Rules for Licensed Building Practitioners Released

Media Release
July 30, 2007

Rules for Licensed Building Practitioners Released

The Rules that will set out the standards of competence that building practitioners must meet in order to be licensed were announced today by Building and Construction Minister Hon Clayton Cosgrove.

The Registered Master Builders Federation (RMBF) has been working very closely with members, key industry stakeholders and the Department of Building and Housing to ensure that the new Licensed Building Practitioners (LBP) scheme is both practicable for builders and that it ultimately serves to protect the consumer through higher levels of professionalism within the building and construction industry. “We have been working hard on the licensing framework for some two years now, and the Rules as they have been promulgated today are a culmination of a lot of industry ‘blood, sweat and tears’,” says Pieter Burghout Chief Executive of the Registered Master Builders Federation.

“RMBF agrees with the intent and the philosophy of LBP and the Rules themselves, but where we still have a major concern is around the as-yet unknown exemption for DIYers. At the launch of the Rules today the Minister once again reiterated that he fully supports the Kiwi tradition of ‘having a go’ when it comes to DIY. We have been happy to have exploratory discussions with the Minister and the Department around how such a licensing exemption might work, and – in principle – we would be happy to look at what we call ‘true blue DIYers’. The danger we foresee is where, unless properly frameworked, the exemptions allow rogue builders, who either cannot or will not be licensed, to masquerade as DIYers and carry on building – potentially putting consumers at risk and undermining the integrity of the whole LBP scheme,” he says.

Where an owner-builder exemption has been poorly introduced in other countries – such as Australia and Canada – they have found that instead of there being just 3-5% of owner-built homes each year (which is what we would expect based on current numbers), that has mushroomed out to 30% and higher. Those countries are now tightening up on the exemption, because they have realised that in making the exemption too loose, they are letting the rogue builders carry on getting away without needing to meet the required industry skills standards.

“In our own survey work we did with Colmar Brunton, 96% of Kiwis have said that the critical parts of a house should be done by a building professional – and so New Zealanders agree that any DIY exemption should not be too loose,” says Mr Burghout

The intention of the LBP scheme is to ensure that New Zealanders can be assured of having their homes designed and built ‘right first time’. We agree, and therefore it remains absolutely critical that we get the LBP scheme right for the future of our industry – and that we agree a position on DIYers that will work without undermining the whole scheme.

ENDS

For more information or to arrange interviews please contact:

Tracey Bree
Tel (04) 385 8999, 027 440 4147

Notes to Editor

About Registered Master Builders Federation (RMBF)
 The Registered Master Builders Federation (RMBF) represents New Zealand’s premier building companies who pride themselves on delivering the highest quality houses and buildings to their clients
 RMBF has more than 1780 Registered Master Builder member companies nationwide, who employ more than 15,000 employees and subcontractors
 RMBF members represent 65% of every dollar spent on construction
 RMBF has been in existence for more than 100 years, providing industry leadership, training and services for its members
 There are 22 regional Registered Master Builders Associations throughout New Zealand
 Registered Master Builders are assessed on their building experience, trade or professional qualifications, and practical experience before membership is approved. Re-certification of members occurs when required, with checks on their financial viability, client satisfaction and workmanship
 When engaging a Registered Master Builder for a new home, or alterations or additions (built under either full contract or a labour only contract), clients will be offered a Master Build 7-Year Guarantee, which covers loss of deposit, non-completion of the work, defective workmanship and materials and structural defects (conditions apply)

Checklist for finding a builder

Along with getting your plans in order – you must also choose the right builder for you. Here are some points for you to consider before starting your building project:

• Type of Builder – volume, custom or individual
o Volume: Larger firms that have building gangs, painting crews, joiners, plasterers etc. They are able to manage the project from beginning to end. They may cost more because they manage the process but they tend to be quick and efficient
o Custom: These are builders that have set plans which within certain limits, you can customise to your taste. Building from a set plan can be a very economical choice.
o Individual: These are small one-two person operators. They can offer a lot of flexibility, and provide a greater opportunity for you to be more involved in the whole building process.

• Registered Master Builders – Make sure your builder is a Registered Master Builder. To be registered, they must have proved that they can run a successful business and meet stringent quality standards. They must also be able to guarantee their work with a 7-year Master Build Guarantee. This is separately guaranteed by the Registered Master Builders Federation up to a certain limit.

• Type of home – Make sure you select a company or builder that has extensive experience constructing homes in your price range and general design style.

• Reputation – Reputation is important. Look for an established builder or building company with an extensive, satisfied client list.

• Compatibility – Building a home is a highly personal and emotional experience. Question and listen to everything about prospective builders. What do other people say about the builder and what does your instinct say?

• Warranty – You should be offered a comprehensive written warranty.

• Price – The cheapest price may not be the best. Remember you need to trust this builder and a good working relationship is essential for a successful project.

• Do your homework – Look at more than one option, even if you have a preferred builder in mind. When you get quotes, tell the builder you are getting other quotes - they will appreciate your honesty.

• Award Winning – Registered Master Builders build award winning houses. Awards are given to entries that are judged to be 50-80% higher than industry standard, so if your builder carries a quality mark - you can be assured of building excellence.

ends

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