Roadshow helps builders get prepared

PlaceMakers seminars help builders get ready for consumer protection measures

Having a contract for every job may seem like a mission – but when it comes to a dispute, it can be your lifesaver.

PlaceMakers’ seventh round of seminars finished at the end of November and those who attended said they enjoyed the variety of content and learned a great deal.

While the main focus was on how to prepare for and deal with the impending consumer protection measures, the presentation also addressed homeowners’ expectations, consent fees, E3 – internal moisture, and featured a presentation from Sika product specialists about waterproofing applications and products (see the BRANZ article on Page 8 for more details on waterproofing).

A SMART MOVE OVERALL

Presenter John Tait fielded a number of questions about new regulations and reiterated that, while compulsory contracts for work worth $30,000 or more may seem unnecessary in some instances, it was a smart move overall.

“When a dispute arises in the absence of a contract, the homeowner almost always wins,” says John. “Having a solid contract is a huge advantage to builders and some of the other requirements, such as stipulating how variations will be handled, can work in our favour as well.”

However, John said increased accountability shouldn’t be limited to builders. He said formalities between builders and homeowners should be mirrored between builders and subcontractors, and that designers should be accountable for their specifications.

“While it might seem excessive to have contracts with your subbies, remember that if the project is delayed due to their actions, and you don’t have a contract, the onus falls on you. You need to protect yourself,” says John.

“When a dispute arises in the absence of a contract, the homeowner almost always wins” – John Tait

“It’s the same with some designers. If you receive the consent documentation and feel their specifications are too vague, go back to them or ask the council how it got past them. You have to price on these plans remember, so a lack of information on the plans could prove very frustrating when it comes time to order materials and build.”

John said builders across the board are going to need to consider increasing their rates, or charge separately for time spent on compliance paperwork and project management.

“It’s hard at the beginning, as builders might not all raise their rates simultaneously, but this is important. People will need to accommodate the increased workload at some point,” says John.

PlaceMakers will run its next round of seminars early next year. In the meantime, keep reading Under Construction to stay up to speed with regulatory updates and industry news.

There were plenty of questions being asked at the PlaceMakers’ session in Petone, which more than 150 builders attended