Hamish Galloway,
Galloway Builders Limited owner
A SHORTAGE of building inspectors is delaying construction in the Whakatane district.
Galloway Builders owner Hamish Galloway says two Whakatane District Council inspectors were “poached” recently, a development that has put pressure on building jobs.
He said as president of the Whakatane branch of the New Zealand Certified Builders Association he was hearing more concerns from members.
“I was approached by a couple of our members because inspections are starting to get [delayed] and it’s starting to put pressure on jobs.”
He said he had been told attempts were being made to head-hunt other Whakatane inspectors, but so far none had been tempted to move.
“I know a couple of the other inspectors are getting shoulder-tapped all the time by bigger areas,” he said.
Mr Galloway said he understood the temptation for inspectors to move to municipalities offering higher wages.
He said builders and inspectors traditionally enjoyed good relations in Whakatane.
“We have a good rapport going with inspectors; the last couple of years they’ve been working well with builders and helping to smooth things and make things happen, he said.
The problem was a result of a countrywide shortage of qualified inspectors.
At a recent NZCB presidents’ meeting in Auckland it was estimated Tauranga City Council alone needed an extra 23 inspectors to keep up with the demand, he said.
If the problem was not resolved, the shortage could impact surrounding communities as well.
“Whakatane helps out Kawerau. One of the inspectors goes through there once a week and I think we do a bit of work for Opotiki,” Mr Galloway said.
Whakatane District Council public affairs manager Ross Boreham has confirmed two inspectors recently left the council.
“In the interim, we are using the services of approved contractors to meet the demand for inspections,” he said.
Mr Boreham said some progress had been made to decrease waiting times for builders.
“Our response time to requests has reduced from seven to five days over recent months, he said.
Mr Galloway said even the shorter waiting period was problematic.
“Normally we used to be able to get an inspection within 48 hours.
“For smaller crews, if you’re waiting for a house pour to carry on to the next part, unless you have something else sorted for the guys to do, you’re out of work, he said.
For most situations, the delay was repeated numerous times.
“On a normal house there’s from five to 10 inspections,” he said.
Ohope builder Peter Craig said he had noticed the shortage.
He said there was a “miniature building boom” going on and building inspectors were struggling to keep up.
“Realistically, they are five or six days behind, but they are doing their best.
“You can cope if you plan … and they are pretty accommodating.”
He said the situation was worse four weeks ago, which prompted him to visit the council and point the problem out.
Mr Galloway plans to meet inspectors and council officials to find a solution.
“I have a meeting coming up possibly next month. We’re going to get the inspectors involved and hopefully someone from higher up.
“Maybe we can up the ante for these guys so that we can keep them because they are doing a good job.”