JUNE 2014
CUSTOMER PROFILE: MITRE 10 MEGA TAUPO: ESTABLISHING ITS TRADE PRESENCE TNEW COMMERCE COMMISSION WEBSITE STAY SAFE DURING DEMOLITION WRITTEN CONTRACTS ARE IMPORTANT HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT REFORM RAFTER FIXING REQUIREMENTS
SEE INSIDE FOR CHANCES TO WIN GREAT PRODUCTS Offers open to account holders only Call 0800 M10 TRADE to find out more All prices and offers in this publication are valid from Sunday June 1st – Monday June 30th 2014 from participating stores.
FOREWORD Strength in numbers Not long after this issue of Mitre 10 In Trade is printed and delivered, the Registered Master Builders Federation conference will take place in Taupo. Only a matter of weeks later, the annual Certified Builders conference will be held in Hamilton. While these are, effectively, competing organisations, the aim at these types of events is to get the industry together, highlight what’s going on and provide positive and useful information that will allow each group’s members to work effectively and efficiently. Ultimately, this benefits everyone involved in the building and construction sector – either as a contractor, a subcontractor, supplier, or even as a client. Conferences are also a great time to network with others in the industry, both professionally and socially, the latter of which tends to make up a large part of most gatherings of this type. However, these informal moments at conferences are often the times when it’s possible to have a really revealing conversation with others from around the country who are doing the same job as you and often facing many of the same issues, but perhaps coming up with unique solutions that may work in your situation. Organisations such as the RMBF and CBANZ provide these opportunities for the building and construction industry – a ‘strength in numbers’ approach that gives its members access to information and resources they may not otherwise get, as well as a powerful voice when it comes to putting their views in front of political groups or regulatory bodies. For those attending these conferences, take the opportunity to make the most of the situation and get as much as you can out of it…and hopefully, we’ll see you there.
Andrew Cochrane, General Manager Trade Mitre 10 (New Zealand) Ltd
CONTENTS 2 6 9
PROFILE
Mitre 10 MEGA Taupo
BRANZ
Rafter fixing requirements
BUSINESS
Commerce Commission
Mitre 10 MEGA Taupo has been open for less than 12 months, but has already established itself as a strong trade supplier, something reinforced by customer Richard Stewart, who says moving his business to the store was an “easy decision.” Pitched roofs constructed with timber rafters are described in NZS 3604:2011 Timber-framed Buildings as either couple-close or skillion roofs. What are the rafter fixing requirements?
The Commerce Commission has launched a new website for the construction industry. The website will help industry members increase their understanding of competition and consumer laws so they can improve their compliance.
Cover: L-R: Mitre 10 MEGA Taupo Sales Rep, Mike Bailey, with builder, Richard Stewart and Trade Manager, Mark Tong.
Volume 7, Issue 12 June 2014 Mitre 10 In Trade magazine is published 12 times a year in association with Mitre 10.
Managing Editor
Scott Wilson Phone: 021 725 061 Email: editor@M10magazine.co.nz
Contributors Adrienne Jervis
12
WORKSAFE NZ Safety during demolition
With residential demolitions in Christchurch set to increase significantly between now and December, WorkSafe New Zealand has highlighted the increased safety risk associated with demolition work.
Arthur Chung and Mark Godfrey – Meredith Connell BRANZ Site Safe NZ
14 15 16 21
RACING
Wet weather causes problems
SITE SAFE NZ Act reform taking place
LEGAL
In soaking conditions at the V8 Supercar round at Pukekohe, Mitre 10 Trade Racing’s James ‘Huggi’ Urquhart was on top of the time sheets after two laps of qualifying… but then, unfortunately, had his weekend ended early.
A legislative reform of the Health and Safety Act 1992 is currently taking place with new health and safety laws are set to come into force from April 2015.
Contracts a key to good projects
Good written contracts are a major part of any good building project, with trades people and contractors having clearly set out expectations, rights and obligations.
COMPETITION /LBP COUPON
Stuff to win, points to earn Don’t miss the back page
WorkSafe NZ Commerce Commission Gracey Monteith (Racing)
Printer
Nicholson Print Solutions
Enquiries
ReFocus Media Ltd P O Box 21081 Flagstaff Hamilton 3256 Email: Info@refocusmedia.co.nz MMS Publishing reserves the right to accept or reject all editorial or advertising material. No part of In Trade magazine may be published without the express permission of the publisher. All rights reserved. Opinions expressed in In Trade magazine are not necessarily those of Mitre 10 or the publisher. No responsibility is accepted for the suggestions of the contributors or conclusions that may be drawn from them. Although the publisher has made every effort to ensure accuracy, the reader remains responsible for the correct use and selection of any tools, materials and systems followed, as well as the following of any laws or codes that may apply.
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PROFILE
Quality homes backed by quality service Builder Richard Stewart has been a customer of Mitre 10 MEGA Taupo from day it opened. The store launched late last year and is the town’s first big-box outlet. Richard liked the idea of supporting a locally-owned business.
set builder. He was trained well under a high-end residential builder as he was interested in building architecturallydesigned quality homes himself.
“I’d always enjoyed dealing with owner Craig Ladbrook at the smaller Mitre 10 he had in town, so moving our business to Mitre 10 MEGA, now that they provide trade supplies, was an easy decision.”
Richard is renowned in Taupo and the Bay of Plenty for producing high quality homes, frequently for the million dollarplus market. The company’s team of four builders, including Richard, are currently putting the finishing touches on a stunning property situated in Two Mile Bay, Taupo. Prior to that they built a substantial holiday home in the remote location of Whanarua Bay on the East Coast.
A Registered Master Builder, Richard did his apprenticeship in Taupo after six years working in London as a film and television
“We’d renovated the owners’ house in Taupo; they liked our work so they came back to us for the beach house.”
2
PROFILE Happy to travel out of town, Richard is now embarking on another beach house in Whanarua Bay. The clients currently live in Australia but plan to divide their year between Australia and New Zealand. Impressed by what they saw of the company’s work in Whanarua Bay, they employed Richard to undertake the build of their lifelong dream holiday home.
“The biggest factor in these remote builds is that the owners are generally not around,” says Richard. “In this case, they are overseas so trust and communication are of utmost importance.”
“I’d always enjoyed dealing with owner Craig Ladbrook at the smaller Mitre 10 he had in town, so moving our business to Mitre 10 MEGA now that they provide trade supplies was an easy decision.”
Richard says that during his time in the building industry he’s never had to advertise. Word-of-mouth has sufficed to maintain a steady stream of work. The company tries not to be too big as customers like the personal touch.
Richard Stewart
As with the previous build, the team will travel to the job site early Monday morning, put in four long days and return on Thursday evening. It’s a regime that fits well with them.
“I like to be working on the site myself rather than make the occasional appearance. Customers tend to enjoy that approach. I also place high importance on having a good team working for me. I have 100 per cent trust in my staff to do a good job for me and for the home owners. Richard moved from a previous merchant where Mitre 10 MEGA’s Trade Manager Mark Tong and Phil Mato, now in trade support, had been employed. They had an established relationship which has made the transition very smooth. Richard enjoys dealing with the Mitre 10 MEGA store as he can immediately access product. “Having a wide range of stock always available is a huge plus for us. Not having to pre-order and wait for stock to arrive improves efficiency.” Another big advantage is that products are undercover. “We’re able to drive in and load up with dry material, and there’s always plenty of staff available who are knowledgeable and helpful.” Richard believes Taupo’s building industry is picking up, with more consents and movement coming through. He will be attending the 2014 Registered Master Builders conference being held at the Wairakei Resort, Taupo, from June 5-7. The conference provides him with opportunities to network and keep up with what’s happening in the industry. Mitre 10 MEGA Taupo Trade Manager Mark Tong has also witnessed a lift in residential building. “There is a definite increase compared to previous years. Auckland is going well and it filters down the country.” Mark has been an integral member of the trade team since the store opened last year. He brought a wealth of knowledge to the role and has enjoyed the challenge of starting from a greenfields trade offer. 3
PROFILE L-R: Richard Stewart, Mark Tong and Mike Bailey.
“We’re seeing definite improvements each month and are making budget, which is great.” He says the store’s points of difference compared to other merchants in town include the size of the shop, the stock holding and the fact that the drive-through is undercover. “Our pricing is also very competitive and we’ve got everything here, from plants to precuts.” Trade business is going so well that there is now a full-time sales rep on the road. Mike Bailey, who was initially Trade Supervisor, is in his new sales role sooner than expected. Mike is a former chippie with a background working for two major building suppliers. Another boon is having Phil Mato in trade support. Phil has come from another local merchant and is very experienced in pricing. The trade store is modern, well laid out and contains a huge stock holding. “The common requirement of builders is stock availability. Time is money in this business,” says Mark. “Our massive range is backed by service, competitive pricing and a knowledgeable team.” Another drawcard for the Taupo community is the fact that the store is locally owned. Locals like supporting a home-town business. “The money stays in town,” says Mark. “We use local suppliers as much as we can and support out local community.” 4
“Our massive range is backed by service, competitive pricing and a knowledgeable team.” says Mark Mitre 10 MEGA Taupo is a joint venture between Mitre 10 New Zealand Ltd and Craig and Caroline Ladbrook, who came from the small Mitre 10 Store in the CBD of Taupo, which is now closed. The Ladbrook name is well known in Taupo, and the opening of the town’s Mitre 10 MEGA store marked another milestone for a family that has been part of the community since the late 1950s. It all began in 1957 when Neil Ladbrook came to Taupo to sell farm supplies. Neil soon established a hardware business, Home and Hardware, in partnership with a local builder. Ironically, back in the 1950s Neil sold a small range of timber, albeit in smaller quantities. The $8m Mitre 10 MEGA development occupies a new commercial site by the East Taupo Arterial. It features 220 car parks, a drive thru for trade and DIY customers, a Columbus Cafe, children’s play area and a large garden centre. The 6500sqm store has a huge offering, employs more than 50 people and leads the way for Taupo.
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BRANZ
Rafter fixings
By John Wierenga, Ascape Design Ltd, Wellington
FINDING FIXING REQUIREMENTS for rafters in couple-close roof construction is fairly straightforward in NZS 3604:2011 Section 10 Roof framing. However, finding the requirements for rafter fixings in skillion roofs, or for hip and valley rafters, is a little more circuitous. Figures 1–5 show the fixing requirements for the various roof framing elements.
From NZS 3604:2011 When considering the fixings required (see Table 1), NZS 3604:2011 uses: • fixing types E (or 4.7 kN equivalent) and F (or 7 kN equivalent) depending on the span and size of rafters (rafter spans may be increased by 10% where continuous over two or more spans) • a default wind zone of extra high (EH) – a note within NZS 3604:2011 Table 10.1 indicates that rafter span lengths may be adjusted for other wind zones by multiplying factors of 1.3 for low and medium and 1.1 for high and very high wind zones.
Important connections Connections that need to be considered are rafter (or jack rafter) to: • ridge board for a couple-close roof (Figure 1a) • top plate for a couple-close roof (Figure 1b) • top plate for a skillion roof (Figures 2 and 3) • ridge beam for a skillion roof (Figure 4). Figure 5 covers the connection of the hip rafter to the top plate where the hip rafters brace the roof. 6
Table 1: NZS 3604:2011 FIXING TYPES ALTERNATIVE FIXING CAPACITY
FIXING TYPE
DESCRIPTION
Type E
2/90 × 3.15 mm skew nails + 2 wire dogs
4.7 kN
Type F
2/90 × 3.15 mm skew nails + 2 strap fixings
7.0 kN
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8
SS USINECommission BCommerce launches
website for construction industry The Commerce Commission has launched a new website for the construction industry. The website will help industry members increase their understanding of competition and consumer laws so they can improve their compliance. “The idea for the website arose from our work with the sector over the last few years. We saw the need for a user-friendly guide specifically tailored to the needs of construction businesses and workers to help them understand and comply with the laws that we enforce,” said Kate Morrison, Competition General Manager.
“We’ve tried to make the language on the website really downto-earth and practical. We want it to be a ‘one-stop shop’ for busy people. And we’ve put in lots of examples to help make the concepts more relevant,” said Ms Morrison. “The wider construction sector is incredibly important to New Zealand’s economy for a number of reasons. Estimates suggest that we are on the brink of the largest construction boom in New Zealand for 40 years, part of which of course is due to the Canterbury rebuild but also to high levels of activity in Auckland,” continued Ms Morrison. Overseas experience indicates that the sector is particularly susceptible to cartel, or price-fixing conduct, mainly due to structural characteristics of many construction markets. The Commission has therefore been actively working with the sector since 2010 to raise awareness of competition and consumer laws. More recently, the earthquakes in Canterbury have also provided further opportunity for anti- competitive behaviour as the rebuild takes place. It is widely acknowledged internationally that fraud, corruption, and anti-competitive practices (eg, price fixing, bid rigging, and market sharing) occur after natural disasters. “Because of these factors, the launch of the website was hosted in Christchurch, before being shared with key members of the sector in Auckland. “All these opportunities and risks make it really important that we focus our minds on the construction industry and do what we can to assist construction markets to work well during the rebuild and throughout the country,” said Ms Morrison.
The website is http://construction.comcom.govt.nz
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WORKSAFE
Demolition increase highlights safety risk
With residential demolitions in Christchurch set to increase significantly between now and December, WorkSafe New Zealand has highlighted the increased safety risk associated with demolition work.
“In Canterbury, we’re seeing too many properties throughout the region being demolished before asbestos has been accurately identified. This can create a hazard for workers and persons in the vicinity. A failure to properly identify asbestos before work commences can also lead to a risk of the contaminant entering the waste stream. It can also potentially contaminate soil and the waste stream”.
WorkSafe’s Canterbury Rebuild Health and Safety Programme Director, Kathryn Heiler, says that she is particularly concerned about the identification and removal of asbestos.
“There are also other serious hazards associated with demolition work. The use of mobile plant such as excavators and the requirement to work at height, noise and manual handling are all of concern,” says Ms Heiler.
“Asbestos is extremely hazardous to workers and presents health risks to homeowners and the neighbouring community if not managed correctly,” she says.
“Due to the scheduled increase in the pace of demolition work we will be increasing the number of demolition site visits from our inspector team immediately,” she says.
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WORKSAFE What does the regulator expect?
Eliminate – Isolate - Minimise
Section 6 of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 is the general requirement to “take all practicable steps to ensure the safety of employees while at work”.
Ms Heiler says that WorkSafe is committed to working with the construction industry to ensure that the last of the demolition work across the rebuild does not harm workers or cause adverse health effects in the community.
Section 16 of the Act includes the requirement for those who occupy or own the site, or those who own plant on the site, to ensure that hazards on site do not harm people in the vicinity.
“The industry should expect to see more of our inspectors on site in the coming weeks and months,” she says.
The Best Practice Guidelines for Demolition in New Zealand detail steps that may be taken to plan demolition work safely, identify the relevant hazards and implement the correct controls.
“Where we see unsafe work practices and breaches of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 we will be prepared to stop the work and take enforcement action. This may include the issuing of notices, fines or even prosecution, to ensure the safety of workers”.
