Certified Plans a potential game-changer for new housing

Certified Plans a potential game-changer for new housing

Certified Builders is launching a new service for consumers choosing to build houses that will enable them to deal directly with builders and be more involved in the build, which research shows consumers want, and to reduce costs.

Certified Builders will provide its member builders with access to 24 different Certified Plans, which consumers can choose from to build their house. The plans have floor areas ranging from 125sqm to 365sqm and different designs cater for all housing needs and lifestyles including coastal, rural and urban areas.

The plans were developed through a collaborative effort between leading house designers and members of the Association who were drawn from a wide range of locations across New Zealand to ensure that the designs were suitable for home owners New Zealand-wide.

Each plan is ready to build immediately, or can be customised to meet consumers’ specific needs.

A BRANZ report based on a new house owners’ satisfaction survey in 2013 shows new owners are more satisfied with their house and builder if they had input into the design.

Certified Builders Chief Executive Grant Florence said Certified Plans are an exciting development for the industry.

“The BRANZ research confirms anecdotal consumer feedback that they want to deal directly with their builder, rather than a sales agent for example, so they can have input into design and easily address any issues. Certified Plans are a response to that.

“In addition, dealing directly with a builder rather than through a third party has the potential to deliver cost savings for consumers.”

Guarantees for houses built using Certified Plans will be mandatory, meaning no builder can use a Certified Plan without providing an agreed guarantee, which is lodged with an independent insurance company.

“Certified Builders have the most comprehensive independent guarantee of any building association.

“When you combine the guarantee with the peace of mind an architecturally-designed Certified Plan provides, as well as direct interaction with builders, input into the design and potential cost savings, the whole package is very compelling for consumers,” said Mr Florence.

Certified Builders is New Zealand’s largest building trade association in terms of membership numbers – approximately one third of all builders in New Zealand are members – and the only building trade association that requires trade qualification for membership. Its main objective is to foster best practice among its members so consumers can have trust and confidence in them.

For more information about Certified Plans visit: www.certifiedplans.co.nz/

ENDS

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