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HWA

BUILDING CONSENT RESCUE

Receiving a Request for Further Information (RFI), historic Code of Compliance (CCC) issue, unexpected compliance requirements, or a stalled consent application can be frustrating and expensive.

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Issues around compliance often impact project timelines, construction pricing, sale and purchase agreements, finance arrangements, and overall confidence in the project.

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When a consent application runs into difficulties, you need someone with a clear understanding of the issue a clear path forward to resolution.

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I work with Architects, Developers and Building Owners to help identify the underlying issues, coordinate with consultants, and develop practical solutions to get projects moving again.

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Whether you're a homeowner, builder, developer, or fellow design professional, I can provide technical support and strategic advice to help resolve complex consent challenges.

Team
Barton rd fireplace

Common situations I assist with

  • Working with existing buildings can introduce additional complexity around compliance. 

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    Common issues include:

    • Absence of Code of Compliance

    • Existing building provisions

    • Means of escape requirements

    • Accessibility upgrades

    • Structural alterations

    • Weathertightness concerns

    • Change of use requirements

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    Understanding what is required, and equally what is not required, can significantly affect project costs and feasibility.

  • RFIs are a normal part of the consent process, but some can be extensive, repetitive, or difficult to interpret.

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    I can help:

    • Review council requests

    • Identify the key issues requiring resolution

    • Coordinate responses from consultants

    • Prepare supporting drawings and documentation

    • Develop a strategy to minimise further information requests

  • Accessibility requirements can affect both commercial and residential projects, particularly when altering existing buildings.

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    I prepare GAP analysis reports for building owners to identify what needs to be done and why, and what doesn't need to be done. 

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    • Accessible routes

    • Entrances and ramps

    • Accessible bathrooms

    • Lift installations

    • Existing building upgrade requirements

    • Coordination with accessibility consultants

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    Our focus is on achieving practical, cost-effective solutions that work for both building users and project budgets.

  • Fire compliance requirements can have a significant impact on building design and construction costs.

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    We regularly work alongside fire engineers and consultants to help resolve:

    • Means of escape issues

    • Fire separations

    • Emergency lighting requirements

    • Fire alarm systems

    • Compliance schedule considerations

    • Existing building upgrades

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    Early identification of potential issues can often avoid costly redesign later in the process.

  • A proposed change in building use can trigger additional compliance requirements that are not always obvious at the outset.

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    Examples include:

    • Residential to commercial conversions

    • New commercial tenancies

    • Mixed-use buildings

    • Additional dwellings

    • Multi-generational living arrangements

    • Alterations to existing commercial buildings

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    We help identify likely requirements early and develop a strategy before unnecessary costs are incurred.

  • Sometimes projects simply need a fresh set of eyes.

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    We can provide an independent review of:

    • Building consent documentation

    • Consultant reports

    • Council correspondence

    • Proposed compliance strategies

    • Existing building constraints

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    Our role is to identify risks, opportunities, and practical pathways forward.

How it works

Hamish Standing

1. Initial Review

I review available documentation including drawings, RFIs, reports, the existing site if required and council correspondence.

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2. Identify the Real Issue

Consent problems are often symptoms rather than causes. We work to identify the underlying issue driving council concerns.

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3. Develop a Strategy

I will outline practical options, likely costs, risks, and recommended next steps.

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4. Coordinate Resolution

Where required, I work alongside owners, consultants, builders, and councils to help move the project forward.

Rural Alteration Balclutha 2

FOCUSED REVIEW SERVICES

My Technical Peer Review service provides an independent assessment of drawings, specifications, and supporting documentation to identify coordination issues, compliance risks, buildability concerns, and opportunities for improvement.

 

Whether you're a designer, architect, builder, or project owner, I help strengthen documentation quality and reduce the likelihood of RFIs, variations, and construction issues.

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Indicative Fees:     

Projects under $200,000

From $1,500+gst

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Projects $200,000 - $500,000

From $2,500+gst

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Projects over $500,000

From $5,000+gst

Technical Peer Review

My Consent Readiness Review assesses provided drawings and supporting information against common council requirements and Building Code expectations. I identify potential gaps, coordination issues, and areas likely to generate RFIs, providing practical recommendations before submission.

 

The result is a more complete application, greater certainty, and a reduced risk of costly delays during the consent process.

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Indicative Fees:     

Projects under $200,000

From $2,500+gst

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Projects $200,000 - $500,000

From $3,500+gst

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Projects over $500,000

From $7,500+gst

Consent Readiness Review

Obtaining a Code Compliance Certificate can sometimes be more challenging than obtaining the consent itself.

 

Missing documentation, incomplete inspections, changes during construction, or unresolved compliance matters can delay sign-off and create uncertainty for owners.

 

I help identify what is outstanding, coordinate with builders, consultants, and council, and develop a practical strategy to achieve Code Compliance Certificate approval as efficiently as possible

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Indicative Fees:     

Residential from $1,800+gst

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Commercial from $5,000+gst

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Code of Compliance Support

Property owners, particularly for inherited property often come across non-disclosed alterations, additions, garages, sleepouts, decks, retaining walls, or internal modifications that were never consented, were incorrectly consented, or have missing documentation.

 

Whether the work was completed by a previous owner or more recently, I can help assess the situation, identify the appropriate compliance pathway, and provide advice on available options including Certificates of Acceptance, retrospective documentation, remedial work, or building consent applications.

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Indicative Fees:     

Building work review $950+gst

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Resolution Strategy $1,800+gst

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Resolution Implementation $P.O.A. 

Unconsented Building Work 

Hamish Wakefield, Advisory + Design

Don't spend weeks going around the same issue.

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If a consent, compliance or documentation problem is holding up your project, send me what you have.

 

I'll review the situation and confirm whether I can help and what the next step is likely to involve.

If useful please add anyone else who is involved in the project such as a spouse, business partner, committee member or co-owner for example that has an interest in receiving communications from me about this project.

If you have a LIM report, Builders report or existing plans, attach them here.

How did you hear about HWA?

Please let me know how you found my website.

Submitting this form doesn't commit you to any cost. I'll review your enquiry and confirm the scope and fee with you before any work begins.

By submitting this form, you agree NOT to use my contact information for cold calling, email marketing, or sales automation

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