WorkSafe’s expectation is that all hazards that may cause harm are identified. These include asbestos, falls from height, falling objects and hazards associated with mobile plant, amongst others. All significant hazards identified must be controlled by considering the hierarchy of controls:
More information on asbestos is on WorkSafe NZ’s website - http://www.business.govt.nz/ worksafe/information-guidance/nationalprogrammes/the-canterbury-re-build/materials
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RACING Rain ruins Huggi’s hopes
into third fastest on the track with times quicker than he had ever driven before – 1:18.035. “This ute is an absolute dream to drive; it’s honestly never felt so good,” he said. “The crew have certainly hit the nail on the head with this one. Those long nights are paying off.”
When the V8 Supercars roll into town, motorracing life gets that little bit more exciting. It’s time to put everything you’ve got into the team and get ready to put on a show for a 120,000+ strong crowd. James ‘Huggi’ Urquhart and his Mitre 10 Trade Racing crew, kitted out in their new footwear thanks to New Balance NZ, spent many nights in the lead up to V8 Supercars ensuring it had the best V8 Ute on the track. With the weather report predicting rain, an action packed weekend with all to play for was expected. Rolling into Pukekohe, the atmosphere was electric and, despite the poor weather prediction, the crowd was not deterred. They were expecting a good show and the Mitre 10 Trade Racing team was ready to give them just that. Rolling out of the pits onto the track for practice, Huggi completed a few warm-up laps over, and then put i t all together, pushing the powerful orange-and-black beast 14
Returning to pits with just a couple of slight alterations to be made, some ominous grey clouds worked their way towards Pukekohe Park Raceway and didn’t want to move in a hurry. With 20 minutes until the qualifying call, the team rushed to prepare the ute for a wet race just as the rain began to pour. On the track, puddles had appeared on every turn and every inch of the track was slick with vision limited, even with the windscreen wipers on full bore. After two laps of qualifying, Huggi had wrestled the Mitre 10 Trade Racing machine around the circuit faster than any other ute on the track and had managed to keep out of trouble until the unimaginable happened. Coming down the front straight, with track conditions changing by the second, Huggi stuck in the lines of Brett ‘The Scud’ Rudd going into turn one. However he was caught out by water levels that had risen just enough to get the front left of the Mitre 10 Trade Racing ute aquaplaning and sending Huggi and his Holden slamming into barrier. The damage destroyed the left-hand side of his machine and ruled him out of the remainder of the V8 Supercars weekend. The result was a huge disappointment for the team but, with three months until the next event in Taupo in September, the team is ready to buff out the scratches and let Huggi show what he is really capable of achieving.
AFETY ITE STalk’ S‘Toolbox safety meetings - engaging employees For those unaware, a legislative reform of the Health and Safety Act 1992 is currently taking place. New health and safety laws are set to come into force from April 2015. An important duty placed on employers under the current Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 is to provide workers with opportunities to participate and contribute to workplace health and safety. The draft Reform Bill shows an increased emphasis on involving and consulting workers. The Health and Safety Reform Bill (part 3) emphasises that employers must ‘engage employees’ in workplace health and safety. By contrast, the current legislation states there is a general duty to ‘involve’ workers in workplace health and safety. To engage a worker, an employer needs to actively gain their interest and attention, as well as involve them in site matters. An engaged employee will be more likely to take positive actions in health and safety. A great way to involve and engage workers is to hold regular ‘Toolbox Talk’ safety meetings with workers. ‘Toolbox Talk’ safety meetings are interactive and are used to cover a variety of short health and safety subjects. The meetings help to remind employees the importance of being healthy and safe each day at work. Encourage employees to participate in health and safety conversation by asking them to: • identify new hazards and review existing hazards and controls • discuss recent accident and incidents on site – can workers identify trends and come up with ways to prevent particular accidents? • talk through a task analysis for a hazardous job – how do they think the job can be done safely? • report any safe actions.
