It's about to get tougher for keen Kiwi DIYers

The leaky building crisis triggered major changes to the way houses are built in New Zealand, and now DIY builders face more red tape and stricter building rules when they want to renovate their home.

The crisis led to the Building Act 2004, which covers the construction of new buildings, and the alteration, maintenance and demolition of existing buildings.

The new rules are intended to ensure all buildings are constructed or altered properly, and have introduced warranties for residential homes to give consumers more protection.

Previously, the rules were straightforward. Home handymen needed a building permit for certain structural work, which had to comply with the building code and be signed off by the local council. Under the new act, there are stricter requirements for building consents, and from November 30, 2009, any work critical to a building, such as structural changes, done by a home handyman must be supervised by a qualified builder before it can be approved by the council.

Some work - such as gas, plumbing and electrical work - must be done by a professional.

Once building is underway, regular inspections will be done by the council, which will issue a code compliance certificate on completion, if it is satisfied the work meets standards.

Any electrical and plumbing work also needs to have an energy work certificate, and be signed off by a licensed professional to get the code of compliance certificate issued.

It is an offence to carry out building work without a building consent. However, councils can issue a certificate of acceptance if work has been done without one.

A website has been set up to help consumers with the changes.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY