Being prepared for building inspections
Codewords article provided by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs) play a critical role in ensuring the structural integrity and weather-tightness of New Zealand’s residential buildings. However, recent data and industry commentary suggest that a significant number of LBPs are not adequately prepared for building inspections, leading to concerning failure rates.
When building inspections fail they often stem from issues such as non-compliance with the Building Code, incomplete documentation, or work being carried out beyond the LBP’s scope of competence.
Critical checkpoints
For Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs), being prepared for a building inspection is not just a matter of compliance - it is a professional imperative. These inspections are critical checkpoints that ensure building and construction work meets the New Zealand Building Code and aligns with approved plans. Failing an inspection can lead to costly delays, rework, reputational damage, and the potential for a complaint to the Building Practitioners Board.
Preparation demonstrates professionalism and competence. When an LBP ensures that all work is completed to standard, documentation is in order, and access is provided to all inspection points, it reflects a commitment to quality and safety. This not only builds trust with clients but also with council inspectors, who are more likely to view the practitioner as dependable and thorough.
Streamlining the building process
Moreover, being inspection-ready helps streamline the building process. Councils are under pressure to manage high volumes of inspections, and any delays due to unprepared sites can disrupt schedules and
increase costs. A smooth inspection process benefits everyone involved—from contractors and clients to council staff.
Reasons for inspections failing
▶ Inspections are booked in advance to ensure work flows, but key elements may be missing or not completed when it comes time for the inspection.
▶ Work that does not comply with the building consent.
▶ Substandard building practices, which could result in the work not being compliant, for example, the timber framing tolerances in Section 2 of NZS 3604.
▶ Incorrect sequencing, such as calling for a preline inspection before the building is weathertight.
▶ Safe and clear access to the areas to be inspected has not been provided.
Consistent readiness reinforces an LBP’s legal and ethical responsibilities. Section 14E of the Building Act makes the LBP who carries out or supervises restricted building work responsible for ensuring that the work is completed in accordance with the requirements of that Act. LBPs are also accountable to the Board. Carrying out or supervising work that does not comply with the building consent is one of the grounds for discipline under section 317. Additionally, the LBP Code of Ethics also requires an LBP to act within the law.
The Board wrote the following in a complaint hearing decision in 2019:
“The Board considers that licensed building practitioners should be aiming to get building work right the first time and not to rely on the building consent authority to identify compliance failings and to assist them to get it right. It is not enough to just turn up for inspections. Moreover, when compliance failings are identified at those inspections the Board would expect prompt action to be taken and that they would not repeat the same failings.”
This still holds true today.
Complaints
Up to May this year, there have been nine complaints upheld by the Board which involve work not complying with the building consent, four of which were against the same LBP over different projects. Penalties ranged from cancellation of the licence, plus costs, up to $2,950, to fines of up to $4,000, plus costs. One respondent was censured, along with a fine of $2,000 and costs of $2,150. A record of disciplinary offending is also recorded on the public Register under the respondent’s name for 3 years.
In addition, each of these complaint hearings included findings of negligent or incompetent work, which potentially led to these failed inspections. No responsible LBP wants to see this against their name.
Record of Work
An upcoming inspection should also be a reminder for LBPs who have carried out or supervised any restricted building work on the project, but have since moved to a different site, to complete and provide their record of work (RoW) to the owner and the relevant territorial authority. Failure to provide a RoW is by far the most common complaint to the Board and could be a factor in the delay or failure of a building inspection.
In short, readiness for council inspections is not just about passing a check—it’s about upholding standards, protecting your license, and delivering quality outcomes for clients.
These complaint decisions can be seen in the Complaints and Past Decisions section on the LBP website - scan the QR code to view them.
Codewords
Quiz
1. Why do we have building inspections?
a) It ensures building and construction work meets the New Zealand Building Code
b) It allows the inspector to tell the builder how to fix the work that does not comply with the consent
c) It is paid for in the building consent application, so we might as well have one.
2. Who is responsible for ensuring restricted building work is completed in accordance with the requirements of the Building Act?
a) The foreperson
b) The building company owner
c) The LBP who carries out or supervises the restricted building work
d) The client
3. How many complaints against LBPs that include work that does not comply with the building consent has the Board upheld up to May this year?
a) Three
b) Six
c) Nine
d) Twelve
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Fast-track consents and power boost a gamechanger for solar homes
Planned changes by the government to boost solar uptake in New Zealand have been widely applauded by the building and energy sectors. They could potentially increase renewable power generation by a massive 507-gigawatt hours, enough to power around 300,000 homes a year.
