DISCUSSING THE NEW ZEALAND BUILDING CODE...
Bob Burnett: BOB BURNETT ARCHITECTURE & SUPERHOME MOVEMENT CO-FOUNDER
What is the building code, what’s its purpose and when was it created?
The Purpose statements in the building code are actually very good and obviously well intentioned and intended to be a good level of protection for occupants.
So why does it fail to deliver so spectacularly?
Firstly it’s useful to read the intended purpose and then consider why it is falls short and is resulting in such subpar end outcomes.
Purpose Statement of the NZ Building Code (NZBC)The Building Code is the performance-based standardset contained in Schedule 1 of the Building Regulations 1992. It outlines the minimum performance requirements that all building work in New Zealand must meet, regardless of whether a formal building consent is required, to ensure buildings are safe, healthy, durable, and fit for purpose.
2.1.1 Purpose The Building Act aims to improve control of and encourage better practices in building design and construction to provide greater assurance to consumers.
This means:
• more clarity on the standards we expect buildings to meet
• more guidance on how these standards can be met
• more certainty that capable people are undertaking building design, construction and inspection
• more scrutiny in the building consent and inspection process • better protection for homeowners through the introduction of mandatory warranties.
The purpose of the Building Act is:
• to provide for regulation of building work
• to ensure that people can use buildings safely without endangering their health
• to ensure people can escape a building in case of fire
• to ensure buildings have attributes that contribute appropriately to the health, physical independence and wellbeing of the people who use them
• to ensure buildings are designed, constructed and able to be used in ways that promote sustainable development.
WHY IS THE CODE FAILING?
WRONG TARGET
It is used as a target by industry and consumers. It is assumed that it is a good, safe, healthy, appropriate level of quality.
The majority of industry players will gravitate to the cheapest option to ensure the greatest profit margin. Consumers do not know better and don’t understand the consequences.
The building has significant omissions and inadequacies.The code states that because it is performance based it allows for innovation.
In reality it stifles innovation.
Industry are attracted to the acceptable solution provided in the code because of perceived ease of compliance (hence quickest and lower compliance cost) and also avoidance of liability. (which is a biggy). Industry professionals dont wont to carry the can if something goes wrong and fails and they haven’t follow the building code acceptable solutions to the letter of the law.
MBIE are currently consulting on removal of joint and several liabiliity. If this happens this will be helpful.
