ENSURING YOUR PROJECT STAYS ON TRACK

If you are thinking about subdividing a property, it’s useful to review the steps you’ll need to take.

Whether you are thinking of carving off the back of a section to make two lots, developing a lifestyle block, or planning a large multi-development subdivision, the process is similar - it’s just the scale that changes. Checklist:

• A feasibility study provides a thorough report on the subdivision options for the site as well as any restrictions, issues or considerations that should be known about before proceeding • A site investigation, including a geotechnical assessment • A topographical survey, is required in most instances for subdivison/engineering design • A Subdivision Scheme Plan is then prepared with input from a Licensed Cadastral Surveyor • Civil Engineering design for earthworks and site access, including roading, footpaths, driveways. • Infrastructure design for the provision of sewage, water supply, stormwater drainage, power and telecommunication services

• A subdivision consent, is required for all types of subdivision and will include an Assessment of

Environmental Effects

• Site works are then undertaken to form access, building platforms and to install infrastructure

• On completion of those works s.224c Certification is obtained from the Council

• The Land Transfer Survey can then be completed and new titles sought. Derek Wood, principal surveyor at Envivo Engineering, Surveying & Planning, says, “Christchurch Council has made allowance for more infill subdivisions, particularly if an existing building has been condemned there’s more leeway to develop sites. “There are some good opportunities to look at sites in new ways – to maximise the developments and ensure that we make the most of each property.” For first time developers it can be daunting to review all the steps that need to be taken in order to subdivide. The most frequently asked question is ‘how long will it take me to subdivide?’ – followed swiftly by ‘how much will it cost?’ The feasibility study enables Envivo to answer these difficult questions recognising that every site is unique. Christchurch Council has a wealth of advice on their website with diagrams and tips on managing the subdivision process. The Council requires regular monitoring is undertaken throughout the process to ensure that all works and services are carried out and installed to the Council’s Infrastructure Design Standard.

Derek adds, “One of the key factors that should be considered is availability of consultants. Find out contractors’ availability as that will have a huge impact on the speed a development gets underway – and ultimately how much it will cost.

“Our teams are very responsive and can be on-site quickly, it’s our point of difference. Plus we offer comprehensive experience; over the last 18-years we have carried out over 1,000 subdivisions, and over 4,000 topographical surveys.

“We can help you assess whether you can subdivide your property, guide you through each step of the process and manage it smoothly for you.”

RELM Quantity Surveyors

With so much at stake, so many choices, decisions, legislations… it makes sense to start with us.

At RELM Quantity Surveyors we offer more than a per-square-metre rate. A lot of factors affect the pricing of your construction project starting from foundations, local government rules, geographic areas, types of finishes, and style of house to name a few.

We break your building components down and measure using our database of costings to calculate an estimated total cost. In some instances, we can also shop around for prices. you preparing detailed schedules ready for you to compile your tenders, allowing you to commit your time to running current projects.

We work closely with people who design and construct, as well as those in the retail supply chain allowing our team of quantity surveyors to develop a strong understanding of construction materials, techniques and costs.

We can suggest innovative options, so your construction project meets expectations and budgets.

At RELM Quantity Surveyors we are seeing a shift in the market to more architectural styling and innovative new products. These all add to the complexity of the build, which require a greater understanding of materials and labour to provide accurate estimates.

With a RELM Quantity Surveyors estimate in hand, you can commit to working drawings with confidence or tender your job knowing everyone is pricing the same thing, allowing the same standard of finish and products in your build.

Ask about our “Concept to Tender” package, where we can estimate costs at the early stages of design, and give you pricing updates as your plan develops to help you stay on track and make your build more efficient.

Once you are ready, we finalise detailed schedules ready for tender. At RELM Quantity Surveyors our team of experienced quantity surveyors work for With recent natural events having a huge impact on structural design a wide range of solutions have been introduced. A lot these solutions are complex and require in depth scheduling to ensure all materials and labours are included in your tender price.

In the past the role of the quantity surveyor in residential construction has been limited. However, with the changes in regulations, construction methods, materials and innovation in design, an understanding of costs earlier is more important than ever before.

RELM Quantity Surveyors can offer Conceptual Pricing to help you understand you budget earlier on, through to full schedule to enable contractors to accurately price your project.

Working with RELM Quantity Surveyors you are receiving an impartial view of materials and overall costs to help your decisions process from early concept through to full consent drawings.

RELM Quantity Surveyors 49 Main Road, Pleasant Point, South Canterbury (03) 614 8888 info@relm.co.nz www.relm.co.nz

KNOW YOUR PLANS, FIT YOUR BUDGET...

We measure the value of your construction investment. We are a New Zealand company based in South Canterbury, providing quantity surveying (QS) information and services for Alterations / Residential / Commercial to Independent Clients / Engineers / Builders / Draftsmen / Architects. For creative ideas and best value... Call us to arrange a free consult: 027 614 8884