I Have an Exemption From Building Consent – Why Do I Still Need an Engineer? It is a question we hear regularly at Branch Consulting: “The council says my project does not need building consent, so why would I pay for an engineer?” It sounds logical on the surface – if the building consent authority…
What Does “Retaining Wall Under Surcharge” Mean? If you’ve been quoted for a retaining wall and the engineer mentioned “surcharge” – or you’ve seen it on a geotechnical report – you might be wondering what it actually means and why it matters for your project. Here’s the plain-English version. What Is Surcharge? In simple terms,…
If you’re a builder or architect working on residential projects in Canterbury, you already know the engineering piece can make or break a project timeline. The right engineering consultant is one you rarely have to chase – one who understands how building projects actually run. Here’s what we offer builders and architects who work with…
If you own property in Christchurch, you’ve probably seen the letters TC1, TC2, or TC3 somewhere – on your LIM report, your insurance documents, or when talking to a builder. But what do they actually mean, and why do they matter for building on your land? Background: the Canterbury earthquakes and liquefaction During the 2010-2011…
If you’re planning to build a new home, add an extension, or do significant renovation work in Christchurch or Canterbury, there’s a good chance you’ll need a geotechnical report before the council will grant building consent. Here’s a plain-English guide to when you need one, what it involves, and what it costs. What is a…