Latest NZ Building News
News from the building and construction industry of interest to New Zealand property owners.
Government to build tens of thousands of Auckland houses for sale
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The Government is preparing to build tens of thousands of houses for private sale in Auckland as it tries to tackle the city's housing crisis, Finance Minister Bill English says.
Survey highlights Kiwis’ “she’ll be right” approach
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The results of a survey released today by the New Zealand Certified Builders Association (NZCB) show that New Zealand homeowners are too laid back when it comes to written contracts for building work and assume being licensed means builders have a higher standard of training, skills and experience than is currently required under the Licensed Building Practitioner scheme.
Building costs to shoot up
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It's expensive to build in New Zealand and it's only going to get worse. With consents booming, more and more tradespeople and materials are needed, and they're going to cost.
Building costs jumped 20.0% during the Christchurch rebuild
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The latest QV costbuilder data shows the average cost of building a new home in New Zealand’s four largest cities has risen 21.09% since the previous peak of 2007, and 1.66% in the year to May 2016.
Substandard steel crisis compared to leaky homes
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Engineers are backing calls for the government to tighten New Zealand's steel testing regime. Experts say New Zealand is a wild west when it comes to steel testing, a view shared by Auckland-based engineer John Scarry.
The issue of substandard steel imports was comparable to the leaky homes crisis and billions of dollars were at stake, Mr Scarry said.
Worst renovations when you want a return for your money
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If you're planning a renovation project, it might pay to think twice before you attack that wall with a hammer. Not everything you do to your home improves it, not matter how good your intentions.
Even when you're renovating to suit yourself, not a potential, buyer, it pays to remember that your home is probably your biggest investment and you want to safeguard that.
Real estate agents see the best and worst of home renovations and are well positioned to advise on what works and what doesn't. And they suggest you exercise restraint.
Warmer, safer houses a step closer with Government bill
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A Government Bill to make homes warmer, drier and safer for New Zealanders who live in rental properties has passed its second reading in Parliament by 107 to 14.