Current regulations restrict the amount of power homeowners can export back to the national grid, which in turn limits the size of solar installations. For example, the average size of household solar systems in Australia is about 10kWh, whereas in New Zealand it’s between 5 and 6kWh due to the limits on the power that can be exported.
The proposed changes will increase the permitted voltage range for solar inverters in New Zealand from +/- 6% to +/- 10%, which will increase the flow of electricity from solar panels to the grid and ensure compatibility with a broader range of appliances.
Faster building consents
To further incentivise solar uptake, the proposed changes include fast-track building consents when solar panels are included in the design of a new home. Consents will be processed within 10 working days instead of the standard 20 working days, saving up to $4000 in time and consenting costs.
For existing residential homes, building consent will no longer be required to install solar panels, eliminating costs related to the consenting process and making solar uptake more attractive and financially viable for the 1.9 million-plus New Zealand homes that currently have no selfgenerating facilities.
Along with additional financial incentives offered by banks and other financial institutions to incentivise solar uptake, changes are likely to have a substantial impact on New Zealand’s ability to harness sustainable energy.
The bottom line
For thousands of homeowners who have been hesitant about solar because of the upfront costs and long payback period, the equation has changed big time, according to Rewiring Aotearoa chief executive Mike Casey. He reckons that a solar system could now pay itself off in five to six years.
“It makes larger systems more economical. When you finance solar panels on your mortgage, it probably costs you 13c per kWh, and there are many retailers out there buying power off you at more than 13c per kWh.”
Powerswitch general manager Paul Fuge was equally positive, saying there was “huge potential” for solar in New Zealand because the country had a high number of sunshine hours.
“Basically, by putting in solar power, you’ve hedged your solar electricity price for the next 25 years. If power prices are going to keep going up, then solar just gets better.”
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How to cut construction waste by 80% and turn a profit on your offcuts and leftovers
While most responsible builders are taking steps towards reducing the huge mass of construction waste going into landfill, one building company has taken a giant leap.
In the two years since starting The Waste Project, Sentinel Homes Waikato has reduced landfill waste by a staggering 80%, and in the process, developed a sustainable new business building cabins and sheds from offcuts and leftovers.
“We took a really hard look at our waste volumes and what it was costing us, and it became obvious we could do a lot better with the resources we were using,” says Sentinel Homes Operations Manager, Jono Kraenzlin.
“And rather than take just a few small steps, we decided to go all in. We developed an integrated process and took everything in-house. We hired a full-time waste management manager, bought a truck to service our sites and set up a warehouse as our recycling and repurposing base.
“I think most builders are waiting for an industrywide solution to the problem, but we didn’t want to wait.”
Turning waste into profit
“When you take into account the cost of skip hire, landfill fees and the value of materials that get dumped, it adds up to many thousands of dollars per house that can be saved,” says Jono.
“We always planned to use a lot of the leftover materials ourselves to build tiny homes, cabins and sheds, and it’s been successful. We’ve sold everything we’ve made so far.
“The cabins are perfect because they’re just a smaller version of what we already build. We can pretty much repurpose all the products we’re already using – timber, plasterboard, insulation, cladding, roofing, etc.
“There’s plenty of demand for our cabins as supplementary accommodation. We have a great association with a cabin rental company; they provide the trailer, we build a cabin on it, and they drive it away and rent it out.
“The building itself takes a bit longer because you’re using bits and pieces, so the labour content goes up a little bit, but the numbers are working out well. We have licensed builders and some other tradies working pretty much full-time at the warehouse. It’s great to provide work for people from something that was just thrown away before.”
Customised bag stations are used on-site to separate recyclable materials. Everything that’s reusable gets stored in Te Kowhai.
Operations Manager Jono Kraenzlin (left) with Waste Management Manager PJ Haworth (right).
A solution made simple
“One of the crucial things to make the system work was to get buy-in from our subbies, contractors and suppliers. We updated all our subcontract agreements to include new processes about waste and recycling.
“What really helped to make it appealing to them is that the setup is simple, user-friendly and doesn’t cost them any more time or money. We’ve also talked at length with our suppliers to help out where they can. Even small things make a difference. For example, our local ITM store, Thomsons ITM, keeps our pre-nail frames inside, so it doesn’t need to be plastic-wrapped for delivery. Also, shout out to our trade sponsors, Coffey Electrical Services, we couldn’t do this without their support.
“We worked closely with the council when we first developed The Waste Project and have done a number of presentations together at trade events. The response has been really gratifying.
“Several local housing companies have approached us asking if we could service their sites.”
Could something like this be rolled out as a nationwide service for builders? Could smaller builders band together to do something similar on a co-operative basis?
“I’m sure it could work for other builders, and we’re happy to assist in any way we can.”
A cabin taking shape in the Te Kowhai depot.
The material saved from the landfill is used to make these tiny homes/cabins which are then sold.
A cabin like this would sell for about $15,000.
A cabin
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Retention money - part 2
Codewords article provided by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
In LBP skills maintenance 124, we provided a general overview of retention money, what it is for and what contractors should look out for if they choose to retain it as part of a commercial contract. This month, we’re looking at retentions again from the point of view of a subcontractor who is having retention money withheld from them.
When you decide to take on subcontracting work, the head contractor may choose to hold back a certain percentage of the contract value (usually between 2% and 10%) as ‘retention money’. This money provides security that the job will be completed, and any defects will be remedied.
It is up to the parties involved as to whether they agree to retention money being held, but it can only be held as part of a commercial construction contract.
The detail is in the contract
If retention money is held from you as part of a commercial construction contract, that contract must include certain details.
Check your contract and make sure it includes the:
▶ reason why retention money is being withheld –this could be security for the proper completion of your obligations under the contract, including remedying defects.
▶ percentage or amount of retention money being withheld.
▶ criteria to be satisfied before the money is released to you (release of retention money cannot be conditional on anything other than you completing your contractual obligations).
▶ date when the money must be released, or how the due date is to be established – this cannot be later than the completion date of your obligations.
▶ procedures to be followed before the head contractor can use the retention money to remedy any defects in your obligations under the contract.
If any prohibited provisions are included in the contract, these will not be enforceable. This includes making the payment of retention money (or the timing of such payment) conditional on anything other than you completing all your obligations under the contract. The contract also can’t require you to pay any administration fees or costs associated with retention money.
It’s also important to note that the release of money should only be based on your contractual obligations. In August 2024, the High Court found that certain provisions of subcontracts which stated retentions would be released on practical completion of the head contract – where work was dependent on the work of other subcontractors’ work being completed – breached the Act.
What you should expect to receive
A head contractor can’t just take your money and hang onto it; there are specific rules about how they hold the money and the reporting you can expect. First of all, the money must be held in trust – this means it can’t be used as working capital or cashflow and is protected if the holder becomes insolvent.
If you have retention money held as part of a contract, you should expect a statement at least once every three months, which includes:
▶ the total amount of retention money being withheld in each contract.
▶ the date and amount of each transaction into and out of the bank account, and the contract to which it relates.
▶ full details of the bank account in which the money is being held, including name of bank, branch, account name and account number.
▶ all sources of security if retention money has been secured by more than one complying bank account or instrument.
▶ how each retention money account balance is secured.
They cannot charge you for this information, and three months is only the minimum frequency. You can request a report at any time.
If things go wrong
The Construction Contracts Act has been strengthened in recent years and provides more protection than ever for retention money. If there are concerns about the performance of your obligations under a contract, you must receive 10 days advanced notice in writing to give you the chance to remedy any defects before money can be taken. Then, money can only be taken to remedy those defects in accordance with the contract you’ve agreed to.
MBIE hold the responsibility to monitor compliance. Get in touch with MBIE if you have concerns about how your retention money is being held or used.
In case of receivership or liquidation
Good news – if the worst comes to worst and a contractor with whom you have a commercial contract goes into receivership or liquidation, your retention money is protected and will not be available to the receiver, liquidator, or other appointed agent to pay their debts.
The receiver or liquidator will notify you of their appointment within 10 working days and will be responsible for managing or distributing the money based on your original contract and any further commercial negotiations.
Codewords
Quiz
1. What is the minimum frequency you should be receiving reporting if you have retention money withheld from you?
a) Once a week
b) Once every three months
c) Once a year
d) Once a month
2. When can retention money being withheld from you be spent by the head contractor?
a) When they are low on cashflow, with 5 days’ notice
b) To pay other subcontractors, as long as they pay it back before your contract ends
c) To remedy defects in performance as agreed by the contract, with 10 days’ written notice
3. Retention money is only paid out when the entire job is finished
a) False – retention money only applies to your specific contractual obligations
b) True – retention money waits until the very end of a project.
article
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This article is from Codewords Issue 125.
