Buyer Beware Situation: Leaky Homes Analysis
12 November, 2009
Media Release for Immediate Use
Home owners, local authorities and the Government should take special care to avoid overblown estimates of the extent of problems and costs associated with the repair of residential structures in which leaks have been identified says the Building Industry Federation.
“There are
increasing anecdotal tales within the industry of excessive
repair work being recommended at costs beyond that which
should be considered reasonable,” said Chief Executive
Bruce Kohn in a statement issued today.
“A
comparison might be that detection of a leak in a house or
apartment block does not automatically mean there should be
a complete re-cladding or structural rebuild any more than
detection of a freckle on an arm is indicative of an
automatic requirement for cancer surgery.
“This is
an area ripe for hit and run cowboy activities. Many
unfortunate home owners who have identified a leak in their
properties are elderly, young or have little expert
knowledge. They are reliant on sound advice from experts and
need to ensure that those they turn to are well qualified
for the task and have a proven track
record.
“Similarly local authorities and the
Government in any authorisation of remedial payouts need to
be sure that talk of a need for large scale and expensive
repair work is justified. It is also reasonable to confine
ratepayer or taxpayer payouts to remedial work, not
enhancement of the structure. Tauranga’s former MP and
builder Bob Clarkson is on the mark in drawing attention to
this aspect.
“Home owners can check in with the New
Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors who carry out
inspections and can probe identified leaks. Reputable
builders can be found through the Registered Master
Builders’ Federation or the Certified Builders’
Association of New Zealand. This is very much a “buyers
beware’ situation in which there are reputable and well
qualified experts available, along with
opportunists.
“Potential for major structural damage
to have already occurred should not be underestimated. But
nor should the prospect be dismissed that the leak is a
defect that can quickly be remedied at comparatively low
cost.
ENDS