Getting better building information

When it comes to building projects – be they developments, subdivisions or extensive renovations – a common complaint is the difficulties involved in finding out what needs to be done.

But now the government has launched a new building information website, called Building Performance, which is intended to tackle this problem.

Building and Housing Minister Nick Smith said the website will make information on the regulation of New Zealand’s $25 billion a year building industry more accessible.

“This new website is about making better quality information, on the regulatory requirements for residential and commercial buildings, more accessible to the public and industry

“It is part of the modernisation work that we need to do to ensure our buildings are well designed, well-built and that they met the requirements of the building code.”

The new website, which replaces the former website, is accessible on mobile phones and tablets.

It features information on building code requirements, acceptable solutions, verification methods, stages of the building process, tips on managing the building process and on homeowner’s rights and obligations.

Smith said all the relevant material has been re-organised and improved to make it quicker and easier for information to be found.

“New Zealand is going through a sustained period of strong growth in building activity and the challenge is to maintain standards at the same time as increasing volume.

“This new website is part of the broader plan of increased investment in skills, new standards, and improved laws to ensure we achieve high standards of building work.”