Solving construction problems

Architects or designers

• To resolve disputes and communication problems: see Disputes with designers
  
• If you believe the architect or designer has provided a substandard service, see: Consumer Guarantees Act.

Builders & tradespeople

• For common problems such as undue delay, shoddy workmanship, and unfinished work, see:
  • When things go wrong
  • Consumer Guarantees Act in relation to unfit workmanship.
• If the builder breaches a term of your building contract, find out what remedies are available. See: Contract law.
• If your builder is demanding payment and you don’t agree with the amount, see: Construction Contracts Act.
• If your builder claims a building guarantee is invalid, see: Builders guarantees

Building Act or Building Code compliance:

• If you have problems understanding your obligations under the Building Act and Building Code, see: The Building Act.
• If you are part way through a project and want to know where it stands in relation to the new Building Act 2004, see: Implementation of the 2004 Act.
• To find out whether you need to obtain a building consent see:
  • Building consents - legal requirements
  • Renovations & alterations - building consents
  • or contact your local council.

Buying a house:

• If you believe you have been misled by a real estate agent when buying a house, see: Fair Trading Act.
• To make complaints about unfair or misleading trading practices and breaches of the Fair Trading Act, see: the Commerce Commission website.
• If you have a building inspection report that has omitted serious defects, see:
  • Property inspections for general advice
  • Consumer Guarantees Act for advice about possible remedies

Councils

• If your council refuses to issue a building consent or code compliance certificate, see:
  • Inspections for Building Code compliance,
  • or visit the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Building Performance website for information about getting a technical ruling (Determination) on a dispute relating to compliance with the Building Code or the issuing of consents and certificates.
• If your council declines your application for resource consent, see Resource Management Act.
• To find out whether you need to obtain a building consent see:
  • Building consents - legal requirements
  • Renovations & alterations - building consents
  • or contact your local council.
• Where the Land Information Memorandum (LIM) seems to be incomplete, find out where to get fuller information on a section or house property. See: LIMs and council files.

Cross lease situation

• For information about the pros and cons of cross leasing and how to convert a cross lease title see: Land titles.

Faulty materials

• For problems with faulty goods and materials see:
  • Materials - quality assurance
  • Consumer Guarantees Act.

Neighbours

• For problems concerning your neighbour’s lack of cooperation over boundary fences, see: The Fencing Act.
• For disputes about boundaries, easements or other matters affecting your use of your property, see:
  • Land titles for general information about property rights
  • Certificate of Title & restrictions on use for information about easements.
• For advice about boundary issues talk to your local council.
• For help with disputes about trees, see our guide.

Subcontractors

• Where a subcontractor has done a substandard job, do you approach the subcontractor directly or go through the main contractor? See: Contract law.

Technical advice

• For technical advice about construction methods and materials contact:
  • Building Research Association of New Zealand Ltd (BRANZ). If you are a home or building owner or a member of the public requiring advice, there is a public helpline which costs $1.99 per minute + GST, phone 0900 590 90, or visit their website: www.branz.co.nz.
  • For help understanding your obligations under the Building Act and Building Code, visit the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, or phone 0800 242 243.