Builder calls for widespread WOFs

Jennian Homes wants the Government to extend its warrant of fitness trial to all New Zealand homes. The WOF trial is looking at state homes first, with a view to expanding it to private rentals eventually.
But Jennian Homes said it should apply to every property.

Business development manager Dave Wilson said:  “This is not about forcing rents up for the most needy – this is a requirement for landlords and homeowners wishing to sell, to invest in their houses. It will actually increase their value. The flow-on effect is that New Zealanders will have houses that are more healthy and far cheaper to run.”

Wilson said many homes would fail the safety requirements of the building code.

A search of houses for sale on Trade Me showed many homes with second-storey horizontal balustrades – easy for a toddler to climb and fall from.

Wilson said: “As an industry we are building safer homes, protecting Kiwis. But new-build companies cannot protect people in older houses. It worries me houses as little as 15 years old now wouldn’t pass the code. That’s putting families at risk.”

Earlier this year, the Government ran a trial of a 49-point checklist for a three-year warrant of fitness on 500 of its state houses. If the incoming Government deems the trial a success it will be extended to the entire housing stock. It is estimated that would require approximately $9 million to achieve.

The previous Government said once that was in order, it could consider expanding the scheme to other rental properties.