pūnaha - CONSTRUCTION GUIDE

 Pūnaha - House Construction Guide for Clients and Providers

Hei oranga I Hangia ki Runga He turanga pakari

Well being built on firm foundations

This  guide assists clients and construction providers within the He Wakaputanga jurisdiction to work together towards a high standard of construction that will satisfy clients, construction providers, insurers and financiers.

We uphold a strong emphasis on personal responsibility whereby both the client and construction providers take responsibility for being informed and communicating throughout the process.

Te Huinga o Nga Kaihanga construction providers have made a commitment to operate in  Te Ture Tikanga  tika [correctness], pono [ truth, honor ] and aroha [ compassion].

Members commit to providing robust, durable, warm, dry, cost effective, dwellings, commercial buildings, roading, supply services and general infrastructure.

Member pledge : https://tikangatrade.org/construction-tikanga

Building involves substantial investment so we strongly recommend that clients have active involvement and not leave everything to a designer, builder or project manager.

It is advised that the client is available for regular site inspections to minimize mistakes.

Errors will probably occur but are better rectified early on - regular communication with construction providers ensures a successful project.

Te Huinga o Nga Kaihanga construction checks are to be done by an engineer or skilled provider to ensure that work is robust, durable and fit for purpose.

Te Huinga o Nga Kaihanga construction durability and best practice guides :

https://tikangatrade.org/construction-tikanga

https://tikangatrade.org/build-process-guide

https://tikangatrade.org/contracts-and-design

https://tikangatrade.org/construction-standards

 Quality assurance examination stages :

* Working drawings/Finished plans

* Geoengineering testing if required.

* Excavation/pre-pour for piles, footings, slabs, in situ walls and blockwork infill.

 * Tanking/waterproofing prior to back-filling retaining walls, covering membranes on decks or laying tiles in wet areas such as showers.

* Pre-clad prior to wrapping the building in building paper or building wrap and installing the cladding.

* Post-clad prior to applying coatings to fibre cement or polystyrene systems and possibly  during plastering.

* Pre-lining with insulation installed but before installing internal linings including checking the plumbing installation under pressure.

* Drainage, including testing prior to filling in the trenches.  

* Final inspection for plumbing, building and drainage work.

Generally, gas and electrical work is to be done by an experienced competent provider and documentation supplied for future reference.  

Prior to construction beginning we recommend :

* Plans and drawings are satisfactory to both client and provider please refer to our contracts and design guide :  https://tikangatrade.org/contracts-and-design

* An accurate cost analysis has been done.

* Insurance and finance are  place.

*Both the client and construction provider  are assured through communications and contracts that Ture Tikanga will be applied for a satisfactory outcome.

General Building Checks : 

* Rubbish disposal has been arranged.

* Heavy vehicle access is of a suitable nature.

* A temporary power and water source has been arranged.

* Portaloo and temporary lock up are on site.

* The house is set out correctly on the site.

* Materials and products match what was specified.

* Moisture level checks on timber are satisfactory prior to installation.

* Timber has the correct preservative treatment for its location.

 * Plans and specifications are followed.

* Materials are installed to manufacturers’ instructions so that the warranty is applicable.

* Finished construction is protected from the weather.

Refer to https://tikangatrade.org/construction-standards

Excavation checks :

* The hole for excavation is staked out correctly and is the correct depth. 

* Once excavated, cut earth faces are vertical and supported. 

* Neighboring properties are unaffected by earthworks. 

* Surplus soil is not in the way of construction.

Retaining wall checks :

* Retaining walls have been included in the plans  and checked by  the engineer or skilled construction provider.

* The ground supported during construction and wall is drained behind and waterproofed/tanked if necessary.

Footings and foundation checks :

* Footings are straight and correctly positioned.

 * Drainage and underground plumbing are in the correct position.

 * The drain holes or pipe vents are in locations that will not interfere with future use of the grounds.

* The vents in the right position.

* The drains carry sufficient water  to the disposal location. 

 Concrete slab checks :

* There is a layer of compacted base course, a polythene vapour barrier, plumbing pipes and pipes taking electrical and other cable, in-floor heating and polystyrene insulation if required.  

* Additives have been applied to the concrete to reduce cracking during or following curing; for concrete can be colour or  polishing. 

* The floor is fully laid in one pour and there is no lag between deliveries.  

* The concrete is cured properly under advice from your builder. 

Scaffolding checks :

* The scaffolding or safety measures and safety barriers for working from heights are suitable.

Refer to https://tikangatrade.org/construction-standards

Wooden flooring checks :

* The floor joists even and solid.

* The flooring timber has been evenly laid.

* The timber is sufficiently seasoned to avoid shrinkage.

 * The plywood/chipboard panels are secured properly and are even.

Framing checks :

* The dwangs are level with each other.

* The studs are spaced correctly at 600mm.

*  If using timber framing, the timber is sufficiently dry and of the correct preservative treatment.
* The doors and windows openings are correctly positioned and are the correct sizes.

* The bracing elements in place.

Refer to https://tikangatrade.org/construction-standards

Roofing checks :

* All roofing is laid straight and true and fixed correctly. 

* Fixings are even and neatly set out. 

* Flashings, barge boards and ridge caps must be in place. 

* Correct and effective flashing has been installed. 

Gutter and downpipe checks :

* The gutters have the correct fall to ensure no pooling of water.

* The gutters are installed correctly with overflow relief in case of blockage so heavy rain does not flow into wall cavities.

 * Downpipes are in the correct location so they don’t interfere with external aspects of the building.

Refer to https://tikangatrade.org/construction-standards

Door and Window joinery checks :

* The doors, windows and sliders that are the correct size and design.

* They have been fitted with sufficient waterproofing.

