The good news is that consumers can expect better service from the government's Weathertight Homes Resolution Service (WHRS).

Assessors can now look at potential as well as past damage, so they're able to get a clearer picture of the work required to fix a leaky home and the likely cost.

The role of the WHRS includes giving people better information and guidance on their repair and dispute-resolution options, and it provides an alternative to dispute resolution through the courts. We've looked at the service in the our Leaky buildings crisis report and may do so again once the changes have bedded in.

But that's where the government's role ends. Owners of leaky homes, faced with the daunting reality that their largest asset is defective, are largely on their own. Many are left emotionally and financially distressed, and frequently have little knowledge of how the building industry works.

Owners of multi-unit apartment blocks often argue and disagree among themselves.

Leaky-home experts

If you want to fix your home you can consult a "leaky-home expert" to manage the process.

These firms specialise in the design of the remedial work required to fix leaky homes. They assess a building, draw up plans, alter the design if necessary, apply for a building consent, liaise with the council, manage the tender process, and do some site supervision of the building work. Finally, the local council should sign off the repairs as meeting the requirements of the Building Code.

This doesn't come cheap. So what rights do you have when dealing with the suppliers of these highly technical building services?