Toolbox meetings are also a perfect chance to:
• discuss new plant or equipment on site • inform workers of changes to company procedures and processes • have company leaders talk about the business direction or a particular topic • congratulate and praise safe behaviour on site • have an interactive training session • have a friendly catch up.
‘Toolbox talk’ safety meeting tips Tip #1 Keep it real To encourage everyone to join in and provide their own feedback, knowledge and experiences, the most important thing is to keep the meeting ‘real’. Use simple language for everyone to understand and include real life experiences and stories to convey the key health and safety messages.
Tip #2 Remember to be positive Toolbox talk meetings are an opportunity to provide positive feedback for safe actions, hard work and great initiatives. It’s also important to avoid criticism and acknowledge everyone for their contributions. The meeting shouldn’t be a lecture, but rather a chance for engagement with staff.
Tip #3 Set expectations Ensure that running and attending toolbox safety meetings is recognised as an important part of a person’s role. If the employee regards health and safety as an add-on, it will often be neglected.
Tip #4 R emember to record and file meeting minutes Record meeting dates, attendees and their signatures, all discussion items, and any actions from the meeting. Site Safe’s free downloadable Site Specific Safety Plan has a toolbox meeting minute template for you to use – head to www.sitesafe.org.nz to download.
Safety Awareness Workshops Site Safe has worked with an Industry Steering Group to explore opportunities around how employers can engage with their employees on health and safety topics, and how Site Safe can provide more options for Site Safe Passport renewals. The ‘Safety Awareness Workshops’ have been developed as a result and focus on technical and behavioural topics. The workshops are practically based, hands-on, and related to construction specific work and hazards. The workshops are run like a toolbox safety meeting and are a mechanism to provide greater health and safety engagement and awareness with workers. The Safety Awareness Workshops run for 1-1.5 hours, so are an excellent activity to gain licensed Building Practitionery points. Contact 0800 SITE SAFE or comments@sitesafe.org.nz or go to www.sitesafe.org.nz 15
LEGAL
Written contracts should be part of the DNA of any building project By Arthur Chung and Mark Godfrey We Kiwis love our homes and we love DIY projects – its in our DNA, but not all of us have the expertise and/or the time to do it all ourselves. Some work, such as electrical, plumbing and gas need to be carried out by licensed trades persons whilst certain restricted building works can only be undertaken by licensed builder practitioners. So for most of us, that means engaging trades people and contractors to do the work. We all set out on a new project with the same goals - to have the job done well, completed on time and within budget. An essential component to achieving these goals is to have good written contracts with the trades people and contractors which clearly set out each parties expectations, rights and obligations. All of us know this but more often than not, the ‘she’ll be right’ approach means that many of us don’t pay sufficient attention to putting a good contract together at the outset.
Arthur Chung is a Partner in Meredith Connell’s Commercial Property Group and Mark Godfrey is an Associate in Meredith Connell’s Infrastructure and Projects Group. Both Arthur and Mark have expertise in advising on construction law issues. We also acknowledge the assistance of Sophie Wharam in putting together this article.
Although contracts do not have to be in writing to be legally binding, it is unwise to proceed on any project based on an oral agreement. It can also be risky to contract solely on a contractor’s quote as they often do not cover essential terms typically found in construction contracts.
Key contract terms To minimise the likelihood of misunderstandings and disputes, ensure that your written contract covers the following matters: • Contracting Parties – The correct name and contact details of both parties. If trade names are used, ensure that the correct legal name is also recorded. If the employer will be using a project manager or architect to administer the contract, then that person should be identified as well. • Work Scope - A clear description of the work to be undertaken. This is typically shown in plans and specifications. Where the contractor is providing a design and build solution, the contract should include a description of what the employer requires with appropriate design review and approval provisions. • Materials - Detail of any material and products to be used in the project. Where materials will be supplied by the employer (i.e. free issue materials), this should be clearly stated. • Consents - Who will obtain and pay for any necessary building and/or resource consents and other related fees? • Code Compliance - A provision that the contractor will be responsible for ensuring all work meets the Building Code requirement. • Insurances - Who is responsible for arranging insurances and the type of cover required? • Key contract dates - Start and target end dates and where appropriate, milestone dates. • Contract Price - The contract price and how it is calculated e.g. fixed price, guaranteed maximum price, measure and
16
LEGAL value or cost plus. It is also advisable to include a price breakdown and agreed schedule of rates for valuing any variations. • Payments - How the contract price will be paid e.g. by progressive monthly instalments, on achievement of agreed milestones. If the parties have or agreed the retentions, the contract should record what retentions are to be retained and when these will be released. • Variations – What variations can be requested by the employer and how these are to be valued? • Warranties - Whether there will be any warranties or guarantees provided in addition to the statutory implied warranties of the Building Act (see below). The contract should also record the defects notification period. • Dispute resolution - How any dispute will be resolved?
Contract forms To ensure that you have your essential terms covered, we recommend that you use a standard form contract as a starting point. The industry standard form for residential housing project is the NZS3902:2004 Housing, alterations and small buildings contract. Other standard contract forms have been developed by the Certified Builders Association of NZ (CBANZ), Registered Master Builders Federation (RMBF) and NZ Institute of Architects (NZIA). The CBZNZ and RMBF contracts are only available to their members and generally contain more builder friendly terms. If you are using an architect to administer your contract, your architect may recommend one of two NZIA contract forms (one is for small works). Builders and contractors may also have their own template contract forms which will generally contain terms which are builder friendly. Whatever contract form is proposed, do not accept the terms on face value. Read the contract and ensure that you understand all of its terms before you sign it. If in doubt, seek independent legal advice.
Warranties and Guarantees All residential building works are covered by the implied warranties set out in section 397 of the Building Act 2004. These warranties include: • the building works will be done properly, competently, in accordance with the plans and specifications, the building consent, the provisions of the Building Act and its regulations • that all materials supplied for use in the building works will
be suitable for the purpose for which they will be used and will be new unless otherwise agreed • the building works will be carried out with reasonable care and skill and completed within the timeframe specified, or a reasonable time (if not time is stated) • the household unit will be suitable for occupation following completion of the building works, and • if the contract states a particular purpose for the building works, then the building works will be reasonably fit for that purpose. These implied warranties cannot be contracted out of. Some contractors will offer their own guarantees. You should ask the contractor what guarantees they offer, in particular what the guarantee will cover (and just as important – what it will not), the duration of the guarantee and whether the guarantee is backed up by an established association.
Checklist - The do’s and don’ts of Contracting • Don’t rely on oral contracts or contractor ‘quotes’ for the work • Do read the contract fully and ensure you understand its contents before signing it - if in doubt, seek legal advice • Do ensure that you understand all plans and specifications which describe the building works as these will form part of the contract documents – if in doubt, ask and clarify the detailswith your architect and the contractor • Where the works involve various subtrades, do discuss, agree and record the terms upon which the contractor can engage subcontractors to undertake defined parts of the building works • Do ensure both parties sign and date the contract once you are happy with the terms • Do retain a copy of the contract during construction and after completion • Do record all important communications with the contractor in writing – a complete paper trail will put you in the best position to resolve any misunderstandings or disputes later on • Do monitor progress, even if you have engaged an architect or engineer to administer the project, and raise concerns or queries as soon as you become aware of them • Do make payments promptly when they fall due and don’t unreasonably hold final payments and/or retentions longer than what has been agreed as such actions could amount to a breach of contract. 17
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For more information go to www.nelsonpine.co.nz Nelson Pine Industries Ltd, Nelson, New Zealand MS 20521 IT
Answer the following question and you’ll go in the draw to win a cool Mitre 10 Trade dart board (and six darts) for the side of the smoko shed.
