Property Transfer – Do It Yourself Disasters

Where to start – I read an interesting article on the weekend about Kiwi’s and DIY Disasters on property ownership.  Apparently Labour weekend accordingly to ACC is the biggest weekend for accidents for home owners.

We all love to renovate our properties, especially when we are getting a property ready for sale. The issues and dangers arise when we under take renovation works which we are not qualified to do such and electrical works, plumbing, roofing and other structural alterations.

We could also be putting our own safety and family at risk. As an example nearly everyone weekend in New Zealand someone either dies or it left severely disabled when they fall of a ladder.

Undertake renovation works such as painting and decorating but it is in your best interest to engage qualified trades people to complete other types of works for your property transfer. I would also recommend when using trades people make sure they have the appropriate insurances in place, and check their trade certificates.

If you are undertaking a major renovation to your property make sure you have the appropriate consents from your Local Council and check with your Lender to see if their consent is also required. This will need to be done before works on your property transfer commence.

One of the biggest problems we encounter during the Conveyancing process is where works to property have been completed and there is no Building Permits or Code of Compliance Certificates issued by the local Council. This then requires an appointed Building Inspector to inspect the works and submit a Report to the Council that the works have been carried out in accordance with the Building Act and that a Safe n Sanitary Report can be obtained.

Another major is that should the works be illegal is your insurance at risk?

Stay posted Cheers Kim