Property & Construction | Leaky Buildings/HOBANZ
Leaky homes are a symptom of larger failings According to Home Owners and Buyers Association (HOBANZ) chief executive, Roger Levie, leaky homes is just a symptom of a greater crisis and New Zealand risks being hit with another round of litigation. “These issues are much broader than just issues of leaky buildings. We’re dealing with building defects in general, which includes structural problems and fire hazards in relation to residential multi-unit complexes,” he explains. “There is a wide range of residential properties which fall into the category of multi-unit and that will only increase with Auckland’s intention for high density housing. There are various concerns within that environment that purchasers and owners need to become aware of.” Potential buyers of multi-unit housing need to understand their liability in terms of the requirements under the Unit Titles Act. “There is now a long term maintenance plan required for every multi unit property and many which have had limited maintenance in the past. “Many of these body corporates are way behind in terms of building up their funds to be able to sufficiently maintain these buildings and we end up with situations where previous owners have done no maintenance, then new owners move in and find out they have a significant bill to foot.” Although he says this is a legal requirement, many of the body corporates are developing
the maintenance plans themselves, without a full understanding of their liability. “Most owners simply don’t have the knowledge and experience to be able to develop these long term maintenance plans which need to allow for the proper maintenance and at times replacement of exterior claddings, fire systems and other critical building elements. “We expect there is going to be another round of litigation arising from people buying into a complex, relying on an inadequate long term maintenance plan, and ending up with significant unforeseen costs to maintain building elements that have not been properly allowed for.”
Before
Steps to remediating a leaky home The words ‘leaky home’ may send chills up your spine, but HOBANZ makes the process straightforward and easy to follow.
According to Roger it’s a litigious area which we are unfamiliar with in New Zealand and we have a lot to learn.
Step 1 Call HOBANZ for independent advice and to discuss the options that are available to you.
“People really don’t see the risk that’s behind purchasing into that environment. There’s a big push for buying high density housing in the city and, with many of these properties not being well maintained, a lot of people are going to get caught out.
Step 2 HOBANZ will provide an initial consultation where they will review any available reports. In partnership with you, they will develop a tailored solution that meets your specific needs and circumstances. If required they can introduce legal experts for an overview of the likely success of any claim.
“Buildings which leak are only a symptom of a greater problem.”
After
Step 3 Engage HOBANZ to put together a team of experienced independent professionals. HOBANZ has a proven track record in creating successful solutions for leaky home owners, key to which is the organisation’s ability to link trusted professionals to form one cohesive unit. Step 4 HOBANZ will guide and support you through the journey. The organisation’s indepth knowledge of the issues leaky home owners face and its experience in resolving these issues means they will be on-hand to work in partnership with the professionals you engage, answer all your questions and keep things on track and moving to a successful and cost effective conclusion.
Leaky Home Repair Specialists Professional Advice – Professional Service
Recladding Leaky Homes | Exterior Plaster Systems | Exterior & Interior Painting | Building Maintenance Programmes
“Thank you for the wonderful job you have done on our house. It looks great. We found your team to be very friendly and helpful and we are very pleased with the result. Thanks again.” - Rochelle Carson Auckland Wide, 19A Triton Drive, Albany Phone: 09 479 8901 or go to www.alliedexteriors.co.nz 44 April/May 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz