Frequently Asked Questions

  • Hampton Jones is a multidisciplinary property and construction consultancy providing Building Surveying, Quantity Surveying, Project Management, Architecture & Design, Structural Engineering, Facilities and Corporate Advisory and specialist property consultancy services.

    Our integrated approach allows us to support clients through every stage of the property lifecycle, from initial planning and design through to project delivery and ongoing asset management. 

  • We work with a diverse range of clients across the public and private sectors, including government agencies, education providers, healthcare organisations, residential and social housing providers, funders, commercial property owners, asset managers, landlords, tenants and developers. 

  • Our clients value the breadth of knowledge and expertise available within a single consultancy. By combining technical excellence with practical advice and a collaborative approach, we help clients reduce risk, improve outcomes and make confident decisions about their property assets. 

  • A multidisciplinary team provides a more coordinated and efficient project experience. Our surveyors, engineers, designers, project managers and cost consultants work together to solve challenges early, streamline communication and deliver practical solutions that balance performance, programme and budget. 

  • Our experience spans education, healthcare, government, commercial, industrial, retail, aged care, social housing and public infrastructure projects. 

  • As a RICS-regulated firm, Hampton Jones operates to internationally recognised standards of professionalism, ethics and quality. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is a globally recognised professional body that promotes best practice across the property, construction and infrastructure sectors.

    Our team also includes professionals accredited by leading industry organisations including the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS), Engineering New Zealand (ENZ), the New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA), the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS) and the New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors (NZIBS).

    We combine robust quality assurance processes, peer reviews, standardised methodologies and multidisciplinary collaboration to ensure our clients receive consistent, transparent and reliable advice. Our commitment to continuous improvement and adherence to recognised industry standards underpins every project we deliver, providing clients with confidence that their project is being managed to the highest professional and ethical standards.

  • Yes. Hampton Jones is a RICS-regulated firm, and our team includes professionals accredited by leading industry organisations, including the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS), the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS) and the New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors (NZIBS). These affiliations reflect our commitment to professional excellence, ongoing development and industry best practice. 

  • Yes. As a multidisciplinary consultancy, Hampton Jones can provide Building Surveying, Quantity Surveying, Project Management, Architecture & Design, Structural Engineering and specialist advisory services under a single engagement.

    A key benefit of this approach is our ability to collaborate seamlessly in-house, bringing together technical, design, cost and project delivery expertise to develop the best solution for your project. We also work closely with a network of trusted alliance partners and specialist consultants where additional expertise is required, enabling us to deliver tailored solutions for projects of all sizes and complexities. 

    Hampton Jones is also a supplier on the New Zealand All-of-Government Property Consultancy Services panel.

Building Surveying

  • A Building Condition Survey provides an independent assessment of a building's condition, identifying defects, maintenance requirements, compliance risks and future capital expenditure needs. It helps owners and asset managers make informed decisions about their property investments. 

  • A Building Surveyor can provide valuable input at any stage of a building's lifecycle, whether you are purchasing a property, managing an existing asset, investigating defects, planning maintenance works or undertaking a refurbishment project. 

  • A pre-purchase inspection focuses on identifying significant issues that may influence a purchasing decision. A Building Condition Survey provides a more comprehensive evaluation of the property's condition, expected maintenance requirements and potential future costs. 

  • Yes. Our team specialises in weathertightness investigations, defect diagnosis and remediation support. We help identify the cause of issues, assess associated risks and recommend practical solutions to protect the long-term performance of the building. 

  • The Pre-Works is the condition of the building prior to neighbouring development works being undertaken and is normally a requirement of the developments resource consent conditions. Council also refer to these as Dilapidations Survey or Report.

  • The dilapidation assessment is the specific make good requirements that are related to breaches of lease covenants that relate to the condition of a property during the term of the tenancy or when the lease ends. 

  • Yes. We undertake technical due diligence assessments for property acquisitions, investments, disposals and portfolio reviews, helping clients understand the condition, risks and likely future expenditure associated with an asset.

  • Technical Due Diligence (TDD) is a detailed assessment of a property's physical condition, risks and future capital expenditure requirements. It is commonly undertaken before purchasing, leasing, refinancing or investing in a property to help identify potential issues that could impact value, performance or planned investment outcomes. 

    Our Chartered Building Surveyors provide independent Technical Due Diligence assessments covering building condition, defects, maintenance liabilities, compliance risks and anticipated capital works. 

Quantity Surveying

  • A Quantity Surveyor provides independent commercial advice to help you understand your project's costs, risks and financial outcomes. This spans cost planning and estimating through to tender evaluation, claim assessments and final account settlement. Fundamentally, a good Quantity Surveyor helps you make confident financial decisions and maintain control of your project's outcomes.

  • Early cost advice helps establish realistic budgets, identify financial risks and support informed decision-making. A Quantity Surveyor provides cost certainty and helps ensure projects remain financially viable from inception to completion. 

  • The earlier, the better. Cost advice from concept helps you set realistic budgets, identify financial risks, and make informed investment decisions before the design is locked in. Quantity Surveyors add value throughout the project life cycle, providing expert advice during design refinement, procurement, and contract administration. This helps you maintain cost certainty as your project evolves.

