Useful links
Guide to tolerances, materials and workmanship in new residential construction 2015
Under the new consumer protection measures introduced 1 January 2015, a 12-month defect repair period starts when new residential building work has been practically completed. During this time it is the contractors’ responsibility to fix any defects or to prove that any defective building work is through no fault of their own, their subcontractors’, or the products used if there is a dispute.
The government has published a guide to help homeowners and contractors understand and agree on acceptable levels of tolerances, materials and workmanship.
Download the Guide and find other useful publications
Building work that does not require a building consent
This is covered in the Building Act, where it is described in Schedule 1. This part of the Act has changed several times since 2004, so you need to be sure that you have the latest Government guidance document.
Download the guidance documents
Building Performance
As part of Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s goals of safer, healthier and more affordable homes and buildings, the purpose of this website is to direct and support people through building processes to achieve compliance with the building regulatory environment. This is a gateway, or portal page filled with useful links.
Consumer Build
Access to the consumer build website
Licensed building practitioners (LBPs)
LBPs are designers, carpenters, brick and blocklayers, roofers, external plasterers, site and foundations specialists who have been assessed to be competent to carry out work essential to a residential building’s structure or weathertightness.
Search the Register to see if someone is an LBP, details of their license and other information
You can make a complaint if you think an LBP has not met the minimum requirements set by the Building Act, however the Board which considers complaints cannot deal with contractual disputes.
BRANZ search and locate tool
BRANZ provide a useful directory of building and construction information in New Zealand.
Building and construction professionals can also call the BRANZ Helpline for advice on 0800 80 80 85.
Consumers can call the Consumer Helpline – 0900 5 90 90 – calls cost $1.99 per minute, plus GST. Full knowledge of your enquiry may result in you being referred to someone else.
Access to the main BRANZ homepage
Roofing Association
Established as an Incorporated Society in 1994, RANZ is the national trade organisation with over 350 businesses plus branches nationwide operating in the residential and commercial/industrial roofing market, who employ over 2,750 roofing installers or applicators. They represent the majority of specialist professional roofing companies located nationwide involved in the supply and installation of all roof systems and services available on the New Zealand market.
You can download some useful publications for free on this website, including the NZ METAL ROOF & WALL CLADDING Code of Practice and the TORCH-ON MEMBRANE Code of Practice.
