Daniel (New Brighton)
Onsold Homeowner
I discovered the HouseStuff team after becoming concerned my reinstatement project was not going as it should. Mel outlined the process clearly, she and the wider team worked with me and arranged to have some assessments revisited to ensure no damage was missed and risk was well managed so I could make an informed decision at settlement.
The HouseStuff team managed the scope and pricing processes required in the Programme. My entire team were great; Project Structure, Anthony Harper, Solar Architect, and Bathurst Builders. There was close attention paid to detail which meant it became clear that it was going to be more economic to rebuild my home than repair it. Whilst the Onsold Programme is a homeowner led project it was comforting to know that the HouseStuff team work consultatively with EQC, but are fully engaged by me. HouseStuff took risk seriously and in doing so ensured my interest was protected and my risk well managed. I highly recommend HouseStuff.
Andrew (Selwyn District)
Time of Event Homeowner
We owned our home prior to the Canterbury Earthquakes and are close to the Greendale fault. Our home was built circa 2002. When EQC assessed our home they found earthquake cracking to our garage floor slab and exterior plaster, alongside some other minor damage. EQC managed the first repair, but over time the repair failed and we were unsure what to do, or if we could even be bothered doing anything about it. However, when in 2019 we lifted our carpets and found what we thought was significant earthquake damage to the slab, we had not choice but to reopen our claim with EQC.
EQC agreed the slab cracking was missed earthquake damage, however we became uncomfortable with EQC’s 2019 repair strategy. Our daughter met Mel Bourke at a meeting Mel presented in Rolleston in late 2019. Mel came to our home and outlined a process we could follow. We had some initial reservations about investing in assessments, but as the process is broken down into Stages, and due to the value of our home, we obtained our our own evidence of damage and repair.
We are now extremely confident in our assessments and know we have the right reinstatement strategy for our home. We found EQC to be good to deal with in the last few years, but we are still very pleased that we took an independent approach. So yes, it is 10 years on, and yes we are still working through it, but this is our forever home we are now know we will have it reinstated to as when new. Andrew (Selwyn)
Russell Devlin
Architect, Solarchitect
I was introduced to HouseStuff from one of my clients that had a claim with the Onsold Programme. The HouseStuff team got the project back on track and the outcome for my client is exceptional. Since then we have begun working on two or three more projects together. What I like about their approach is their clear explanations, that they are focused on risk mitigation not only for their clients, but the builders and the wider team they work with. It is great to be working in space where we are putting homes and lives back together after 10 years.
Ben (CPEng)
Structural Engineer
We value working with the HouseStuff team because they consistently use good process. We highly recommend you use them to obtain your initial assessment data and follow their processes. The imagery from their sub-floor bots is exceptional; making our job so much easier. Working with subject matter experts and collaborating with a full team, a project manager, engineers (geo and structural), QS, builder, and architect and specialist lawyer, makes for a quality outcome.
Structural Engineer
We value working with the HouseStuff team because they consistently use good process. We highly recommend you use them to obtain your initial assessment data and follow their processes. The imagery from their sub-floor bots is exceptional; making our job so much easier. Working with subject matter experts and collaborating with a full team, a project manager, engineers (geo and structural), QS, builder, and architect and specialist lawyer, makes for a quality outcome.
Grant (CPEng)
Structural Engineer
The firm I work with rarely got involved in the residential insurance earthquake space. However, when the HouseStuff team contacted us and outlined how the Onsold Programme works, we thought we would give it a go. It is exciting to have the opportunity to work with a team focused on reinstating a house, where we can work directly for the homeowner – knowing we are getting a good outcome for them, for their insurer and for our city. We find the output from the sub-floor bots that HouseStuff use to be exceptional. Highly great detail and delivered in a robust format as well.
Mark (Cashmere)
Time of Event Owner
With their intimate knowledge of the system that is against you, Mel, Roger and their team offered us excellent advice, reassurance along the way, and access to the best professional assistance including quantity surveyors, engineers and legal practitioners, that others may not be able to. When EQC are still throwing ridiculous decisions at you 10 years on, it’s good to have someone to talk to about the next steps, someone who already knows the answers. HouseStuff have our highest recommendation and appreciation for their assistance.
