FAQ

At Aamsko, project management consultancy means taking full responsibility for the planning, coordination, and delivery of your construction or remediation project. From initial scoping and feasibility through to handover and close-out, we manage every stage with care and precision. This includes developing accurate cost estimates, preparing tender documentation, coordinating contractors and consultants, ensuring compliance with building codes, and maintaining a tight grip on programme, quality, and budget. Whether it's a residential renovation or a complex commercial reclad, our role is to deliver successful outcomes with transparency, professionalism, and technical expertise.

When appointed as Engineer to the Contract under NZS 3910:2023, Aamsko serves as an impartial administrator of the construction contract — ensuring that both client and contractor meet their obligations. We review and certify payments, assess variations and extensions of time, monitor quality, and resolve disputes before they escalate. Our deep knowledge of contract law, building standards, and practical construction processes helps keep your project on track, while ensuring fair and legally sound decisions throughout.

Construction contracts like NZS 3910 or NEC3 set the legal and procedural framework for your project. They define responsibilities, timelines, payment mechanisms, quality standards, and processes for resolving disputes or variations. At Aamsko, we draft, negotiate, and manage these contracts to protect your interests and ensure clarity from day one. A well-structured contract helps prevent misunderstandings, keeps the project on schedule, and provides remedies if things go off track.

Common signs of a leaky building include musty odours, mould or mildew, swollen skirting boards, stained ceilings, or peeling paint. However, many issues remain hidden within the walls and framing. Aamsko’s experienced surveyors conduct forensic weathertightness inspections using moisture testing, thermal imaging, and targeted destructive testing (where needed) to accurately diagnose problems and pinpoint their cause. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent further damage and costly repairs.

Forensic Surveying focuses on diagnosing building defects, particularly in leaky or non-performing buildings. It involves in-depth inspections, material testing, and root-cause analysis to understand what has gone wrong — often used in legal or remediation contexts.

TDD (Technical Due Diligence), by contrast, is performed before purchasing or leasing a building. It provides a broad overview of the property's condition, risks, and lifecycle costs. While both involve building inspection, Forensic Surveying is investigative, while TDD is preventive and transactional.

Start by defining the full scope of work — what needs to be built, repaired, or upgraded. Then engage a qualified consultant like Aamsko to prepare a budget based on current construction rates, site conditions, and likely risks. A thorough budget should include:

• Professional fees (e.g., design, consents, project management)
• Construction costs (materials, labour, access)
• Contingencies (typically 10–15%)
• Allowances for inflation, scope changes, or delays

We work with reliable pricing tools such as CostBuilder NZ and our own market experience to ensure your budget is realistic and informed.

A Long-Term Maintenance Plan (LTMP) sets out the forecasted maintenance and renewal needs of a building over 10+ years. It's especially crucial for body corporates and commercial buildings to ensure the building is properly maintained and funds are available when needed. An LTMP helps:

• Avoid unexpected repairs
• Plan for major upgrades
• Comply with Unit Titles Act obligations

Aamsko prepares comprehensive LTMPs that combine condition assessment with realistic cost forecasts, so you can plan with confidence.

We provide detailed construction cost estimates, capital works budgets, and funding advice tailored to your building's specific needs. Whether you're planning a repair, refurbishment, or full redevelopment, Aamsko can:

• Prepare budget estimates at feasibility stage
• Develop detailed Bills of Quantities for tenders
• Analyse contractor pricing for fairness and accuracy
• Advise on staged funding strategies and special levies (for body corporates)

Our background in project management, construction law, and quantity surveying means we bring a balanced, evidence-based approach to budgeting.