By 1News Reporters
11:48am

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.


'A smart, targeted reform'
Master Builders welcomed the new scheme, calling it a "long-overdue response
to a system that hasn't kept pace with the sector".


"We've heard from members time and time again that the current inspection system simply doesn't work for how building sites operate. Builders often require several inspections in quick succession but can't book the next until the first is completed," Master Builders chief executive Ankit Sharma said.


"This often leads to two or three week delays that have serious consequences
on the ability to plan for work whilst also increasing costs, and frustration for clients who don't understand why their build has suddenly stalled."


Sharma said the Government's commitment to completing 80% of all inspections within three days was a "positive step" that would benefit those working onsite.


"This is a smart, targeted reform. It means low-risk, residential builds can progress more quickly when they're in the hands of proven, trusted professionals, without compromising on quality or consumer protection."


Sharma said the new scheme would be about "rewarding professionalism".


"Trusted builders and tradespeople who consistently deliver high-quality
homes shouldn't face the same level of red tape as those who don't.

"At the same time, this frees up council resources to focus on the more
complex projects where closer oversight is needed."


It comes after the Government announced earlier this month that it would
allow granny flats of up to 70 square metres to be built without consent.

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