WIN A WIN A MITRE 10 TRADE
DART BOARD
Email your answer to m10trade@mitre10.co.nz with the words ‘June dart board comp’ in the subject line and you’ll go in the draw to win.. You must include your answer, your name, company name, physical address, daytime phone number and the name of the store you hold an account with. All entries must be received by 5pm on Monday July 7th, 2014. Conditions of entry: You may enter only once/ Prize(s) are as outlined. Prize(s) are non-
refundable, non-transferrable and not redeemable for cash. The winner(s) will be notified by phone or email. Employees of ReFocus Media Ltd Ltd, Mitre 10 (NZ) Ltd, suppliers of goods to Mitre 10 and their immediate families and agencies are not eligible to enter. By entering this contest, you consent to the use of your name in all matters related to this contest, including any advertising or publicity without further compensation. Results of this promotion will be published in a later issue of Mitre 10 In Trade magazine. Prices that may be quoted in this promotion were accurate recommended retail prices at the time of publication. ReFocus Media Ltd and Mitre 10 (NZ) Ltd accept no responsibility for any loss or damage incurred from the use of these products.
QUESTION: What is the threestep hierarchy of controls when it comes to dealing with significant hazards identified during demolition.
THIS PUBLICATION IS RECOGNISED BY THE BUILDING AND HOUSING GROUP AS CONTRIBUTING TOWARDS THE SKILLS MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE LICENSED BUILDING PRACTITIONER SCHEME. If you are a Licensed Building Practitioner, cut out and safely retain this panel with your skills maintenance literature for future reference and audit confirmation. Ref. In Trade Vol 7, Issue 12 June 2014
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BARRIER UltraLock BARRIER UltraLock
FLOORING FLOORING Stronger Ultralock flooring joints have superior Stronger shear strength. Ultralock flooring joints have superior shear strength. Squeaks Less With Ultralock’s patented glue joint the Squeaks Less risk of a squeaking floor is substantially With Ultralock’s patented glue joint the reduced. risk of a squeaking floor is substantially reduced. Water Resistant Joints The fully glued joint significantly reduces Water Resistant Joints the risk of edge peaking. Ultralock can The fully glued joint significantly reduces be laid in most conditions. the risk of edge peaking. Ultralock can be laid in most conditions. No Nogs/Dwangs Save time and money with the ability to No Nogs/Dwangs bypass the need for nogs or dwangs. Save time and money with the ability to bypass the need for nogs or dwangs. Easy and Safe The small sheet sizes (3600/2400 x Easy and Safe 1200 mm) make the floor easy and safe The small sheet sizes (3600/2400 x to lay. 1200 mm) make the floor easy and safe to lay.
0800 326 759 www.chhwoodproducts.co.nz 0800 326 759 www.chhwoodproducts.co.nz
The Kopine® Ultralock flooring system is a unique approach to wood panel floors which results in a strong, quiet, floor The Kopine® Ultralock flooring system is a unique approach that is cost effective, performs well and is easy and safe to lay. to wood panel floors which results in a strong, quiet, floor The patented system uses glue to fix the panel edges which that is cost effective, performs well and is easy and safe to lay. bonds the panels together to form a continuous flooring The patented system uses glue to fix the panel edges which membrane. The adhesive, which is supplied with the panel bonds the panels together to form a continuous flooring (and included in the price) reduces the need for nogs or membrane. The adhesive, which is supplied with the panel intermediate fixings, saving time and money. The glue also (and included in the price) reduces the need for nogs or provides an effective seal against the ingress of moisture into intermediate fixings, saving time and money. The glue also the joints to significantly reduce the chance of edge peaking provides an effective seal against the ingress of moisture into that requires additional sanding. the joints to significantly reduce the chance of edge peaking that requires additional sanding. Kopine Ultralock flooring products are tested to AS/NZS 1860, but with panel square tolerance within 1 mm Kopine Ultralock flooring products are tested to per metre. AS/NZS 1860, but with panel square tolerance within 1 mm per metre.