Why is seismic retrofitting important?

Seismic retrofitting is essential for upgrading buildings to better withstand earthquake activity and ensure compliance with current safety standards. It helps protect occupants, extends building life, and can increase property value while reducing long-term maintenance costs.

What does the structural strengthening process involve?

The process includes engineering analysis and design, building consent and approvals, structural strengthening work (such as adding reinforcement), and comprehensive structural testing to ensure compliance with seismic performance standards. JLC manages each phase from start to finish.

How long does structural strengthening work take?

Strengthening work typically takes several months, depending on project complexity and scope. The timeline is determined during the engineering analysis phase, and JLC provides a detailed project schedule and regular updates throughout.

What is FRP strengthening?

Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) strengthening is a technique that reinforces critical structural elements with strong, lightweight composites. This method enhances durability and resistance to seismic forces while minimising disruption to building operations.

Do I need building consent for structural strengthening work?

Yes, most structural strengthening work requires building consent from your local authority (such as Christchurch City Council). JLC assists with preparing and submitting your application, managing the documentation and liaison to streamline approval.

What happens after structural strengthening work is complete?

After work is complete, your building undergoes comprehensive testing including shake table testing and load testing to verify structural strength and ensure compliance with seismic performance standards. Once testing confirms compliance, your building receives final sign-off and certification.

Modern two-story building with large windows and white exterior, labeled New Zealand Health Group, under clear blue sky.

JLC CONSTRUCTION services

Structural strengthening & seismic retrofitting Christchurch

Q: What is structural strengthening?

Structural strengthening involves reinforcing or upgrading a building's structure to improve its safety, durability, and compliance with current building standards. This may include adding steel beams, concrete shear walls, or seismic retrofitting to help buildings withstand earthquakes and other stresses.

Q: Can structural strengthening be done while my building is in use?

Yes. All strengthening work designs are developed with efficiency and ongoing building use in mind, ensuring minimal disruption to your operations. JLC coordinates the work schedule to accommodate your business needs.

We specialise in structural strengthening, seismic retrofitting, and re-roofing solutions for commercial buildings across Christchurch and Canterbury. We help businesses meet safety standards, extend building life, and protect their investment.

JLC Construction provides comprehensive structural assessments and strengthening solutions for buildings across Christchurch and the South Island. Our team works with engineers, landlords, and commercial property owners to assess a building’s NBS rating, identify structural vulnerabilities, and deliver tailored strengthening work that improves safety and building performance.

JLC construction site with metal scaffolding, rebar grid, and orange electrical conduits inside a concrete block structure.

Structural strengthening brings your building up to standard

Under the current framework, buildings with an earthquake rating below 67% NBS were generally considered at risk, with those under 34% NBS classified as earthquake-prone. The Government is currently reviewing the earthquake-prone building system, with potential changes proposed but not yet finalised. Further clarity on updated thresholds and assessment requirements is expected closer to 2027, which may mean some buildings will require reassessment once the new rules are confirmed.

Our strengthening services help building owners meet evolving requirements, increase resilience, and protect long-term asset value. Strengthened buildings also attract quality tenants who prioritise safety and compliance. A structural assessment and strengthening can help to:

Improve safety
Ensure compliance
Reduce risk of repairs
Increase property value

The structural strengthening process

From initial assessment through to final compliance and sign-off, JLC Construction manages the entire structural strengthening process. Our team guides you through each phase to ensure your building is safe, compliant, and performing to the required standards.

Engineering analysis & design

We work with experienced engineers to analyse your building's structure and develop a customised strengthening plan. All designs for reinforcement work are developed with efficiency and ongoing building use in mind, ensuring minimal disruption to your operations.

Structural strengthening work

We start by getting to know your building, reviewing any historical engineering records to understand its background. Next, we visit your site to get a thorough understanding of your building and what's needed.

From there, we prepare a proposal outlining our three-stage design process and costs. Once you approve stage one, we develop concept drawings to show you what we're planning. We then provide a cost estimate for both the strengthening work and any enabling works needed.

If the estimate works for you, we move forward with detailed drawings and provide a fixed price. Our engineer then submits a request to the council for an exemption from building consent—in most cases, full consent isn't needed, which helps keep things moving smoothly.

Once approvals are in place, we carefully plan and execute the physical work with precision and care. When the work is complete, we obtain all necessary approvals and submit them to the council for final sign-off. Your project is complete when all deliverables and documentation are wrapped up and handed over to you.

View from inside a building under JLC construction showing large glass windows with street view and a steel support beam.

Comprehensive structural strengthening solutions for commercial buildings

Structural steel reinforcement

Using advanced techniques to reinforce steel structures, we enhance durability and stability under increased loads. Whether you're upgrading an existing structure or addressing specific load-bearing concerns, our team applies proven reinforcement methods to ensure long-term performance and safety.