  • We provide cost planning, estimating from concept through to detailed design, procurement and contract strategy, contract administration and claims management. We provide independent financial oversight for lenders, and other specialist advisory services, such as contract management, dispute resolution and expert witness, remediation estimates, building life cycle assessments and carbon estimating.

  • Absolutely!  We provide independent, evidence-based cost advice to owners, developers, investors, lenders and project teams. Our advice is focused on delivering financial certainty, managing risk and helping you achieve best value for your project, supported by informed decision-making.

  • Lifecycle costing evaluates the total cost of owning and operating a building over its lifespan. This includes maintenance, replacement, and operational costs, helping you understand the long-term financial implications and identify where investment in durability or efficiency would be beneficial.

  • Yes, we have extensive experience in providing bank funding services for site developments, sub-divisions and refurbishment projects. As of December 2025, Hampton Jones has worked on projects worth over $480m. We are approved, or have worked with, all the major New Zealand banks, lenders, secondary lenders and off-shore lenders too.

Project Management

  • We provide end-to-end project management services including project planning, procurement, stakeholder management, programme management, construction monitoring, risk management and project close-out.

  • Ideally, a Project Manager should be involved from the earliest stages of a project. Early engagement supports better planning, clearer governance, improved budget control and more effective coordination of project stakeholders.

  • Successful project delivery relies on proactive planning, regular reporting, risk management and clear communication. Our team monitors programme, cost and scope throughout delivery to help minimise risks and maintain project momentum.

  • Yes. We have extensive experience managing complex remediation, refurbishment and upgrade projects, including works within occupied buildings and operational environments.

  • Yes. We can assist with consultant selection, contractor procurement, tender assessment and appointment processes to help clients secure the right expertise and value for their projects.

Architecture & Design

  • Yes. Our design team delivers concept design, developed design, detailed documentation and consent-ready solutions for new build, refurbishment and remediation projects. Our team includes Registered Architects who work closely with our Building Surveyors, Structural Engineers, Quantity Surveyors and Project Managers to deliver practical, coordinated design outcomes.

  • Yes. Feasibility studies help determine whether a project is practical, financially viable and aligned with a client's objectives. They provide a solid foundation for effective decision-making before design and construction begin.

  • Our team can prepare and coordinate the documentation required for building consent applications and work alongside regulatory authorities and stakeholders throughout the approval process.

  • Absolutely. We regularly collaborate with architects, engineers, contractors, property professionals and client-appointed consultants as part of a wider project team.

  • Design-build is a delivery model where one party, usually the contractor, is responsible for both the design and construction of a project. It brings designers, contractors and specialist trades together early, so construction knowledge can shape the design.

  • NZS 3916 is the New Zealand standard conditions of contract for projects where the contractor is responsible for design as well as construction. The 2025 edition clarifies the Principal's Requirements, design subcontractors, contract administration and liability.

  • The Principal's Requirements set out what the owner needs the design-builder to deliver. They go beyond appearance to cover performance, durability, materials, testing, compliance, operational constraints, maintenance access and handover information.

  • No. Traditional procurement may suit projects with a well-defined scope, or where the owner wants direct control over a developed design or competitive tenders are the priority. Design-build tends to suit projects with technical uncertainty, occupied buildings or complex staging.

    For more info: https://www.hamptonjones.com/industry-insights/designing-with-construction-in-mind-a-collaborative-approach-to-building-remediation

Structural Engineering

  • Our Structural Engineering team provides assessments, investigations, design solutions, remedial engineering advice, seismic strengthening and support for both new and existing buildings. We also undertake Initial Seismic Assessments (ISA) and Detailed Seismic Assessments (DSA) to help building owners understand seismic performance, identify compliance requirements and plan future strengthening works.

  • A Structural Engineer should be engaged whenever structural modifications, extensions, strengthening works, remediation projects or new construction activities are being considered.

  • Yes. Our team can assess existing structures and develop solutions to improve building resilience while balancing performance, cost and constructability considerations.

  • Yes. Our engineers work closely with our Building Surveyors, Architects, Quantity Surveyors and Project Managers to deliver coordinated and practical solutions.

Technology & Specialist Services

  • 3D building scanning captures highly accurate measurements and digital records of buildings, providing a reliable foundation for design, planning, refurbishment and asset management projects.

    Hampton Jones owns and operates its own 3D scanners and drone technology, allowing our team to efficiently capture accurate building data without relying on third-party providers. We also have an in-house scan processing team, enabling faster turnaround times and ensuring clients receive high-quality models, drawings and digital outputs as quickly as possible.

  • 3D scanning improves accuracy, reduces the need for repeat site visits and provides a detailed digital record that can be used throughout the life of a building.

  • Yes. Drone surveying allows for safer and more efficient inspections of roofs, façades and difficult-to-reach locations while reducing health and safety risks.

  • Yes. Our team has significant experience working on heritage and historically important buildings, balancing preservation requirements with practical asset management and project delivery considerations.

  • Yes. We support property owners and asset managers with condition assessments, maintenance planning, capital forecasting and strategic advice to help maximise the value and performance of their property portfolios.