Is Your Licensed Builder - Trade Qualified?

From: Certified Builders Association of New Zealand (CBANZ)
Press Release – 23 April 2006

Is Your Licensed Builder - Trade Qualified?

The Certified Builders Association of New Zealand welcomes the introduction of builder practitioner licensing. The announcement of the details of the regime by the Minister for Building Issues, Hon Clayton Cosgrove is a significant milestone in the project to reform the building industry.

CEO Derek Baxter said “Certified Builders hopes that the next milestone will be the day where the New Zealand consumer no longer has to ask ‘Is my builder trade qualified?’ “We will continue to work with Government and the Department of Building & Housing to ensure transition arrangements are quickly dispensed with and that license classes are reinforced by trade qualifications.”

While acknowledging that there are experienced non-qualified builders in the industry He said “Building technology has changed significantly in recent years and linking qualifications to license classes will ensure that all entrants to the industry have the training they need to complete the tasks to the required standard. The ongoing education requirements of licensing will keep building professionals current.”

Certified Builders understands the reasons behind allowing DIY builders to continue to undertake changes to the structure and weatherproof envelop of their homes. “However I expect that over time purchasers may choose to avoid homes modified by non-licensed building practitioners.”

Mr Baxter cautions overzealous DIY’s that they may actually be reducing rather than adding value to their homes. This may not be realised until the sale of the house where it will now be clearly noted on the LIM that consented work was not undertaken by an LBP.

“Any system that improves quality and responsibility ultimately results in cost changes. With all construction projects cutting corners on the quality of materials or the use of professionals invariably results in higher costs in the long term.” Mr Baxter said.

“The phased introduction of the regime is a pragmatic solution to give some sectors of the industry time to complete the development of appropriate qualification and assessments. Certified Builders will be encouraging all of its members to adopt voluntary licensing when it is introduced in 2007.”

ENDS

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