Seismic retrofitting

Seismic retrofitting is essential for upgrading structures to better withstand seismic activity and ensure compliance with current safety standards. We employ various methods tailored to your building's vulnerabilities, including Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) strengthening. This approach reinforces critical structural elements with strong, lightweight composites that enhance durability and resistance to seismic forces. Our comprehensive assessment ensures every aspect of your structure is addressed to maximise earthquake safety.

Re-roofing solutions

We provide complete re-roofing solutions to enhance the longevity and performance of your building's roof. Beyond installation, we deliver detailed roof reports and customised maintenance plans to ensure the ongoing care and durability of your roof, protecting your building investment for years to come.

Enquire now for a free structural assessment and strengthening consultation. Our team will evaluate your building's needs and develop a tailored plan to keep your investment safe and compliant.

Commercial fit-outs & interior upgrades

After structural strengthening work, it's the perfect opportunity to optimise your space and enhance your brand with a commercial fit-out or interior refresh. JLC Construction specialises in transforming and optimising commercial interiors to enhance functionality while reflecting your brand identity.

Our comprehensive fit-out services include everything from space planning and partitioning to lighting, electrical upgrades, flooring, ceilings, HVAC installations, custom joinery, and professional finishes covering all aspects of your interior construction needs.

By choosing JLC Construction for your post-strengthening fit-out, you benefit from our unwavering commitment to quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. We ensure your workspace meets your business needs and leaves a lasting impression on both clients and employees.

Modern office fit out lounge area with beige sofas, wooden coffee table on red rug, potted plants, and adjacent glass-walled meeting room and workspace with seated person.

View some of our recent strengthening projects. Click the on the red text for more detailed information.

Strengthening projects:

17 Main North Road, Christchurch

Delivering a high-quality project with precision and efficiency

22 Gerald Connolly

Delivering a high-quality project with precision and efficiency

Sir William Pickering Drive

Delivering a high-quality project with precision and efficiency

FAQ Structural strengthening for commercial buildings

What is structural strengthening?

Structural strengthening is the process of improving a building’s ability to perform safely during an earthquake or under structural load. It ensures older or earthquake-prone buildings meet modern safety standards, protecting both occupants and long-term asset value.

Why might my building need strengthening?

If your building has been identified as earthquake-prone, or has a low seismic rating from a recent engineering assessment, it may require strengthening to comply with current legislation. Strengthening work is also often undertaken during major refurbishments or when repurposing older buildings to new uses.

What is the benefit of completing strengthening work early?

Undertaking strengthening proactively provides certainty and peace of mind. It maintains property value, supports insurance renewals, and can make financing easier. It also allows work to be planned methodically, rather than being rushed to meet compliance deadlines.

What is the process JLC follows?

We take a structured and transparent approach to every strengthening project:

Step 1 – Initial Review
We review existing seismic assessments and drawings to understand the building’s structure, current condition, and performance requirements.
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Step 2 – Design Coordination
We work closely with your chosen engineers and consultants to plan the strengthening works. Our focus is on buildability, safety, and cost efficiency.

Step 3 – Project Planning and Methodology
We prepare a detailed construction plan outlining how the strengthening will be delivered — including staging, access, and health and safety measures.

Step 4 – Construction and Monitoring
Our experienced site teams carry out the strengthening works with precision and care. Regular inspections and progress reports ensure quality and compliance at every stage.

Step 5 – Quality Assurance and Certification
We coordinate all documentation, including producer statements and compliance sign-offs. At completion, you receive a full handover package confirming that your building meets the required standards.

Can strengthening work be completed while the building remains occupied?

In most cases, yes. We plan works around building use and stage them to minimise disruption. Our team has extensive experience managing projects in operational environments such as offices and retail spaces.

What has changed under the new legislation?

The Building (Earthquake-Prone Building Deadlines and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 extended deadlines for some buildings and allows further flexibility depending on risk classification. By 2027, new reforms will refocus requirements on life-safety risk rather than a single performance percentage. This means some lower-risk buildings may be removed from the earthquake-prone register entirely.

Why choose JLC Construction?

JLC has successfully completed strengthening and refurbishment projects across Canterbury and the South Island. Our experience in both structural and commercial construction means we understand how to plan safely, manage live environments, and deliver efficient, compliant outcomes with minimal disruption.

About JLC’s Strengthening Expertise:
We approach every strengthening project with the same professionalism and care that defines all our work. From initial planning through to certification, our focus is safety, communication, and quality — ensuring our clients feel informed, supported, and confident every step of the way.