FAQ
Welcome to the Access | Partners in Property FAQ. We have compiled answers to common questions about our comprehensive property maintenance, facilities, and construction services. Whether you need more information about our routine building washing, expert waterproofing, or full-scale project management, you can find quick answers below. If you have a specific inquiry about a property that isn’t covered here, please reach out to our team here.
What types of property solutions can you provide under one roof?
We deliver end-to-end property solutions including facilities services coordination, building washing and exterior cleaning, building and property maintenance, projects and construction, specialist waterproofing, metal roofing, and rope-access (abseil) maintenance—so you can reduce supplier complexity across your portfolio.
Who do you work with?
We work with commercial and industrial landlords, building owners, building managers and facility teams. We also support homeowners who need specialist membrane waterproofing solutions, particularly for high-end homes.
Can you support portfolio clients with multiple sites and ongoing requirements?
Yes. We can structure delivery across multiple assets with integrated planning, scheduled programmes, and a single point of coordination—helping you maximise efficiencies and reduce avoidable cost.
Where do you operate - do you service properties outside Auckland, Tauranga, and Hamilton?
We have offices in Auckland, Tauranga and Hamilton, and we can service properties nationwide. To do this effectively, we’ll discuss commercial volume, demand clustering and future potential, especially for remote areas, so we can plan resourcing and delivery reliably.
Can you be our single point of contact across cleaning, maintenance, and projects?
Yes. We can coordinate multiple workstreams so you deal with one partner rather than managing multiple contractors.
Can you work in occupied buildings and live operational environments?
Yes. We plan and schedule work with you to reduce disruption—considering access constraints, operating hours, stakeholder communications and safety requirements for occupied sites.
Can you bundle multiple small jobs into one visit or one programme?
Yes. Where practical, we bundle tasks and coordinate the right trade/technician to reduce callouts, admin, and disruption.
What do you need from us to provide an accurate quote?
To quote accurately, we typically need the site address, scope of work, access constraints (e.g., height/roof access), preferred timing, and any known issues such as leaks or surface deterioration. For larger portfolios or nationwide delivery, we’ll also discuss volume, geographic clustering and forecasted demand.
What building washing and exterior cleaning services do you offer?
We provide commercial exterior cleaning services including building washing, water blasting, window cleaning, roof washing, gutter cleaning/clearing, car park water blasting, internal warehouse cleans, and condition reporting/inspections.
What’s the difference between building washing and pressure washing?
They’re different approaches. Pressure washing uses higher pressure for robust surfaces (e.g., paving/concrete), while building washing typically uses low-pressure/soft-wash methods for more delicate exterior finishes. We select the safest method for your materials and contamination type.
Can you clean high-rise buildings and hard-to-reach façades safely?
Yes. We use a mix of access methods including rope access (abseiling) and elevated work platforms (e.g., cherry picker trucks) to reach challenging areas safely and efficiently.
Do you provide rope-access services beyond cleaning (e.g., inspections or façade tasks)?
Yes. Our rope-access teams can assist with a range of at-height maintenance activities (where appropriate) such as visual inspections and selected façade works like painting and glazing/sealant repairs.
Do you offer inspections and reporting to help us plan maintenance and budgets?
Yes. We can provide building condition feedback (including photo-based reporting where appropriate) to help you plan preventative maintenance, renewals and budgets with confidence.
Why is regular exterior washing important for commercial buildings?
Regular exterior washing helps manage grime and contaminants that can contribute to deterioration. It also supports presentation, helps protect building materials, and can assist with meeting upkeep expectations for warranties and insurers where cleaning is required.
Can you schedule recurring cleaning to reduce admin and disruption?
Yes. We can set up recurring programmes and coordinate timing with your site requirements to minimise disruption to tenants, customers, and operations.
Do you subcontract building washing and high-rise cleaning work?
For building washing, we operate with in-house capability and state that we do not subcontract this work, which helps us maintain control over safety, quality and delivery. In certain circumstances we will use approved subcontractors that have been through a stringent Subcontract management selection process.
Do you offer planned preventative maintenance (PPM) and reactive maintenance?
Yes. We can deliver planned, preventative maintenance programmes and reactive maintenance support—helping you address minor issues early and reduce the impact of unplanned failures.
Do you offer ‘break-fix’ (urgent reactive) maintenance for buildings?
Yes. We provide reactive maintenance support alongside planned programmes—helping you resolve urgent issues while also reducing future unplanned failures through preventative planning.
Can you self-perform repairs across multiple trades so we don’t have to coordinate separate contractors?
Yes. Our maintenance capability includes multi-trade delivery, including general maintenance and repairs and access to certified trades such as plumbers and electricians—so many day-to-day issues can be handled through a single service partner.
How do you manage maintenance requests across different trades and work types?
We coordinate maintenance through a central workflow that triages requests and assigns the right trade/technician, improving response times and communication across stakeholders.
How can planned maintenance reduce cost and risk over time?
Planned maintenance helps identify issues early, reduces emergency callouts, supports compliance planning, and protects asset condition—often lowering whole-of-life cost.
Can you manage refurbishment, fitout, and construction projects end-to-end?
Yes. We can support projects from scoping and budgeting through trade coordination and delivery, including commercial refurbishments and fitouts, roofing and cladding-related works, and other building projects.
Do you help with consents and coordinating multiple trades?
Yes. For project work, we can coordinate trades and manage delivery in a structured way, including navigating typical consent and inspection requirements where they apply.
Do you provide metal roof repairs and replacements for commercial/industrial buildings?
Yes. We undertake metal roof repairs, maintenance and replacements, including related components such as gutters/spouting, flashings and downpipes—helping keep buildings protected from leaks.
Can you inspect a roof and propose options before we commit to major works?
Yes. We can inspect and provide a clear scope and options so you can plan budget and sequencing.
What waterproofing solutions do you provide for buildings?
We provide specialist waterproofing solutions across common membrane types including sheet membranes and liquid membranes, plus associated sealants and protective coatings—tailored to the substrate and performance requirements.
Do you handle both new-build waterproofing and remediation of leaks/water ingress?
Yes. We support both new-build waterproofing and remediation of water ingress issues on existing properties, with a focus on durable, long-term performance.
What areas can be waterproofed (decks, roofs, gutters, below-ground)?
Depending on the specification, we can waterproof decks, roofs and box gutters, external walls and selected below-ground applications (tanking), using membrane systems suited to the environment and use case.
Do you offer waterproofing repairs and maintenance plans?
Yes. Waterproofing systems benefit from planned inspection and maintenance. We can provide repairs, maintenance plans and proposals aimed at keeping the building envelope watertight.
Do you offer roof inspections and detailed reports?
Yes. We provide roof inspections and reports designed to support maintenance planning, asset condition assessments, and pre-purchase due diligence, with photo evidence and recommendations.
Can you provide PS3 support for waterproofing work (where applicable)?
Yes. Where required for consenting and compliance processes, we can support PS3 documentation as part of our waterproofing delivery.
What residential waterproofing work do you take on?
We provide specialist membrane waterproofing for homeowners—particularly high-end homes—covering both new-build installation and remedial work where water ingress needs to be resolved.
Which parts of my home can you waterproof with membranes?
Common residential applications include decks and balconies, flat or low-slope roofs, box gutters and selected external walls, plus below-ground tanking where specified. We’ll recommend the most suitable system based on your structure, exposure and detailing.
What’s the difference between sheet membranes and liquid membranes?
Sheet membranes are pre-manufactured systems commonly used on areas such as decks, box gutters and roofs. Liquid membranes are applied as coatings and can suit complex shapes and detailing; they also support repair strategies such as seamless patching and recoating where appropriate. We’ll guide you to the best-fit option for your project.
Do you offer below-ground tanking and basement waterproofing for homes?
Yes. We can support below-ground waterproofing (tanking) for areas such as foundations, retaining walls and basements where waterproofing is specified, including work on existing homes needing remediation.
We have a leak—can you help diagnose and fix water ingress?
Yes. We provide waterproofing repairs and maintenance solutions aimed at restoring watertightness and resolving water ingress issues. Where other trades are required to complete the remedy, we can coordinate delivery through an experienced network.
Can you provide an inspection/report before we buy, sell, or renovate?
Yes. We can provide inspections and reporting to help you understand current roof/membrane condition and plan remedial work and budgets.
Does waterproofing require ongoing maintenance?
Yes. Waterproofing systems typically need ongoing maintenance to help the system perform at its best and to support warranty and long-term performance expectations. We can provide maintenance plans and proposals.
How long should a waterproofing system last?
System life depends on the product, exposure, and installation detail. We’ll recommend a system and maintenance approach that fits your use case and performance requirements.
What information do you need to quote residential waterproofing?
We usually need the address, the areas to be waterproofed, substrate/type of construction, access constraints, and whether the work is new build or remedial. Pricing can also be influenced by demolition, surface preparation, access/safety requirements, and the specific product/system selected.
Can you provide PS3 for residential waterproofing where a consent requires it?
Yes. Where the project requires formal producer statements for consenting/compliance, we can support PS3 documentation as part of delivery.
What are your health and safety protocols when working on live sites?
We operate under documented health, safety and wellbeing commitments that include creating a safe and healthy working environment, proactive hazard identification, and compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and other relevant standards. This policy is communicated during induction/onboarding and applies to our work and contractors. We are Impac Prequal Totika Gold Member certified and Site Safe Sitewise Gold status approved.
How do you ensure subcontractors meet your safety requirements?
Where subcontractors are engaged, they are selected based on training, systems and organisational commitment to safety, and they must complete a health and safety screening process before they can work on our sites.
How do you manage safety documentation like SWMS, toolbox talks and incident reporting?
We use structured health and safety systems to manage compliance records (including SWMS, toolbox meetings and incident reporting) and to keep site documentation accessible and current.
Are your at-height teams trained for rope access work?
