The Government has announced a new scheme that would allow some building firms, plumbers and drainlayers to sign off on some of their own work, and will set a mandatory target to deal with building inspection wait times.
The opt-in self-certification scheme, which will see legislation introduced by the end of the year, would allow approved building firms, plumbers, and drainlayers to check their own work on a “simple residential dwelling”.
The inspection targets for Building Consent Authorities will come into force later in the year.
Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk said “even simple, single-storey homes must go through around 12 inspections before they’re finished, with costly delays when demand is high”.
“At a time when many Kiwis are locked out of the housing market, that’s simply not good enough.”
It was hoped the changes would see around 3000 homes built each year without delays from approvals or inspections – with BCAs free to focus on high-risk complex builds.
“Reputable building companies delivering large numbers of near-identical houses each year will be able to proceed without the need for Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) to approve a building consent and carry out inspections,” Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk said.
“Giving qualified plumbers and drainlayers the ability to self-certify their work puts them on equal footing with electricians and gasfitters, who’ve had that flexibility for years. It’s a common-sense change backed by Master Plumbers and delivers on a National Party campaign promise.
“Kiwis should have confidence that their homes are built to a high standard. That’s why only proven professionals who meet strict criteria will be eligible for the scheme – and only for simple residential dwellings.”
The definition of an eligible simple residential dwelling is set down in the regulation following industry consultation.
Penk said the scheme would be open only to proven professionals who met strict criteria.
The Government also announced it would require BCAs to complete 80% of inspections within three working days.
“We regularly hear from builders frustrated by the disruption to project timelines and the uncertainty it creates for homeowners,” Penk said.
“Wait times sometimes stretch up to a week – having a knock-on effect which can add about $400 for every day a project is held up.
“Updated guidance will be issued to BCAs, outlining practical strategies to boost efficiency, reduce bottlenecks, and help authorities better prioritise their workloads.”
BCAs would still be required to provide a nominal consent for simple homes where tradies are self-certifying their work.
