Skilled builders assured

The last thing you want when building a new home is shoddy workmanship. But how do you know if the tradesperson you have employed is competent to carry out the work?

Taking the guesswork out of finding an able builder is the aim of the Certified Building Association of New Zealand (CBANZ), says chief executive Garry Shuttleworth.

"We believe it's the client's right to know if the builder undertaking their work is appropriately trained, and has the skills and business ethics to do a good job," says Shuttleworth.

All association members are credited as registered certified builders. This ensures a builder can offer the client the benefit of the Association's technical and legal support.

Employing a registered certified builder also ensures the client a five-year Homefirst Builders Guarantee. This provides surety against loss of deposit and non-completion, plus defects cover for workmanship and product failure.

"A registered certified builder will carry a platinum card, and we can advise prospective clients as to the location of our members," says Shuttleworth.

For more details, contact the Certified Builders Association of New Zealand, PO Box 13 405, Tauranga, freephone 0800 Certified, phone (07) 578 4430, fax (07) 578 4437. Website: www.cbanz.co.nz.