Building or renovating? Know your rights

Cover of the Know Your Rights document

If you’re considering residential building work, there are consumer protection measures to help you and your contractor have a professional, no-surprises relationship. Knowing your rights and obligations should help you make informed decisions about your building work.

You can read the guidance below or download Know your rights: A homeowners guide to the consumer protection measures when building or renovating [PDF 784 KB]

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.

Guidance disclaimer: This document is issued as guidance under section 175 of the Building Act 2004. While the Ministry has taken care in preparing this document it should not be relied on as establishing compliance with all relevant clauses of the Building Act or Building Code in all cases that may arise.

  • Published on 14 February 2017
  • Updated on 1 March 2017
  • Of interest to Homeowners, Builders, Designers
  • ISBN: ISBN: 978-1-98-851726-1 (Print) / ISBN: 978-1-98-851727-8 (Online)
  • 2nd edition

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: