The Government announced proposed changes to building laws today which it said would add about 3 per cent to the cost of a new house.
Tuesday, May 27th 2003, 6:36PM
by The Landlord
Commerce Minister Lianne Dalziel released the proposals, the Government's response to the leaky building crisis.
It was revealed last year that hundreds of homes were leaking and rotting, and would cost millions to repair.
After two parliamentary inquiries and an independent review the blame was laid on inadequate inspection processes, poor building practices and materials which were either flawed or were not used properly.
The Government put $4 million into a voluntary arbitration service which is working its way through complaints.
Ms Dalziel said the proposed changes, which will go to Parliament in July, had been drafted with the aim of ensuring no leaky buildings were constructed in future.
