Homeowners accountable for DIY structural work
NEW legislation will mean hardcore do-it-yourselfers can continue to do structural work to their own homes, as long as they take official responsibility for it.
An exemption has been made to the Building Amendment Bill No 3, which came in this month to restrict certain building and design work to licensed builder ‘‘practitioners’’.
Building and Housing Minister Maurice Williamson said the ‘‘DIY’’ exemption would allow homeowners to build or renovate their homes, as long as they accepted their work would be noted on council records for future owners.
He said the changes were aimed at ensuring buildings were weather-tight and structurally sound. ‘‘People wouldn’t want an unlicensed pilot or an electrician. It’s just as important that we have tradespeople who are assessed as competent to undertake the critical design, structure and weathertight elements of what is often a New Zealander’s largest investment – their family home.’’
Another aspect of the legislation – risk-based consenting – would be introduced when the industry was ready for it, he said. Risk-based consenting will add steps to the consenting process if necessary, to match the risks of the project.
Williamson said that more than 16,300 builders had signed up to the ‘‘licensed building practitioner’’ regime since it began several years ago.
Another amendment to the Building Act is also in the pipeline to make builders more accountable to the consumer.
Building Amendment Bill No 4 will require ‘‘licensed practitioners’’ to disclose such matters as previous bankruptcies or insurance cover and will make contracts compulsory for building work worth $20,000 or more.