* Correct and effective head and sill flashings are installed over windows and joinery.

Refer to https://tikangatrade.org/construction-standards

Cladding Checks :

* The cladding is being handled and installed as per manufacturer’s instructions with no damaged panels so that warranties are not void.

* Flashings are fitted correctly and properly waterproofed.

* Battens used to aid in drainage for water that gets behind the cladding are fitted correctly.

* Joins in panels are even, level and regular.

* There is sufficient weatherproofing for any flat panels used.

* The cladding is finished properly for an excellent finish.

Weather-tightness checks :

* Wall cladding materials are not finished hard down onto a deck surface or paving or paths.  

* Wall cladding that extends below ground level does not have landscaping materials, built up against the wall.

* Decks are not constructed to the same height as the internal floor with no fall for drainage.  

* Suspended timber floors have space below the floor for ventilation.

* Parapet walls have cap flashings. 

* Kick-outs or diverters to apron flashings are in place where roofs abut a wall surface. 

* Water flows into the gutter and not down inside walls. 

* Monolithic claddings and tiled finishes have movement- control joints that allow building movement to occur without cracking the materials.  

* The difference in levels between the surface outside and floor inside ensures that there is good drainage.  

Brick and block laying Checks :

* They have been laid even and straight.

* There is a satisfactory level of quality finish with no evidence of mortar splashes.

* The ventilation gaps are free of excess mortar.

Refer to https://tikangatrade.org/construction-standards

Pipework and supply checks :

* There is adequate water pressure. 

* The designer and bathroom ware supplier have specified whether fittings suit low, medium or mains water pressure.

 * The pipes will be quiet where required.

* The bathroom plumbing is correctly positioned.

* There are sufficient outdoor taps.

* The gas pipes are installed in the correct position.

* The correct filters are in place for pipe size and water pressure.

* The hot-water source is close enough to the kitchen/bathroom taps to minimize time lag.

* Trenching for sewerage pipes, storm water and soak pits, water and electrical supply are at the correct depth and position as per plans.

* Septic tank design is suitable for use if applicable.

Refer to https://tikangatrade.org/construction-standards

Insulation checks :

* The correct R (heat retention) levels or better for ceiling and wall insulation is in place.

* It has been correctly installed as per manufacturers’ specifications and ensuring that there are no gaps.  

Refer to https://tikangatrade.org/construction-standards

 Electrical checks :

* There are enough power points in the right positions and power points and light switches are installed evenly on the wall.

* The transformers and and lights have been suitably selected.

 * The light fittings are in the correct position and of suitable ambience.

* The electrician has created openings for the lights in the correct position and with the correct wiring.

 Phone and broadband wiring checks :

* New homes have each outlet wired back to a home distributor box.

* Phone and broadband outlets are in the required areas.

* A double RJ45 outlet or similar has been installed in bedrooms and other normally occupied rooms, with multiple outlets in the lounge, rumpus room and study.  

* Cat5e cable or a higher capacity is being used.

* Computer cabling runs separately to the electrical wiring if required.

 * The correct technical set up has been installed to access regional broadband supplies.

* Wiring for a security system has been installed if required.

Refer to https://tikangatrade.org/construction-standards

 Lining checks :

* Suitable products have been used as specified and installed correctly with wall sheets fixed horizontally.

 * Timber framing is dry and straight. 

 * Plastering of the joins has been done according to best practice.

 * The correct panels for specific rooms such as waterproof plaster board in the bathroom, fire-rated in the kitchen and sound- proof in the bedrooms has been used.

* The preparatory work of a high standard such as filling holes, touching up plaster sanding and the use of correct undercoats.

* The paints being used are good quality.

* Paint colors are as specified.

 * Correct paints and finishes are used in kitchens and bathrooms, doors and window frames. 

* Angles are cut in to keep lines sharp.  

Refer to https://tikangatrade.org/construction-standards

Kitchen Cabinetry checks :

* The cabinetry and benchtop are the correct size and color.

* Cupboards installed above the bench are fitted properly to the ceiling and/or walls.

* Power points are installed in the correct locations and with fittings that minimize intrusion onto bench space and tight spaces.

* Required power points for appliances are correctly placed.

* Silicone sealants are suitably applicably. 

Appliances, tapware and flooring checks :

* Ventilation appliances and rangehoods are fit for purpose.

* Appliances are installed correctly for validation of the warranties.

* Tapware is suitable to pressure.

* Tiles are not chipped after laying.

Refer to https://tikangatrade.org/construction-standards

Ventilation and heating checks :

* Underfloor heating wiring has been laid if required.

* Room can be fully dry within 30 minutes. 

* Sufficient waterproofing is done. 

* Glass is of the correct standard. 

* Tiles are not chipped after laying.

* Vanity is property fixed to the framing.

* Silicone sealant is properly applied where required.

Refer to https://tikangatrade.org/construction-standards

Heating capacity checks :

* Sufficient heating units have been planned for and installed.

* They have been correctly installed as per manufacturers’ specifications. 

* Gas heating has been flued to reduce moisture build-up inside.

* Wood heating including the flue has been installed in accordance with manufacturers instructions so as not to pose a fire risk.

* The trade-off between purchase price and running cost has been considered.

Refer to https://tikangatrade.org/construction-standards

Fencing checks :

* Fencing has been discussed with your neighbors where applicable.

* The correct grade of timber been used.

* The vertical posts have been installed solidly and evenly.

* The fence is the correct height.

Decking checks :

* Solid decking attached at the wall has sufficient drainage.

* Decks attached to walls have the proper procedures followed and weathertightness is achieved. * The deck is sufficiently designed to support the required weight.

Rubbish removal : 

* Rubbish left behind by tradespeople and sub-contractors is disposed of in an environmentally sound manner.