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Spend up now to save: How the new Investment Boost scheme could help your business
If you’ve been considering a major purchase to boost your building business, there’s now a compelling new factor to add to the equation, thanks to the government’s Investment Boost scheme.
Announced in May as part of the budget, Investment Boost is a tax incentive that encourages business investment by allowing companies and sole traders to immediately claim a 20% deduction on the cost of new assets purchased for businessrelated activity.
Whether you’re spending $5,000 or $500,000, you can deduct 20% immediately and depreciate the rest over time.
Already, there’s been an uplift in vehicle purchases
Following the announcement, there was a significant increase in business vehicle purchases. Keep in mind that the 20% deduction applies only to the portion of the vehicle used for business purposes, but for vehicles used primarily in business operations, the savings can be substantial.
The Motor Industry Association has credited the Government’s Investment Boost initiative for a surge in sales of new vehicles in June, while a MYOB survey of more than 500 small and medium-sized businesses following the announcement put work vehicles at the top of the list of new assets to purchase.
The Investment Boost scheme covers a wide range of assets, including new plant, equipment, tools, improvements to depreciable property, and the purchase or construction of new industrial or commercial buildings (excluding residential rental buildings).
More investment equals economic growth
According to a fact sheet released by the government, Investment Boost is designed to “improve the cashflow from new investments, meaning more investment opportunities become financially viable. Business investment raises the productivity of workers, lifts incomes and drives long-term economic growth.”
Investment Boost is expected to lift GDP by 1 percent and wages by 1.5 percent over the next 20 years, with half of these gains in the next five years.
For more information and to view the fact sheet summarising Investment Boost, scan the QR code:
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Fishing rocks!
So what’s your favourite way to fish, or your favourite fish to catch? I’m asked that question all the time, but it’s like being asked which is your favourite kid?
You might have moments in time when you have a favourite child, but ultimately, you love them all the same. Fishing is like this for me, I love all kinds of fishing, but right now, rock fishing is my favourite.
Some assume rock fishing and surfcasting are the same thing, but they are quite different. Surfcasting is from a beach, and the goal is to cast out as far as you can to get your bait beyond the surf. In contrast, with rock fishing, the action often happens right at your feet, you can see the fish swim up in your burley, and you can even watch them eat your bait.
Reeling
them in is the tricky part
It gets the blood pumping when you see a big snapper or kingfish eat your bait alongside the rocks, but that’s just the first part of it, the rocks are sharp, with ledges, kelp, oysters and all kinds of things perfect for the fish to drag your line into, and you can get busted off in seconds. When fishing from a boat, this is minimised because you are pulling from above, keeping the line angle more vertical so you can lift the fish away from the rocks and kelp. If need be, in a boat, you can chase the fish. When surfcasting from the beach, there are no rocks or kelp to worry about, so any fish you hook will more than likely be landed. However, when you hook a big fish off the rocks, it can be a different story.
Another season done – but there’s more
I’m fresh back from shooting another episode of ITM Fishing, we’ve already filmed our quota of shows for this season, but now that we’re not on TV, there is no set number of episodes or set duration, so I just gathered up a film crew and shot out to target
big snapper and explore some new ledges. We got more than the snapper we were after with kingfish making an appearance, as well as some monster trevally. We’re turning this episode around quickly, so by the time you read this, you’ll be able to catch the action on our Ultimate Fishing YouTube channel or the free Ultimate Fishing App.
The combination of finding a wild and remote rocky ledge to fish from, seeing the fish before you hook them, and landing a good fish with the odds stacked against you, makes rock fishing my favourite type of fishing…at the moment.
Keep ‘em Tight
Matt
Watson
Keep up to date - we’re more than fishing
We continue to release new content that includes the cool stuff in my boatshed, officially ‘The ITM Boatshed’.
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Snapper eating burley and taking baits right at our feet.
A cold winters day but the fish were biting hard off the rocks, while my mates fishing from boats struggled.
New Zealand’s first large-scale PVC recovery facility opens
In March this year, Plastics Recycling NZ (PRNZ) opened its advanced plastic recovery facility in Auckland, marking a significant milestone in New Zealand’s journey toward a circular economy.
Located at 5 Maurice Road, Penrose, the facility is a part of the joint venture between WM New Zealand and Aliaxis NZ, with crucial support from the Ministry for the Environment’s Plastics Innovation Fund.
Under the partnership, WM New Zealand operates both the facility and manages a network of collection services for PVC and HDPE materials. Processed materials are then supplied to Aliaxis for remanufacture into new piping systems, delivering a true circular economy solution.
“This facility represents a transformative step in New Zealand’s waste management capability,” said Logan Dingle, General Manager of PRNZ.
Diverts PVC away from landfill
“By establishing the country’s first large-scale PVC recovery operation, we’re enabling the widespread recycling of an entirely new material stream, creating local solutions for materials that could otherwise end up in landfill.”
Armed with state-of-the-art washing technology to remove dirt and debris, the facility plans to transform 4,000 plus tonnes of plastic waste annually into valuable recycled materials by 2027.
The plant specialises in processing PVC and HDPE pipes from demolition and construction sites, each targeted at 2,000 tonnes per year. WM New Zealand’s comprehensive collection network ensures efficient material recovery, while Aliaxis’ commitment to using the recycled content in new manufacturing creates a seamless circular solution for the construction industry.
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Champions promote mental fitness
Live Well Build Well, the nationwide wellbeing programme for residential construction, is establishing a ‘champions’ network to promote mental fitness skills.
The thinking behind the programme is that just like people get physically fit, they can also build their mental strength and resilience by learning to think more flexibly, avoid common thinking traps and hone their communications and listening skills.
The initiative, now in its third year, encourages builders and tradies to share what they do to keep well and stay on top of their game.
We asked a few of Live Well Build Well’s new champions what they do to cope with the pressures and uncertainties of the industry. Here are a few of their insights.
‘Reach out to people’
Brandon McAllister, a 27-year-old carpenter in the Auckland area, uses his profile as a social media influencer to share advice about dealing with the challenges of the industry.
“A lot of us carpenters are self-employed, so what we do is probably one of the loneliest jobs you’ll ever find. So it’s important to reach out to people. I’ve done this myself. I’ve reached out to people online and asked them, ‘You’re a tradie and I see you have kids. How do you navigate the kids while you’re on-site during school holidays?’ If you reach out, people will share their advice.”
‘Do what you love’
In terms of the big picture, Brandon’s biggest mental fitness tip is ‘do what you love’. “If you’re not enjoying the type of work you’re doing, don’t do it.
Change. Find a different form of carpentry that suits you more. Find your area and you’ll be the happiest person ever.”
Communication and listening skills to support others
Another Live Well Build Well champion, Jennifer Parker, is the general manager of Licensed Renovations. She says the current economic climate is making people in the industry feel more cautious and anxious.
“There’s a lot of negativity out there at the moment. If we give out that negativity as leaders, then we’re just going to get it back. So, maintaining a positive attitude on site with your staff is critical,” says Jennifer.
“Working with Live Well Build Well has certainly opened my eyes to other people’s perspectives. I’ve learnt to listen more carefully to people, really take
Brandon McAllister
Jennifer Parker
in what they say and set aside time to talk to them. Just sending a text or making a phone call to people to say, ‘hey, I’m thinking about you guys today.’ It doesn’t take a lot of effort, and it is very much appreciated.”
Better prep = less stress.
Site manager, Tuhi Mueller, has been building for 15 years. He says managing stress is all about planning.
“We all deal with stress, but it’s how you manage it. For me, it’s about having a good plan. Running a big site, I need to have a plan. First thing Monday morning, we have a toolbox meeting and come up with a plan for the week. Having a good plan makes people feel part of the team, and it makes my life easier because they’re taking ownership of the plan. Having a plan means I definitely stress less.”
Tuhi’s also proactive about scheduling rest and recovery time.
“For me, rest and recovery from work is about getting outdoors. If you’ve had a hard day, just take a walk around the block. On weekends, I love spending half an hour on a mountain bike, unwinding in nature. There’s something about it that helps me reset for the next week.”
Small changes make a big difference to mental wellbeing
Programme leader Rafael Caso says, “The research shows that small, everyday changes in how we think and what we do to keep well can add up to huge gains in our mental health. Investing in these skills means we have the daily habits and skills to manage the ups and downs of the industry.”
Adopting these skills and habits can make a big difference to how people feel, says Raf. Last year a survey of 1,122 tradies to assess the impact of Live Well Build Well, showed the average level of wellbeing among residential construction workers (as measured by the WHO-5’s 25 point wellbeing index) had increased almost a whole point from 15.5 in 2023 to 16.4 in 2024, while those reporting poor emotional wellbeing decreased from 25% to 18%.
“Real stories are the backbone of Live Well Build Well. By sharing real stories, we aim to inspire and uplift our community.”
Live Well Build programme lead Rafeo Caso has established a network of Live Well Build Well champions to share and promote tools and messaging about mental fitness.
To find out more, visit livewellbuildwell.com and scan the QR codes below to follow Live Well Build Well on socials.
Tuhi Mueller
Programme leader, Rafael Caso
$260
GST
360° horizontal + vertical + plumbdot up and down
• 5 year warranty
• re-chargeable battery
• Hard case & accessories as shown
• Pre-sale calibrated
• Compatible with the VLLR receiver
Level NZ imports and supplies a wide range of laser levelling equipment through ITM. Veritech laser gear designed to provide quality, reliable and accurate gear with local back up service & calibration.
All Veritech Laser Levelling gear is calibrated prior to despatch and comes with a 5-year warranty.
Level NZ also service & calibrate all other makes and models of laser level. A service available through your local ITM. Simply drop your laser gear into your ITM store. There is a two day workshop turnaround meaning your laser gear is serviced, calibrated and back with you anywhere in NZ within a week.
60 years of excellence.
For over 60 years, Dimond® Roofing has been dedicated to delivering exceptional roofing and cladding solutions that transform communities and foster strong relationships. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability has established us as a trusted industry leader and we remain focused on prioritising customer satisfaction and precision with every roof we supply and deliver.
dimond.co.nz
Possible pitfalls with personnel access egress doors
Commercial personnel access doors, also known as egress doors, endure significant wear and tear from daily usage and environmental conditions. They must be durable enough to withstand this treatment throughout the building’s lifespan.
When selecting your type, material, or brand of egress door, you need to be aware of the things that could go wrong in its performance and longevity.
Think about what issues your building may face in the future, so you can make the best choice on the type, brand, and features of the complete egress frame unit. Personnel access doors are used in industrial areas, fire exits, high security areas, engine rooms, thermal environments, and commercial buildings.
Inner construction
Consider the internal construction of the door carefully; many commercial personnel access doors look good on the outside, but their internal structure may be weak and unreliable.
The stiles are crucial as they hold the locking system and hinges. Some manufacturers produce doors with an outer shell filled with expanding foam, which means that the lock and hinges are on this outer shell only. This can lead to fixing points loosening, causing the lock to rattle or even detach, which can create serious security issues. For maximum stability, we recommend selecting an egress door with aluminium or composite box sections in the stiles, allowing for secure attachment of locks and hinges.
Some doors are constructed with plywood or other flat timber as a supportive layer beneath the outer
skin. If this timber absorbs moisture, it may expand and distort the door’s shape. Moreover, timber can deteriorate under the extreme heat produced, especially with dark-coloured doors. Testing by Parkwood indicates that the surface temperatures of these doors can exceed 70 degrees Celsius.
Easy break-ins
A common method of forcing open a door involves ramming it. The door’s lock and the surrounding bracing are what keep it secured, making this section crucial for resisting unauthorised entry.
Timber doors are prone to splitting and breaking in this area due to the thin machining on both sides of the mortice. A metal or aluminium box section lock stile can reinforce the door during such break-in attempts.
Another method of breaching a door is to use a crowbar to force it open. To avoid this, you should select a manufacturer that provides anti-crowbar or anti-jimmy bar options for the door.
Door dropping
The door can drop within the frame for two reasons: the door structure itself droops and falls out of square, or the hinges bend and twist. If a door drops within the frame, it will scrape on the floor, damaging the door, the floor, and the bottom seal.
The Garrison FL door with anti-jimmy
Avoid doors made from stiles and rails with in-set panels, as these tend to droop over time. Instead, choose a flush panel door that features a continuous flat face, ensuring it remains intact as one piece.
Strong commercial hinges are essential. Some manufacturers feature a recess on the edge of their doors that allows the hinge to fit snugly, thereby decreasing the likelihood of hinges bending and door drooping.
Premature wear and tear
Personnel egress doors experience significant wear and tear, leading to a quicker breakdown compared to standard entry doors. Additionally, they are typically located in highly exposed areas.
