06 358 8880
Residential
Residential
We work alongside architects, designers and builders on residential projects of every scale - from simple additions and foundation design to complex bespoke homes and multi-unit developments.
Our focus is practical structural design that respects the architectural intent, works on site and keeps the project moving.
You work with the same dedicated design team from initial discussion through to construction.
Residential projects
A selection of homes and residential developments we've had the privilege to work on across New Zealand.
Houses
Multi-units & developments
Wharenui Terrace - Kairanga Ora Homes and Communities
North St Social Housing Development
SOHO Church Street Apartments
Yee House
Foxton Beach Abode
Lagoon House
Kinloch House
Aokautere Hillside Home
Beachside Retreat
How we work
The typical five step process with consistent communication and practical support at every step.
Initial conversation
Tell us about your project. We ask the right questions and identify what information is needed.
Scope and fee proposal
We review the drawings and site information, then confirm the scope, timing and fee.
Structural design
We develop a practical structural solution that supports the architectural intent and can be built efficiently.
Detailed documentation
We prepare the drawings, calculations and supporting information required for consent and construction.
Construction support and sign-off
We respond to site queries, review relevant construction stages and provide documentation where required.
Residential structural engineering FAQs
Answers to some of the questions we are most often asked about residential structural engineering.
You need a structural engineer whenever building work affects how loads move through your house and it falls outside the prescriptive rules of NZS 3604 (the timber-framed buildings standard). Common triggers: removing or altering a load-bearing wall, adding a second storey, building on a sloping or poor-ground site, large openings or spans, decks 1.5m or more above ground, retaining walls over 1.5m or carrying a surcharge, and anything the council flags as requiring Specific Engineering Design (SED). If your project sits entirely within NZS 3604 and your site is "good ground," a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) designer can often handle it without an engineer. Your designer can usually advise which elements of your project require SED.
Yes. Removing a load-bearing wall is restricted building work that needs building consent, a structural engineer's design (usually with a PS1 producer statement), and an LBP to carry it out. The engineer sizes the replacement beam - timber, LVL or steel - and also considers any effect that the wall removal might have on wall bracing. A load-bearing wall carries weight from the roof, ceiling or floor above; cut into one without an engineered beam and temporary propping and you risk sagging, cracking or collapse. The common trap is assuming a wall is non-structural when it isn't, so confirm the load path first. Removing a genuinely non-load-bearing partition may not need consent at all.
Costs are project-specific: ground conditions, wind zone, and design complexity all affect design fees. Vert-X will provide you with a project-specific structural design fee so that you know what your costs will be before you engage us.
An architect (or architectural designer) designs the spaces, layout, look and how the building functions and complies with the Code for things like weathertightness; a structural engineer makes sure it stands up. The engineer designs the "bones" – foundations, beams, bracing, connections – to carry gravity, wind and earthquake loads under standards such as NZS 3604, NZS 3404 (steel) and NZS 3101 (concrete). On most projects the two work together: the architect sets the vision, the engineer makes it buildable and safe. Vert-X works collaboratively with architects and builders from concept through construction.
For most simple residential work, Vert-X turns designs around in 2–5 business days once we have what we need. The essentials are your architectural or floor plans, a truss layout (showing line and point loads), and a geotechnical report. Bigger or more complex jobs take longer; however, in all cases we work together with the others on your project team to deliver your project to an agreed timeframe.
It depends on the complexity of the project. Generally, your architect or architectural designer will have done preliminary drawings and will know which areas are outside their expertise. It is best to provide a PDF copy of the preliminary architectural drawings along with a note from your designer outlining which elements require Specific Engineering Design (SED). For foundation designs it is also good if we are provided with a geotechnical report; however, for more complex projects, the structural engineer often needs to be involved before the geotechnical engineer. There will be more information needed later but that is usually enough to start with. You are always welcome to contact us to discuss your project at any point if you are unsure of what is needed.
Yes - definitely, this is usually how it is done. Most of the early work is done with your architectural designer/architect initially. However, if you have engaged the design work to be done by your builder (e.g. with a group builder) then the builder will be involved right through that process. If you have engaged your designer separately from the builder then we work with them. It often works well on complex projects to have an idea of which builder you might use so we can talk to the builder about construction methodologies.
Yes, we do. Construction monitoring is provided either directly through our local office or via video inspections using our nationwide support team. We need to be confident that the work complies with the building consent documents with respect to our design before we can issue a Producer Statement PS4 (Construction Review). The number of inspections required depends on the complexity of the work but generally involves inspections of critical parts of the project such as pre-pour concrete inspections and inspections of structural steel elements before they are hidden.