Leaky home warranty announced

A new-home warranty system has been announced as part of a shake-up of the construction industry to tackle the leaky-building disaster.

Building and Construction Minister Maurice Williamson says it will guarantee that houses are fit for sale.

Mr Williamson told the Building Research Association's Build magazine he was surprised at the enormity of the leaky homes saga and previously "had no idea of the magnitude". That had changed.

"The best estimate we have currently is that the repair bill will be about $3.6 billion - a huge number. We think that's about 20,000 properties."

Early this year, Mr Williamson announced a major investigation into the scale of the problem and the Department of Building and Housing led the weathertightness project taskforce. Its findings are yet to be released.

Now, Mr Williamson plans a radical shake-up of the leaky-building system, which he says is not working.

To read the NZ Herald full story click here

Posted: 4 Aug 2009

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