Enhanced site helps home owners make informed choices

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Building Issues Minister Clayton Cosgrove and Consumers’ Institute chief executive David Russell recently launched the enhanced ConsumerBuild web site, aimed at improving New Zealanders’ understanding about building, buying, renovating and maintaining their homes.

“Buying a house is the biggest investment most of us make, so it is important to get it right,” Mr Cosgrove said.

“We want to help buyers make informed decisions when looking at prospective homes. Knowing the right questions to ask and understanding when to engage expert advice will help people make sound investments for the future – whether they’re buying a home to live in with their families or to rent to tenants.”

“We also want to help people maintain and protect their homes so they continue to be safe and healthy. Many modern homes are described as ‘low maintenance’, but this does not mean ‘no maintenance’. There is no such thing as a maintenance-free house.”

Mr Cosgrove and Mr Russell say the new advice and information about leaky homes added to the ConsumerBuild site will also help home buyers and home owners recognise and properly respond to weathertightness issues.

A new checklist for home buyers can be downloaded from the site – a simple, practical guide to help with the buying process. Home owners can also download a new checklist for home maintenance, which also offers easy-tofollow advice.”

Other new content on the site includes real case studies of people with leaky homes and how they have dealt with them, and photos and drawings to help home owners recognise weathertightness issues.”

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