Rest assured

Creating a home for you and your family can be a stressful process, filled with organisation and decision-making. That's why it helps to know every-thing is going smoothly at the construction stage.

Derek Baxter, CEO of the Certified Builders Association of New Zealand (CBANZ), says that a certified builder gives a homeowner the freedom to relax, even when they are not on site to view the progress.

"CBANZ members have undergone rigorous training and testing to become trade-qualified. Part of this training includes principles of work ethics, such as acting with honesty, integrity and responsibility, and dealing fairly and equitably with clients and other industry professionals at all times. This is reassuring for those building a holiday home miles from their usual residence."

Members join the association voluntarily, and must supply client and trade references to prove the calibre of their workmanship and business skills.

For further reassurance in the quality of a builder's work, a homeowner can ask for a Homefirst Builder's Guarantee. Baxter says members of CBANZ are obliged to apply to Builtin New Zealand Ltd for a 10-year written guarantee when undertaking to build a new home.

"Where the certified builder is the head contractor, the guarantee covers materials and work completed by the certified builder and the sub-contractors engaged by him, subject to the limitations in the guarantee agreement," he says.

Michael Boyce was the architectural designer for this contemporary home. As the design called for a great deal of exposed timber, there was no room for inaccurate cutting and fitting. Boyce says the certified builder used in the construction was meticulous in his attention to detail.

For details, contact Certified Builders Association, PO Box 13405, Tauranga 3001, phone (07) 927 7720, freephone 0800 237 843. Web: www.certified.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas