SELF-INSPECTION OPTION TOUTED

Master Brick and Blocklayers CEO Brian Miller shares details on the organisation’s innovative app solution to expedite consenting for members and the wider building community

In the challenging times we as an industry are in, it’s important to collectively look at ways to ease some of the pressure in parts of the market through high-quality solutions. At the moment, a widely reported issue is the strain the consenting process is under, with most aware that it’s facing one of its biggest challenges in our construction history. 

With brick and blocklaying being a key component of the exterior completion, we have been working on a solution that could expedite processing times and allow workflows to improve significantly. With construction inflation currently running in the region of 18 to 20%, any tools that allow Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) to address some of the processing challenges they face should be looked at. Using such systems could assist in mitigating some of the cost impacts that are being passed through to consumers as well.

The advantages to all parties within the process of using a system to expedite consenting are significant. Workflow improvement for the building community – especially the smaller contractors, who may not have enough of a pipeline to be comfortable with some of the delays that are now commonplace – would be a win for all involved. Building clients would be less likely to be impacted by inflationary delays. Builders’ and subcontractors’ cash flows could normalise, providing better protection for smaller businesses and their sustainability. 

For brick work in particular, if we can assist in expediting the half high approval process, it has a similar impact to removing the cork from a bottle – many other tasks can flow from this point.

A modern solution

The evidence trail that a modern app-based system can provide allows officials, builders and clients to be confident that the documented work meets the appropriate Building Code clauses and New Zealand Standards. The tool provides the ability to confirm the GPS location of the work, and that an LBP is providing the evidence from his/her own device. Video or photographic confirmation of tasks can be appropriately completed, including specifying the products used by brand and type. 

The system has streams for both brick and block work, as well as the capability to add the SSSP, Record of Work or Producer Statements for projects as required. These can then form part of the final submission and be directly uploaded and sent to the interested parties, such as BCAs, builders, engineers and owners. The output is a PDF document that reports on the all the work carried out by a contractor.

Block work has its own specific workflow requirements, including relating to the steel work requirements of NZS4210, as well as general site safety and best practice. Again, the stages can be recorded and sent directly to all parties in the process. This includes: 

• Placement of horizontal steel.
• Linking with vertical bars.
• Clean outs.
• Confirmation that the mortar is of the desired strength.
• Pre-pour checks.
• Confirmation that the correct block fill, as specified is used.
• Dimensions.

The checks within the app flow are very comprehensive and designed to allow the consenting agent to respond to the sender. This interactive capability allows the consenting agent to request clarification via additional photographic or video evidence if required, and/or address any matter they may have questions about, saving time and travel for all parties involved. 

Getting industry buy-in

Working together should be primarily about improving outcomes for consumers through collaborative partnerships that benefit us all. Master Brick and Blocklayers is looking to educate those involved in the consenting process and is keen to offer interested BCAs or other groups a demonstration of the full functionality of the App. The organisation’s App video also highlights its functionality and can be viewed by searching ’Master Brick and Blocklayers self-inspection app’ onYouTube. 

Image examples from App: Sill angle, cavity and weephole. These can also be captured in a video walk around

Brian Miller is currently the Chair of Master Brick and Blocklayers and has spent most of his working life in the construction sector, from training as a Joinery Machinist, Window and Door Manufacturer, to the CEO of Master Painters New Zealand.