Leaky homes package welcomed by building community
19 May 10The leaky homes bail out package is a step in the right direction, but claimants may become tangled in the legal system, says a leading Auckland building consultancy.
The Government announced on Monday a leaky homes "lifeline" for homeowners, pledging 25 percent towards the cost of repairs along with a further 25 percent from local councils.
Ted Armitage, building consultancy manager of CoveKinloch Consulting, says the package allows homeowners to "get on with their lives" but warns of legal hurdles.
"The legal process is still going to be long on the remediation side," he says.
Mr Armitage says there is also the problem of resources, with a scarcity of builders qualified to repair leaky homes.
The package has received a generally positive reception from the building community.
Tony Posthuma, of Grace Builders, says the package shares responsibility and doesn't lump the blame.
"We're all in this, as a community, as a nation and we've got to get together and go forward," he says.
"As a nation we all have to step up to the mark."
He says homeowners are often quick to "blame the builder" when a number of factors contributed to the leaky homes epidemic.
Mr Posthuma praises the Government's 10 year cap on the scheme, which ensures only homeowners who have signalled a leaky home within 10 years of completion can apply.
He says it prevents negligent homeowners from making claims.
"A house is the biggest investment you'll ever make, so you've got to look after it."
New Zealand's key mayors have until May 31 to accept the Government's scheme.
Source: 3 News
