DBH Next generation of building laws on the way

Author: Department of Building & Housing (DBH)

Building and Construction Minister Maurice Williamson, has announced that the Government will introduce amendments to the Building Act 2004 that will help cut red-tape and bureaucracy and make builders and designers more accountable.

The planned changes to the Act will be phased in over time. Some of the incentives to 'build it right first time' to be introduced to Parliament this year include:

• Explicitly stating that builders and designers are accountable for meeting Building Code requirements;
• Mandatory written contracts for building work above $20,000 that set out expectations, warranties and remedies, and how any disputes will be resolved;
• Requiring those doing the work to explain what, if any, financial back-up or insurance they have to remedy any faults.

The planned amendments will also see some minor, low-risk work, such as building a carport or veranda, exempted from the need for a building consent.

Mr Williamson says the Government can only make changes to the building consent process to reduce costs once it has confidence in the quality of what is being built.

The Government is proposing to introduce a ‘stepped’ approach to building consents and inspections after mid-2012 once the other improvements are in place to drive quality, including the licensing of building practitioners.

You can read the Minister's media release and find out more on the Department of Building and Housing's website

Posted on: August 19, 2010