To extend its life, we recommend choosing an egress door that is powder-coated aluminium over a timber or hardboard painted surface. This choice will provide better resistance to extreme weather and physical damage.
Additionally, enhancements like kick plates serve to safeguard the most susceptible parts of the door.
The space along the bottom of the door may not have a sill. In industrial and commercial situations, the sills quickly get worn down, even if they are made from a suitable material.
To prevent water egress under the door, select a personnel door manufacturer that offers a seal under the door. This could be in the form of a rubber wiper seal that automatically fills up the space between the door and the frame. Alternatively, there are a range of seals on the market that sit inside the bottom of the door and are activated and drop down once the door is closed into the frame.
Available from ITM
Don’t put your clients industrial or commercial building at risk, Parkwood Doors, a manufacturer of personnel access egress doors understands these problems and has designed a product that overcomes and eliminates such issues.
Water ingress
Water can enter extremely small spaces, particularly with the assistance of wind. Poorly constructed doors and frames can allow water ingress.
Select a door with a bottom seal and frame with seals on every jamb to ensure it closes securely against a solid jamb and a compressible weather seal.
For more information on doors, talk to your ITM sales rep or scan the QR code below.
A pair of Garrison CL5 doors. A strong and secure louvred aluminium door. Built to provide ventilation and security.
View the Parkwood Commercial Egress Personnel Access Door Range
The Garrison FL door. Made with aluminium exterior. Sturdy and suitable for high-traffic areas.
XPRESS Fence - An easy modular aluminium fencing kit
Looking for a fencing system that’s fast to install, built to last, and looks fantastic? XPRESS Fence is changing the game for homeowners and contractors across New Zealand - delivering beautiful, durable fences in a fraction of the time.
Whether you’re securing a yard, adding privacy, or boosting a property’s curb appeal, traditional fencing can be slow, costly, and complicated. That’s why PSP created XPRESS Fence: a modern, modular fencing system designed with simplicity, speed, and strength in mind.
Why choose XPRESS Fence?
1. Fast and easy installation
XPRESS Fence lives up to its name. The modular, ready-to-assemble kits let you install a high-quality fence in hours, not days. No welding. No complex tools. No professional installer required.
2.
Built for durability
Made from tough, weather-resistant aluminium, XPRESS Fence is designed to endure New Zealand’s harshest conditions. With a 15-year structural warranty and 10-year coating warranty, the fence stays strong, straight, and stunning for years to come.
3. Stylish by design
XPRESS Fence isn’t just functional — it makes a statement. Choose from classic colours like black, charcoal, and white, and mix or match the configurations to suit. From modern minimalism to timeless privacy, XPRESS Fence delivers both curb appeal and performance.
4. Low maintenance, high reward
Say goodbye to painting, staining, and replacing bowed or broken boards. XPRESS Fence is prefinished and engineered for minimal upkeep.
5. Simple and adjustable system
Available in two convenient kit sizes:
▶ 1200mm (H) x 1800mm (W)
▶ 1800mm (H) x 2400mm (W)
Just choose one of three types of friction-fit posts and insert the slats, adding the included 9mm spacer blocks as you go - no multiple slat fixings required. Easily adjust slat spacing for your desired level of privacy or airflow. A wide range of accessories, including extra slats, base plates, base plate/ground covers, posts, and spacers, make it easy to customise your fence for any project.
NORTHLAND
■ Bay of Islands ITM Kaikohe 09 407 7600
■ Bay of Islands ITM Paihia 09 402 7703
■ Bay of Islands ITM Waipapa 09 407 8002
■ Dargaville ITM 09 439 8730
■ Far North ITM Kaitaia 09 408 3927
■ Far North ITM Mangonui 09 406 0048
■ Mangawhai ITM 09 431 4963
■ Waipu ITM 09 432 0203
■ Whangarei ITM 09 437 9420
AUCKLAND
■ Albany ITM 09 415 6889
■ Barrier ITM Tryphena 09 429 0466
■ Dayle ITM Avondale 09 828 9791
■ Dayle ITM East Tamaki 09 274 4942
■ Dysart ITM Glen Innes 09 521 3609
■ Hillside ITM Glenfield 09 443 8101
■ MacClure's ITM Henderson 09 836 0088
■ Mahia ITM Takanini 09 267 0234
■ Matakana ITM 09 422 7525
■ Thomsons ITM Papakura 09 294 9410
■ Tuakau ITM 09 236 8226
■ Waiuku ITM 09 235 7289
■ Warkworth ITM 09 425 1021
■ Weck’s ITM Patumahoe 09 236 3684
■ Weck’s ITM Pukekohe 09 238 3678
■ Western ITM Kumeu 09 412 8148
■ Western ITM Swanson 09 832 0209
■ Western ITM Whenuapai 09 416 8164
WELLINGTON
■ Crighton ITM Greytown 06 304 7193
■ Crighton ITM Seaview 04 568 3896
■ Toa ITM Heretaunga 04 527 6800
■ Toa ITM Porirua 04 232 5999
WAIKATO/BAY OF PLENTY
■ Acorn ITM Hamilton 07 856 6789
■ Cambridge ITM 07 827 0953
■ Coromandel ITM 07 866 8848
■ Dayle ITM Kopu 07 868 9829
■ KKBS ITM Katikati 07 549 0689
■ Matamata Post & Rails ITM 07 888 8189
■ Mount ITM Mt Maunganui 07 575 3126
■ Omokoroa ITM 07 552 5770
■ Opotiki ITM 07 315 5984
■ Otorohanga ITM 07 873 4841
■ Pauanui ITM 07 864 8579
■ Rotorua ITM 07 347 9423
■ Taupo ITM 07 378 9899
■ Tauranga ITM 07 541 1232
■ Te Puke ITM 07 573 9993
■ Thomsons ITM Hamilton 07 849 3674
■ Thomsons ITM Whatawhata 07 829 8518
■ Timmo’s ITM Te Awamutu 07 871 7545
■ Tokoroa ITM 07 886 6611
■ Turangi ITM 07 386 5736
■ Whakatane ITM 07 307 0031
HAWKES BAY
■ Napier ITM 06 842 0531
MANAWATU/TARANAKI
■ Central ITM Carterton 06 929 7598
■ Central ITM Feilding 06 323 3400
■ Central ITM Marton 06 327 5458
■ Crighton ITM Levin 06 368 4057
■ Hometown ITM Foxton 06 363 8049
■ Manawatu ITM 06 356 9490
■ New Plymouth ITM 06 758 8939
■ North Taranaki ITM Inglewood 06 756 7535
■ North Taranaki ITM Waitara 06 754 8822
■ North Taranaki ITM Waiwhakaiho 06 759 7435
■ Stratford ITM 06 765 7800
TASMAN/NELSON/MARLBOROUGH
■ Blenheim ITM 03 578 3049
■ Havelock ITM 03 574 1018
■ Motueka ITM 03 528 7254
■ Nelson ITM 03 548 5487
■ Picton ITM 03 573 6888
■ Takaka ITM 03 525 0005
CANTERBURY/WEST COAST
■ Ashburton ITM 03 307 0412
■ Basher’s ITM Amberley 03 314 8311
■ Darfield ITM 03 318 7474
■ Geraldine ITM 03 693 9397
■ Greymouth ITM 03 768 0441
■ Hamptons ITM Waltham 03 374 3333
■ Hillside ITM Hornby 03 349 9739
■ Kaiapoi ITM 03 327 8829
■ Kaikoura ITM 03 319 5447
■ McMullan ITM Hokitika 03 755 8519
■ McVicar ITM Harewood 0800 191 674
■ ProBuild ITM Rolleston 0800 445 520
■ Rangiora ITM 03 313 4862
■ Timaru ITM 03 688 8074
■ Waimate ITM 03 689 7427
OTAGO/SOUTHLAND
■ Dunedin ITM 03 262 1008
■ E H Ball ITM Invercargill 03 218 3787
■ Fraser Hardware ITM Balclutha 03 418 0170
■ Gore ITM 03 208 0649
■ Mosgiel ITM 03 489 8885
■ Southbuild ITM Winton 03 236 6055
■ Southern Lakes ITM Alexandra 03 427 2221
■ Southern Lakes ITM Cromwell 03 445 0081
■ Southern Lakes ITM Queenstown 03 451 1567
■ Southern Lakes ITM Wanaka 03 443 2545
HAMILTON
Thursday, 11th September 2025
Claudelands Arena
8am - 4pm
PALMERSTON NORTH
Wednesday, 24th September 2025
Awapuni Raceway
8am - 4pm
CHRISTCHURCH
Thursday, 23rd October 2025
Addington Raceway
8am - 4pm
