KEY POINTS:
Thousands of homes in Auckland and Northland may have been built with
under-strength timber after fabricators sold cut-price and substandard frames and trusses.
Building sector figures and watchdog groups are calling for the culprits to be named, shamed and prosecuted as the latest scandal hits the industry.
The Department of Building and Housing has launched an investigation
after being alerted by the Frame and Truss Manufacturers Association
(FTMA).
Sources suspect the substandard materials have been on the market for
years and could have been used in houses throughout Auckland and as far north as Whangarei.
A Waitakere City Council spokesman said eight homes had been identified as containing the dodgy timber, but that could be "just the tip of the
iceberg".
"It's likely to be hundreds, rather than dozens," said Wally Thomas.
Another source told the Herald On Sunday it was more likely to be in the thousands.
Association chief executive Rob Skipsey said it was "impossible" to say
how many homes were affected but at least three rogue fabricators were
involved, undercutting association members and using materials that did not meet Building Code specifications.
Skipsey said a safety risk was "extremely unlikely" but the problem
timber would "allow more movement around windows and doors, causing
squeaking floors, etc".
"Anybody who has had to use these products has been hugely disadvantaged
by it."
Skipsey said timber was graded and certified according to Building Code
regulations. Its strength could relate to its size, the type of wood, density and even its age. He said people selling substandard timber
were undercutting his members "significantly".
"It's unfair competition. Consumers need to be aware that what they are getting is substandard material. The fabricators should be put on the block. They should name these guys."
Home Owners and Buyers Association president John Gray said if the allegations were proven, that would mean the fabricators' actions were
fraudulent and there should be a Serious Fraud Office investigation "or at the very least a Commerce Commission inquiry".
"The homeowners concerned will be put through unnecessary stress and anxiety and the possible loss of amenity while their homes are rectified.
"And they are likely to have to bear the financial burden in the interim until they are able to extract some compensation from the perpetrators."
Gray said trust in the building industry was "probably at its lowest ebb" after the leaky homes scandal. He criticised what he said was the new Government's plan to reduce or abolish some of the regulatory controls around building and construction.
"Clearly the industry cannot be trusted at this point in time and it is
crucial that strong regulatory controls remain in place in order that the industry is given an opportunity to prove itself and restore the trust of homeowners and buyers."
Incoming Building and Construction Minister Maurice Williamson said departmental staff were working with industry representatives and local
government officials to determine the nature and extent of the "alleged
problem".
"At this stage we have not established the precise number of buildings
affected, however only a small number of frame and truss manufacturers are thought to be involved."
He said any issue involving the misuse of a building material was
"obviously" a cause for concern.
"However, there is no evidence so far to suggest there is a risk to public safety. Nevertheless active steps are being taken to identify where problems may exist."
Department of Building and Housing deputy chief executive David Kelly said the investigation was continuing "as a matter of urgency", but refused to release further details.
Skipsey said Waitakere had been identified as the worst-affected area.
Council spokesman Thomas said eight notices to fix homes had been
issued. "That means basically ripping out frames and trusses and replacing them with load-bearing timber."
Council inspections had uncovered problems about the same time the
association had been alerted and staff had been meeting the department to gauge the extent of the problem.
