Quality builder speaks out

MEDIA RELEASE

Quality builder speaks out

Jennian Homes, one of New Zealand’s leading new home builders, is disappointed that the actions of a couple of Auckland frame and truss manufacturers may have let the building industry and consumers down with their unscrupulous practices.

Director Richard Carver says the allegation that a small number of manufacturers have been regrading non-load bearing timber for load bearing, a practice excluded under the New Zealand Standards, deals a shocking blow to consumer confidence in the building industry.

“If confirmed by the investigation underway, this shoddy practice by a couple of framing suppliers who have failed to comply with new electronic grading procedures introduced last year has a negative impact on quality operators in the building sector. The building industry is currently under significant pressure and doesn’t need a situation like this where operators appear to have breached regulations – whether intentionally or not.

“Current testing may find that there is nothing wrong with these homes, but the reputational damage to the sector has already been done. Those responsible should be held accountable for the concern and damage these allegations cause for affected homeowners and for the industry as a whole. There need to be consequences where contractors cut corners to save time or money.

“It is important for people building a home to choose a quality builder that works with reputable suppliers, and places high value on excellence in everything they do. Homeowners also need to make sure they understand building specifications and know the right questions to ask of their builders and suppliers.

“As a building company that only works with reputable, high quality suppliers, we are disappointed that despite New Zealand Standards the sub-standard building practices of these suppliers have not been picked up sooner. We encourage the Department of Building and Housing and the Minister for Building and Construction to take whatever steps are necessary to rectify this situation to put those homeowners potentially affected at ease, and restore consumer confidence in our industry.”

ENDS

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