners committee.  He kept us informed through consistent monthly reporting and was of exceptional assistance in assisting with negotiating a satisfactory mediation. I can confidently recommend Keith Rankine to others.

CONTACT

We service clients nationwide from our North Shore office at G01/25 Bute Road, Browns Bay, Auckland 0630.
Give us a call to see how we could help you get the best results from your next property project.

Keith Rankine BSc MRICS MNZIBS

T: 022 318 5014
E:
L: Find Keith Rankine on LinkedIn

Keith Tickner BSc (Hons) MRICS MNZIBS

T: 021 739 303
E:
L: Find Keith Tickner on LinkedIn

Gérard Ball Dip Bldg Cons FRICS FICWCI LMBOINZ

T: 027 801 4913
E:
L: Find Gérard Ball on LinkedIn