KEY POINTS:
People buying, building or renovating a home are being encouraged to follow basic steps to make sure their property is weathertight.
The Department of Building and Housing says winter is the time of year when weathertightness problems in homes often become evident.
"As we head deeper into the cold and wet season, it's timely to remind home owners and home buyers of the steps they can take to protect their asset and their health," said Nigel Bickle, deputy chief executive, service delivery.
Mr Bickle said two checklists had been developed to help people buying, building, maintaining or wanting to renovate their home make sure it's weathertight. The checklists can be found on the www.consumerbuild.org.nz website, a joint Consumers Institute and department website, which provides information for people on building and housing matters.
