Wanganui builders have six months to get up to speed with a new law to protect consumers from "cowboys only interested in making a quick buck".
From January 1, builders will be required to have written contracts, provide information on their relevant skills, experience and qualifications, and disclose their insurance and warranty cover for residential building work valued at over $30,000.
Instant $500 fines could be issued for non compliance.
Building and Construction Minister Nick Smith announced the legislation last week, saying while it was encouraging to see building activity at its highest rate in a decade, it was important to protect consumers against inferior building work.
Wanganui District residential consents are up on last year, with 91 issued in the year to June at an average value of $209,175, up from 86 in 2013 (average value $248,104) according to Statistics New Zealand.