The Government has announced major changes to residential building rules in New Zealand that offer much stronger protection for homeowners.
All new residential builds up to three storeys, and renovations over $100,000, will soon require a one-year defects cover and a 10-year structural warranty.
For anyone planning a high-end architectural build or significant renovation in Auckland, these reforms provide welcome clarity. At Woodsmith Building Co., we’ve always built to this standard so we want to help you understand what’s changing and why it matters.
What’s Changing?
Recent government announcements outline a package of reforms designed to protect homeowners and lift building standards across the industry. These include:
1. Mandatory Home Warranties
All new residential homes up to three storeys and renovations over $100K must include:
A one-year defects period
A 10-year structural warranty
2. Professional Indemnity Insurance
Design professionals (architects, engineers, etc.) will now be required to hold professional indemnity insurance, ensuring homeowners are not left exposed if design-related issues arise.
3. Proportionate Liability
Liability will shift from “joint and several” (where one party could be held responsible for everything) to “proportionate liability,” meaning each party is responsible only for their part of the work.
4. Stronger Penalties for LBPs
Licensed Building Practitioners will face increased fines and potential suspensions for misconduct, reinforcing professional accountability.
What This Means for Homeowners
Greater protection.
You now have guaranteed recourse if work falls short of expected standards.
More transparency.
Clearer accountability means less risk of being left in the dark or stuck chasing multiple parties.
Reduced long-term risk.
With mandatory warranties, your investment carries stronger structural security, especially important for multi-storey architectural homes.
Better peace of mind.
Building or renovating is a major decision. These new rules give homeowners more certainty from day one.
How Woodsmith Is Already Building to These Standards
At Woodsmith Building Co., these reforms reflect how we’ve always operated.
Quality as a baseline
Our projects are built with rigorous quality control and highly skilled licensed professionals.
Clear warranties & documentation
Every Woodsmith build comes with transparent documentation outlining what is covered and for how long.
Trusted professional partners
We work with architects and engineers who already carry specialist insurance and operate at top industry standards.
A proactive defects process
Our hand-over and after-care processes ensure clients feel supported long beyond move-in day.
Collaboration from the start
We engage early, often before architectural plans are finalised, to ensure structural, design and cost decisions are made smartly and will stand the test of time.
What to Ask When Choosing a Builder
To get the most out of these new protections, ask potential builders:
What warranties do you provide and what do they cover?
How do you handle defects after hand-over?
Are your subcontractors licensed and insured?
How do you manage quality checks throughout the build?
What is your communication process with clients?
Do you have projects of similar scale you can show me?
These questions help you understand whether a builder is simply meeting the minimum or exceeding it.
Thinking About Building or Renovating? Now’s a Good Time to Start.
With the industry shifting toward stronger protections, it’s the ideal time to begin planning your architectural build or renovation. Working with a builder who already meets these standards means:
fewer surprises
smarter decisions early on
confidence in the long-term value of your home
If you’d like to talk through your vision and how these reforms might apply to your project, get in touch for a free project discovery call.
