In this article we look at the protections that are afforded to all consumer under New Zealand law with respect to building works, and of course roofing.

However, before we get under way it’s important to point out the best way to protect yourself is to engage a trusted and approved roofing partner – like us. Yes, we’re unashamedly promoting ourselves, but as members of both the Roofing Association of New Zealand and the New Zealand Metal Roofing Manufactures Association we adhere to a strict Code of Practice with our workmanship backed by a 5-year warranty affording you, the client, not only a high quality of workmanship but enduring protection for years to come.

Anyway, enough of that, let’s get back to how you’re protected. As intimated above New Zealand law offers protection through both legislation and warranties.

Legislative Protection (Warranties and Guarantees)

The Building Act

Under the Building Act all residential work is covered by the implied warranties set out in the Act. These cover a period of 10 years and apply to both the building work undertaken and materials used. These warranties apply whether or not they’re in your contract, nor can they be contractually excluded.

In addition to the 10-year implied warranty there is also a 12 month defect period were the builder must put right any defect notified to them during this timeframe.

NB: There are some situations when these warranties don’t apply, for instance, if damage is cause by events beyond human control, like and earthquake, heaven forbid, or if maintenance is neglected.

Consumer Guarantees Act

This Act applies to the goods and services provided by the building industry but excludes the buildings. This means that if you hire a tradesperson like a roofing contractor you can expect:

• the work is done with reasonable care and skill
• any materials used are of acceptable quality and are fit for purpose
• the work is completed in a timely fashion.

If they fail to meet these obligations then they need to fix the work at no extra cost, and if unable to do so you can engage someone else and pass the cost to the original tradesperson.

Fair Trading Act

This Act aims to protect you from being misled abouts products and services, prohibiting false and misleading advertising.

You can get a refund for work undertaken if a tradesperson intentional misleads you, for instance, claiming they belong to a trade association or have some industry approval that is untrue.

For more detailed information please visit the Governments Consumer Protection website   

New Roof Warranties from Industry

These are warranties against the materials and the labour component of a building or roofing contract. They are provided by the manufacturers and/or suppliers and/or installers of the products and services being purchased.

Roofing material guarantees are available for residentials construction. For pre-coated long run profiled metal these roofing warranties will likely apply to both the baked-on paint finish and perforation of the substrate (i.e., the steel). Typically, these warranties are for each job undertaken as the right material selection is important to meet the geographic and climatic conditions where the roof is being installed.

Workmanship warranties apply to the installation of the materials and may be provided individually by the installer or be part of association membership the installer is affiliated with.

For more information about the warranties we offer please follow this link.

Get in touch with us today for a free, no obligation quote.