KEY POINTS:
Do-it-yourself builders can build their own homes under new building laws - but will face the same consequences for shoddy work as licensed builders.
Building Minister Shane Jones yesterday announced new rules for home handymen which allow DIY builders to build their own homes.
They will also be liable for their workmanship for 10 years afterwards, in the same way licensed builders are.
The exemption from the requirement to use licensed builders for major structural work is reserved for those working on their own homes only and they must fill out a statutory declaration stating any new building will be their home.
It must also be recorded on council-held LIM reports as DIY.
The extension of the implied 10-year warranty of workmanship to DIYers will give future owners of any DIY-built home some comeback.
The new rules clarify the rights of home handymen after confusion following the introduction of the licensing scheme, under which from 2010 only licensed builders can do work defined as "restricted".
The licensing scheme is designed to improve building standards after the leaky homes cases. It does not prevent home handymen from doing simple work, such as decks or sheds.
However, there was a question mark over whether DIYers could do more major structural work, such as building a house.
Builders' organisations said giving a wide exemption to DIYers would allow unlicensed "rogue" builders to work under the radar.
Yesterday Registered Master Builders' Federation chief executive Pieter Burghout said the changes ensured only "genuine DIYers" could do such work.
"If genuine DIYers want to build their own home and save a few dollars, that's fine by us. But if you're a builder trying to make money from it, you should be licensed."
Mr Jones said applying the Building Act 10-year warranty also gave future buyers of DIY homes some protection.
"If DIY builders want the right to continue, then that's fine, but if something goes wrong, they will have to stand behind their work."
The new licensing scheme will not affect the rights of home handymen to do minor work, such as moving a window or building a free-standing deck or garage. The exact work to be defined as "restricted work" is yet to be established. Mr Jones said it would include work in which water-proofing, fire-proofing or structural safety was critical.
MEASURING UP
Rules for DIY home builders:
* Can build a house only on their own land.
* Must fill out a statutory declaration saying it is their own home.
* Must say it is DIY-built on council records, such as LIM reports.
* Will be liable for quality of it for 10 years under the Building Act warranty.
