Building confidence among homeowners

7 September 2016

Building confidence among homeowners

Build it right by choosing the right people for your home building job is the message of a new consumer and industry awareness campaign.

With housing construction activity showing little sign of slowing down, more and more New Zealanders are embarking on home construction or renovation projects. At this time it is important to remind people of the rules for restricted building work, introduced in 2012.

‘Restricted building work’ includes work that affects a home’s structure, weathertightness or, in smaller apartment buildings, fire safety design. The campaign aims to help homeowners understand their responsibilities when choosing tradespeople, builders or a designer for this work. It’s also a reminder for practitioners involved in residential building.

“When it comes to restricted building work, a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) is the right person for the job by law,” says Registrar of Building Practitioner Licensing, Paul Hobbs.

“Licensed Building Practitioners have the skills and knowledge to help ensure critical work is done properly. Not using an LBP for restricted building work could affect the warmth, safety, value and insurability of your home and lead to a fine of up to $20,000 for the homeowner or builder.”

The radio, print and social media campaign will encourage homeowners to learn more about when they need an LBP at www.building.govt.nz/LBP. It also encourages homeowners to ask to see an LBP’s ID card and check if they are on the public register.

“A home is often the biggest investment families make; it makes sense to protect that investment by using the right people for the job,” said Mr Hobbs.

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