Case Study Castor Bay

This 4 bedroom family home in Castor Bay was originally constructed in the mid 1970’s, and was subject to considerable alteration and extension around the mid 1990’s. The resultant two storey property was primarily constructed with concrete blockwork external walls to the ground floor, timber framing to the external walls of the first floor, all of which was clad in solid plaster.

Following completion of the mid 1990’s alteration works the Council ‘sign-off’ became protracted, with the Code Compliance Certificate not being provided until circa 2003. Our clients took action in the High Court to recover the costs of a reclad.

Kaizon were instructed to design the remedial works and undertake the contract administration of the full re-cladding of the property, including timber weatherboards in lieu of the previous monolithic cladding. Kaizon managed the building consent process for the client, administered all contractual issues that arose and ensured the contractor successfully delivered the project.

In addition to being the principal designers and contract administrators for the re-clad scheme, Kaizon were also engaged to address the following:

• Expert Witness Sevices: Evidence was gathered during the re-clad scheme to support the clients claim against the appropriate parties. Kaizon were also Expert Witnesses for their claim in respect of both defects and quantum. Kaizon worked closely with the claimants legal advisers during this process and attended the mediation on behalf of the home owners.
• Timber Remediation Inspectors: Kaizon were engaged to inspect the timber frame during the re-clad process and to identify any decayed timber which required replacement. We then reviewed both the replaced timber (with appropriately treated new timber) and the preservative treatment applied to all retained timber and produced a report and photographic record of the process for submission to Council. This is essential in order to comply with the building consent conditions.

An attractive, contemporary and weather tight remediation of this quality family home which provided the clients with the peace of mind and satisfaction in a job well done that had previously been missing. The careful administration of the project also placed them in an appropriate and well documented position to ensure they achieved the claim settlement against the respondent parties that they wanted.

“Learning your house has weathertightness issues and requires a re-clad is a daunting discovery at best. Having limited knowledge or experience of the construction industry, and considering it important that the remedial works were carried out as proficiently and smoothly as possible, we engaged Kaizon Building Ltd to managed the remediation design, tendering process, contract administration and timber framing certification.

This decision certainly lifted a substantial burden of responsibility, as well as time, from our shoulders, and gave peace of mind that the project , particularly technical aspects, were being handled professionally and efficiently. It was also beneficial having a third party to answer queries or discuss issues along the way.

Paul’s communication was always excellent – friendly and personable, he was quick to return phone calls and emails and took considerable time to explain clearly in lay terms any issues arising or why a variation or course of action was necessary. While the process was not without its upheaval and hiccups, we are very pleased with the end result and more than happy to know we now have an attractive and well-constructed home, thanks to our builders and the contribution of Kaizon Building Ltd.“

Homeowner, March 2014.