CB Selecting tradespeople for renovations
Choosing the right people to do your renovation job makes the difference between a positive experience or a nightmare.
Choosing the right people to do your renovation job makes the difference between a positive experience or a nightmare.
Choosing the right people to do your renovation job makes the difference between a positive experience or a nightmare which causes endless stress and unresolved problems.
Under a full contract, and some managed labour-only contracts, the choice of the other contractors will be made by the builder. In this case, the builder is known as the main contractor, and the other tradespeople engaged by the builder are known as subcontractors.
However, for a lot of renovation projects, for example, getting a roofer to re-roof your house, you are likely to engage them directly.
To select tradespeople directly, use the same sort of criteria as for selecting a builder.
Because contractors are likely to be involved in a number of projects on other building sites, getting them organised to turn up when you need them can be difficult to coordinate.
If you are contracting the services of an electrician directly, always use a licensed electrician. This is a person registered by the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB). Ask to see their practising licence, which proves that they are registered.
For any new work completed, the electrician must issue you a Certificate of Compliance (CoC), a copy of which is also sent to the EWRB. The CoC is an assurance that the work has been carried out to New Zealand’s electrical and safety standards. Keep the CoC safe. You may need it for an insurance claim or when you are selling your house.
A CoC is not required for maintenance work, such as replacing sockets and light fittings. However, you can request one, and pay the fee, if you wish.
With the exception of minor work, for example: installing washing machines or dishwashers, changing washers, taps and ball valves, all plumbing or drainage work must be carried out by a Licensed or Certifying Plumber or Drainlayer.
Plumbers and drainlayers are licensed by:
New Zealand Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board
PO Box 10-655, Wellington
tel: 0800 743 262; 04 494 2970,
fax: 04 494 2975.
You can check the public register at www.pgdb.co.nz.
Either the plumber, or the company the plumber works for, must hold a licence. Make sure you see their Authorisation Card. If they don't have the appropriate licence, their work must be supervised by a registered person.
Trainee plumbers or drainlayers and some other exempt persons may do plumbing work, but their work must be supervised by a Certifying Plumber.
Note that new plumbing and drainage work will require a building consent.
Any work to connect gas fittings and gas appliances must be done or supervised by a Licensed or Certifying Gasfitter. This includes all new installations and any work to extend, replace or alter installations or pipework. The consequences of having incorrectly fitted gas appliances can be fatal, so DIY is not allowed.
A licensed or certifying gasfitter is registered by the:
New Zealand Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board
PO Box 10-655, Wellington
tel: 0800 743 262; 04 494 2970
fax: 04 494 2975.
You can check the public register at www.pgdb.co.nz.
Trainee gasfitters and some exempt persons may carry out gas fitting, but this must be supervised by a Certifying Gasfitter. When you employ a gasfitter, make sure you see their Authorisation Card, and check the back for any supervision requirements.
Once the appliance and installation work has been inspected, tested and certified as satisfactory, you must be issued with a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate by your gasfitter. A Certificate is required for any new gas installation, and for any addition or alteration to an existing installation since 1 July 2013.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment will keep a database of high-risk electrical and gasfitting work, but this will not include normal household work. NB: Make sure you keep certificates and all records of the work in a safe place.
If you do not have a Certificate for earlier work (since 1993), contact the gasfitter or company who carried out the work and ask for a copy, or search the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board website. You will find a form that you can fill out to get a copy of an existing certificate, on payment of a small fee.
It is likely you will still be living in the house while the work is going on, so once you have your team selected:
Natalie and her husband Ken decided to close in an upstairs deck to create another room. They had all sorts of problems with the windows – the plans were wrong so the windows had to be re-made, and then they were damaged in the re-cut.
Because the builder they hired was a friend, they were reluctant to start a row and complained first to the window manufacturer. Eventually the builder came and inspected the window but disclaimed any responsibility and it was only through a Disputes Tribunal that they got some recompense. Their advice? Be careful when hiring friends to work on your building projects.
Whether you're planning to build your own home or renovate an existing one, we've got you covered with a wide range of articles covering the whole process.
Renovating and altering houses is a favourite pastime for many New Zealanders. Our articles take a look at what's involved when you undertake a renovation project.
Regular maintenance is needed to ensure your house holds its value and remains safe and comfortable to live in.
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