Building or renovating? Know your rights to build it right

Cover of the Know Your Rights document

If you’re considering residential building or renovating in Aotearoa New Zealand, there are laws designed to protect you.

The consumer protection measures will help you and your builder be aware of your rights and responsibilities, so that your project can run smoothly and successfully.

This quick guide explains the important steps you need to take to protect yourself during the building process.

Read a quick guide for homeowners to consumer protection measures:

Homeowners: Know your rights to build it right [PDF 585KB] 

More details

This document is a guide only. It should not be used as a substitute for legislation or legal advice. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is not responsible for the results of any actions taken on the basis of information in this document, or for any errors or omissions.

  • Published on 14 February 2017
  • Updated on 7 November 2025
  • Of interest to Homeowners, Builders, Designers,
  • ISBN: 978-1-991409-63-8 (Print) / 978-1-991409-62-1 (Online)

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First published 14 February 2017

2nd edition published 7 November 2025

This information is published by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Chief Executive. It is a general guide only and, if used, does not relieve any person of the obligation to consider any matter to which the information relates according to the circumstances of the particular case. Expert advice may be required in specific circumstances. Where this information relates to assisting people: