Frequently Asked Questions

Common signs include bouncy or uneven floors, cracked walls or ceilings, sticking doors or windows, and visible gaps between walls and floors. If your home has Totara timber piles, there is a high likelihood they are rotten and will need replacing — Totara was commonly used in older NZ homes and deteriorates over time.

The best way to know for certain is a professional inspection. We'll get under your house and give you an honest assessment of what's there and what — if anything — needs to be done.

Re-levelling involves lifting and re-setting existing piles using a jack and pack technique to bring the home back to level. The piles themselves remain — they're just repositioned and packed to correct the level.

Repiling involves removing old piles entirely and installing new treated timber piles. Not every home that's out of level needs repiling — we'll inspect your foundation and advise you on the most appropriate and cost-effective solution.

It depends on the scope of work. Some foundation repairs and re-levelling work falls within exemptions under Schedule 1 of the Building Act and does not require consent. More significant structural work — such as a full repile or work that changes the load-bearing structure — may require building consent.

As Licensed Building Practitioners, we can advise you on what's required for your specific job. We have experience managing fully consented foundation projects, including coordination with councils, structural engineers and building inspectors.

It depends on the size of the job. A small re-levelling job on part of a house can often be completed in a day or two. A full repile of a large home can take several days to a week. We'll give you a clear timeframe before we start, and keep you updated throughout the job.

In most cases, yes. Foundation work is carried out from underneath the house, so everyday life above can continue with minimal disruption. There may be some noise and vibration during the work. We'll let you know in advance if there are any periods when you might need to stay clear of certain areas.

We install new treated timber piles to NZS3604-2011 building standards. Treated timber is the standard for residential foundation piles in New Zealand and provides long-lasting, code-compliant support. All pile connections are made using nail plate fixings to meet current standards.

Yes. While we're based in the Waikato, we service clients throughout the North Island. Past projects have included work in Tokomaru Bay, Whanganui, Hamilton and surrounding regions. Get in touch to discuss your location and we'll let you know if we can help.

A Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) is a person who has been assessed as competent to carry out specific types of Restricted Building Work (RBW) under New Zealand's Building Act 2004. Foundation work is classified as Restricted Building Work, which means it must be carried out or supervised by a licensed practitioner.

Choosing an LBP means your work is legally compliant, meets New Zealand building standards, and is backed by professional accountability. It also protects your investment — particularly important if you're ever looking to sell your home.

Simply fill in our online quote request form or call us on 0800 473 745. Tell us about your property and the issues you've noticed, and we'll get back to you promptly to arrange an inspection and provide a quote.