Fair-Go - What are you really getting with a Master Builder's Guarantee?

[Super_BQ]

In the past i've been openly critical about the risks involved with building a house in NZ. As shown in previous posts in this forum, i've expressed that such organizations that claim to offer a guarantee are none more than a membership club for the building company. Open the telephone book and newspapers and it's quite easy to find home builders that advertise the Master Builder's Guarantee logo.

The following excerpt reinforces my statement:

http://tvnz.co.nz/fair-go/guarantee-...-video-4447915

When the NZ gov't LBP becomes widely established, such 3rd party guarantees will no longer apply.

It's been far too long as in other countries (where the gov't has a licensing requirement), there are no such 3rd party guarantee contracts of the likes of MB or CB.

The building company takes the responsibility as the contract is between the builder and the customer (no 3rd party).

Perhaps a different comparison.

For commercial constructions of mega million $ builds or high end architectural residential homes, do the builders of such projects honour their build quality as what MB claims to portray with their advertising?

There is a reason why Fletcher Building was awarded the contract to do all ECQ earthquake repairs in Chch for claims over $10K amount. (to keep out the cowboys).

[ralf-nz]

The building company takes the responsibility as the contract is between the builder and the customer (no 3rd party).

A rarity: I agree with you ; though 'takes' might be replaced by 'cannot transfer to another party'!

[KatieBen]

We discussed this with our builder (who has the luxury of being a Master Builder, Certified Builder and LBP!) and in his opinion the MB guarantee isn't worth the paper it's written on.

We've opted for a 10 year insurance warranty instead - bit pricier at around $6k though.