Big chance for home owners to have their say

Big chance for home owners/buyers to have their say

Radical overhaul by the Government of the Building Code provides a big chance for home owners and prospective buyers to have their say on future construction standards, says the Chairman of the Construction Industry Council, John Pfahlert.

“The Government’s discussion paper on revamping the code provides a rare opportunity for public input into the standards to be set for buildings and construction through the 21st Century.

“We’re aiming at best practice and the new code will set the base rules under which the industry will operate. We have to get it right. The public has to take ownership of it. This is the time to ensure that New Zealanders get what they want from their buildings.

“A key factor will be balancing cost against affordability. But we have to make sure that the standards we set now will ensure buildings relevant to the 22nd Century as well as the current setting.

“Fortunately, the industry is well positioned to make suggestions that encompass improvements to construction to avoid such difficulties as leaky homes, and to recommend improvements that will enhance energy efficiency.

“The Construction Industry Council shares the Government’s hope that publication of the discussion paper will provoke significant public input. Kiwis are usually good at making their thoughts known on subjects they have strong views about. Now’s the time for them to have a burst on what they want from the nation’s housing stock and commercial structures.”

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