Need to get some work done around your home? … Don’t know who to use?
You have some repairs or maintenance that requires a tradesman to do the work? Wondering who you can trust? What will it cost? Are they appropriately qualified and licensed?
At times having repairs, maintenance, alterations or additions done seems like a big task. These days there are so many hoops to jump through, so many horror stories, so many pitfalls. Well, it doesn’t have to be like that!
This article will give you some steps to follow, which will make it a little easier.
First off … why bother? … a well maintained home will always fetch a better sale price … repairing and maintaining as you go, will always be cheaper than having to do it later when the job has got huge … using qualified and licensed tradesmen will give you the consumer, warrenty’s and rights.
I know from completing earthquake assessments in Christchurch, that well maintained properties were a. easier to assess and b. the claims and repairs were completed more efficiently. Secondly, from completing Pre-purchase inspections for house sale, that well maintained properties are easier to assess, have less issues and the sale process is quicker.
Each week I inspect houses, that have been poorly maintained or have unauthorised building works (alterations or additions that were not consented) all this does is slow the sale process down and drives the price down. Then it needs to be sorted.
Trades and Licenses
The apprenticeship scheme has changed many times of the last 30 years, while Tradies no longer turn up in a woollen suit to do a days work, they still need to be professional!
Hint 1: Ask friends work colleagues and family for names, numbers and references for Tradies they have used. This is often the best start point.
Since 2012, certain Trades have had to be licensed under the Building Act 2004. This was a result of large changes made due to the “Leaky Home” issues. Certain tasks which is known as “restricted works” can only be carried out by Licensed Building Practitioners (LBP’s).
Restricted building works is anything that is either structural (foundation, wall & roof framing) or to do with the outside envelope (wall claddings or roofing). Pretty much anything Restricted will need a Building Consent or an Exemption from the Council. Designers are also required to be Licensed. While Electricians, Gas fitters, Plumbers and Drain-layers are all registered.
The following is a breakdown of Trades, Licensing bodies, Public Registration websites and Professional Associations (these are often voluntry memberships)
Hint 2: Check the Public Register
TRADE
LICENSING AUTHORITY
PUBLIC REGISTER
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Carpentry
LBP – Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
https://lbp.ewr.govt.nz/publicregister/search.aspx
Certified Builders or Master Builders
Roofing
LBP – Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
https://lbp.ewr.govt.nz/publicregister/search.aspx
Roofing Association New Zealand
Foundations
LBP – Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
https://lbp.ewr.govt.nz/publicregister/search.aspx
Exterior Plastering
LBP – Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
https://lbp.ewr.govt.nz/publicregister/search.aspx
Brick and Block Laying
LBP – Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
https://lbp.ewr.govt.nz/publicregister/search.aspx
Brick & Block Layers Federation of NZ
Design
LBP – Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
https://lbp.ewr.govt.nz/publicregister/search.aspx
Architectural Designers New Zealand
Electricians
Registration – Electrical Workers Registration Board
http://www.ewrb.govt.nz/
Master Electricians
Plumber
Registration – Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainage Board
https://www2.pgdb.co.nz/PGDB/PublicRegister.aspx
Master Plumbers
Gasfitter
Registration – Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainage Board
https://www2.pgdb.co.nz/PGDB/PublicRegister.aspx
Master Plumbers
Drain layers
Registration – Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainage Board
https://www2.pgdb.co.nz/PGDB/PublicRegister.aspx
Master Plumbers
Engineers
Registration – Institute of Professional Engineers of NZ
https://www.ipenz.nz/home/forms/register-search
Architects
Registrations – NZ Registered Architects Boards
https://www.nzrab.nz/
Scaffolding
Certificate of Competence – Scaffolding, Access & Rigging NZ Inc
Asbestos Removal
Licensed – Work Safe NZ
http://www.worksafe.govt.nz/worksafe/information-guidance/guidance-by-hazard-type/asbestos/licensing/overview
Other Trades that are not required to have a license
Internal Plasterers (Gib stoppers)
NZ Fibrous Plaster Association
Painters
Master Painters NZ
Tilers
Tile Association of NZ
Some Product producers will “Accredit or License” people who have undertaken their companies in-house training to be approved at applying or installing a particular product. You will often see the terms “Accredited Installer” or “Licensed Applicator”.
Hint 3: If you are unsure about this, don’t be shy, just give the Company whose product that is going to be installed a call and check with them first.
GETTING QUOTES
Hint 4: Get more than one quote – three as a minimum. I know this sounds a pain to do, but there is always a difference between quotes.
Hint 5: Not only ask what they have included, but also what they have NOT included and WHY?
GET A WRITTEN CONTRACT
By law any construction work over $30,000 (including GST) MUST have a written contract, below that threshold it is optional.
Hint 6: Get a written contract, no matter what size it is, the larger the job get your Lawyer to have a look at it first, there are always hooks!
Make sure you understand the terms and conditions around when and how payments are to be made and what needs to happen if there is an issue with either the work or invoice.
Hint 7: Most issues onsite revolve around the lack of communication. Ask questions, raise concerns early, ask about the process. On larger jobs, regular meetings help this.
When the job is finished
Hint 8: Get all the paperwork from all the suppliers and trades – Warrenty’s, Record of Building Works, Certificates of Compliance