Yes. Our at-height capability includes IRATA-trained rope access (abseiling) teams, and we also use a mix of access methods such as EWP/cherry picker trucks where appropriate.
How do you keep the public, tenants and building occupants safe during works?
We plan site access, exclusion zones (where required), and task-specific controls to minimise risk and disruption in occupied environments.
Do you provide outdoor/grounds services for commercial sites?
Yes. Outdoor services can include water blasting, roof treatments, lawn mowing, hedge trimming, tree trimming/removal, stump grinding, under-house rubbish clearing and general outdoor labour support.
Do you offer volume-based or programme pricing for portfolio clients?
Yes. For portfolio or repeat clients, we can structure programme-based pricing that reflects scale, frequency, and delivery efficiencies. This supports cost certainty and simpler budgeting across multiple sites.
Can you work under agreed schedules of rates (SOR) or preferred supplier agreements?
Yes. Where appropriate, we can work under agreed schedules of rates or preferred supplier arrangements to support efficient ordering, consistent pricing, and faster response times.
What are your typical response times for urgent building or leak issues?
Response times depend on location, access requirements, and the nature of the issue. For urgent or safety‑critical matters, we prioritize attendance and confirm expected response time once initial details are reviewed.
What are your typical lead times—from inspection to quote to delivery?
Lead times vary depending on scope, access, and current workload. We aim to provide clear timeframes at the inspection stage, so expectations around pricing and delivery are set early.
Do you manage variations and unforeseen site conditions during work?
Yes. Where unforeseen conditions or scope changes are identified, we communicate these clearly and provide options and pricing before proceeding, so decisions can be made with full visibility.
Can you work directly for a PQS, consultant, or main contractor?
Yes. We regularly work under main contractors, consultants, and PQSs, and can align our documentation, pricing, and delivery approach to suit project and contract requirements.
Do you provide warranties for waterproofing systems, and what do they cover?
Warranty provisions depend on the system specified, installation detailing, and maintenance requirements. We outline applicable warranties at proposal stage, so coverage and responsibilities are clearly understood.
What happens if underlying substrates are unsuitable once works begin?
If unsuitable or concealed conditions are identified, we notify you promptly and outline recommended options before proceeding. This ensures changes are managed safely and transparently.
Can you provide alternative waterproofing or value‑engineering options with different cost and lifespan outcomes?
Yes. Where appropriate, we can outline alternative systems or value‑engineering options that balance upfront cost, durability, maintenance requirements, and long‑term performanceso you can make an informed decision that suits budget and risk appetite.
Can you support design‑assist or preliminary solution development before a specification is finalized?
Yes. Where required, we can support early-stage input to help develop practical, buildable waterproofing and roofing solutions. This can include reviewing design intent, identifying suitable system options, and helping inform specification development ahead of construction or tendering.
Can you help us compare repair, over‑coating, and full replacement options?
Yes. We can assess current condition and outline practical options, including repair, over‑coating, or replacement, to support informed decisions around budget, risk, and asset life.
How do you prioritize emergency call‑outs versus planned work?
We triage requests based on urgency, safety, and operational impact, allowing urgent issues to be addressed while maintaining progress on planned programme.
Can you integrate with our facilities management or work‑order systems?
Where practical, we can align with client workflows and agree clear processes for logging, tracking, and closing works.
Can you provide work sequencing or construction programmes for projects?
For project works, we align with agreed programmes and sequencing to support safe, coordinated delivery alongside other trades.
How disruptive is waterproofing work in an occupied home?
Disruption depends on access, scope, and the system selected. We plan to minimize disruption and discuss timing and access before starting.
Will waterproofing systems change the appearance of my deck or roof?
This depends on the system and finish specified. Any expected changes to appearance are discussed during scoping, so expectations are clear from the outset.
Can you help determine whether a leak is waterproofing-related or requires another trade?
Yes. We can assess the issue and advise whether waterproofing is required or whether another trade may be more appropriate.
Why choose Access as a long‑term partner rather than multiple specialist contractors?
Access provides an integrated, in‑house delivery model supported by experienced quantity surveyors, project managers, technical specialists, and site teams. This allows us to plan, price, and deliver works in a coordinated and commercially disciplined way reducing risk, duplication, and management effort for our clients.
We offer capability across specialist waterproofing, metal roofing, project management and project works, small‑scale commercial fit‑outs, maintenance, building washing, rope‑access (abseiling) services. Managing these services through a single contractor improves programme alignment, accountability, and communication across the life of the work.
Our approach is underpinned by structured quality assurance processes, clear documentation, and a strong focus on safety, buildability, and compliance. By dealing with one accountable partner rather than multiple disconnected trades, clients benefit from clearer scope coordination, more consistent outcomes, and greater confidence in delivery.
Is Access and Gunac the same company?
Yes, Gunac has been absorbed into the Access group
Is this a reputable company that will honor warranties?
Yes. Access was established in 2005, and its Gunac division has a history spanning 45 years, reflecting a strong track record and ongoing commitment to customers.
