Certifiers
In the recent past, local authorities have been freeing up building certification to approved certification authorities.A1 Building Certifiers have been in business since 1996, now have 8 inspectors, handling around half of the building consent applications in the Auckland region.
As SDS Design Consultants has worked closely with A1 Building Certifiers on many complex projects, we have learned to include both the design intent and NZBC Materials Specifications in our designs to ensure safe and durable buildings with a long lifespan.
Below is an unsolicited letter outlining A1 Building Certifiers' position on GaraPlan.
A1 Testimonial
August 2000Mr S Simôn
SDS Design
1 Titoki Ave
Mangere Bridge
To Whom It May Concern,
In my role as a Building Certifier we deal with many building consent applications for accessory buildings. I have often felt that because the application has been for an accessory building little regard has been given to the detail required on the plans.
There are many garage and carport companies out there who provide a basic set of plans without due regard to the intended use of the building. There is also a failing to accurately portray the site location of proposed and other buildings on the property, contours, access and drainage outfalls.
What do I mean by due regard? For example, you may be interested in restoring old cars. You certainly don't want to be putting a slab on the ground without polythene. Yet most companies know that polythene doesn't have to be placed in the floor slab and therefore do not supply it. If you then leave a tool or paint tin on the floor of your garage, a week or two later you will have a rust spot on the floor.
Similarly if you want to use part of this building for habitable use, there are other aspects which must be considered. The cladding, building paper, insulation, fixing and spacing of trusses, etc all need to be addressed. This is an area that is often brushed over and neglected when garages are sold, with the consumer not realising that there is a difference.
I therefore welcome GaraPlan's entrance into this arena. They have given a great deal of thought to the various scenarios and styles that a client might opt for. The plans are extremely well detailed meaning builders and homeowners will be able to follow them easily.
A wide range of plans is available, each detailed to the customer's own specific location and requirements. Because the plans are of an extremely high standard and a great deal of attention has been paid to the compliance aspects, the building consent application should be a streamlined and efficient process. This translates directly into savings for the client in terms of both cost and time.
I commend Scott's initiative and wish GaraPlan every success for the future.
Rose McLaughlan, Director
A1 Building Certifiers Ltd.
PO Box 55 Drury
Ph (09) 294 8433