Facilities managers – This one’s for you!

Are you a facilities manager? Are you going to be a facilities manager? If you are… In the words of every great DJ… This one’s for you!

It’s important to remember that not everybody with a career in facilities management comes from a building background. There’s an awful lot to this role, which people don’t always consider, you’ll needs to know about…

• Leases
• Assets management
• Financial and contractual accountability
• And much more!
  
  

Most importantly as a facilities manager, you’re dealing with people in buildings so the Building Act, 2004 is important! As are fire evacuation trials, and most recently in New Zealand a very vigilant health and safety regime.

Q: Where does all that leave the Facilities Manager?
 
A: Usually relying on experts, who could be amateurs!
 
I’ve been in the building business for over twenty five years, and here’s my  #1 piece of advice…. If somebody says, "Your building or system does not comply"… Get a second opinion!
 
This will save you from spending money you might not have or that could be used elsewhere.
 
I have recently seen a number of reports that suggest there is a group of amateurs out there telling people to address issues because their building is unsafe. Sometimes, it’s just that the building is old, that doesn’t always mean it doesn’t comply and it certainly doesn’t mean that it needs to be upgraded.
 
Most commonly I see reports on fire systems that are not required upgrades, simply recommendations and choices for the facilities managers to make.
 
Of course, the difficult part is knowing where to kick back and what to go ahead with, especially when these reports may leave the board of directors exposed to safety risk.
 
The solution - Ask your local council, ask us here at Building Networks, or ask your fellow professionals in Facilities Management who they would use, or how they would proceed.
 
Fit outs
What work can be done for tenancy fit outs and renovations?
See this booklet from MBIE on what work in commercial buildings does not need consent; or get training from us at Building Networks.
 
Changes of Tenancy
Some tenancy changes lead to building works and a legal change of use under the Building Act.
This means that there are six additional assessments on the whole building. That can be expensive and some buildings are not purpose built and would be better off leased to a limited range of options rather than incur huge costs for upgrade. 
 
BWOFs
Which buildings need a BWOF and who should look after it?
The Building Act says the building’s owner is responsible that could mean you. If you farm it out to an agent how do you know they are doing the right thing?
Check out this booklet from MBIE on what work in commercial buildings does not need consent or get training from us at Building Networks.
 
You could also start by reading our free e-book, Beginners Guide to Building Law HERE.
 
Or contact us for a free 30-minute session with Rosie.

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