Council welcomes government’s building initiative

30 April 2008

Media Release – For Immediate Release

Construction Industry Council welcomes government’s DIY building initiatives

The Construction Industry Council (CIC) has welcomed new building regulations announced by Building and Construction Minister Shane Jones that clarify what work DIYers and licensed builders can undertake.

The government had earlier revealed proposals for a new licensed building practitioners’ scheme, which is set to become compulsory in November 2010. However that announcement had triggered confusion about what home building tasks would require a licensed builder and what could be done by home owners and DIYers.

“The Construction Industry Council is heartened that the Minister has listened to industry feedback and announced a solution that we believe is an excellent compromise,” said CIC chief executive Richard Michael.

Mr Michael said industry representatives had worked with the Building and Housing Department during recent months to clarify rules for DIYers.

“The new restrictions announced by the Minister protect consumers from cowboy builders while still allowing home owners to do minor building alteration work.”

Mr Michael also called on National to reconsider its policy for the sector, which aims to make registration of builders voluntary again.

“The CIC urges the National party to listen to what the industry wants and act accordingly. That includes dropping its plans for the building industry to self regulate,” he said.

“There is no point in the industry taking up licensing now – with all the cost and effort that entails – only to find a possible change in government policy in six to eight months makes that all redundant. The industry would prefer a consistent policy on this very important issue, from both main political parties.”
The exact nature of projects to be classified as “restricted work” is yet to e established, with the Government expecting to consider final proposals by mid October 2008.

ENDS

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