Leaky Homes Nz –how Insurance Lawyers Can Help

By Author: Michelle Mills
Total Articles: 3
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It started becoming apparent in the late 1990’sthat there was a problem with leaky homes for buildings that had been constructed during the previous decade. The problem was apparent in both inexpensive and multimillion dollar homes, making them inhabitable. The core of the problem lied in the methods which were used to build those leaky homes, as they failed to withstand New Zealand’s climate.


The buildings which are most prone to the risk of becoming leaky buildings are those with structural framing made from untreated timber and with non-cavity monolithic cladding systems. Water can penetrate if the cladding systems don’t have a gap between the cladding and timber framing. The hidden moisture creates havoc for the homes and their residents. Number of levels to the property, the width of eaves and poorly designed decks are additional factors which add to the risk.

The owners of leaky buildings and homes have spent many years trying to salvage their damaged homes, which has left them emotionally drained. Weathertight Homes Resolutions Services enabled ...
... many home owners to make claims, but the legal cost was too heavy for them and it became difficult to professional and experience leaky home lawyers.


According to the Weathertight Homes Resolution Service Act 2006, homeowners whose multi-unit dwellings and houses are less than ten years old and are damaged can make a claim. The claimants are required to provide evidence of when the house was habitable as a part of formalities. Even now, if a home owner discovers a leaky home problem and it is still within the ten year period, then they should take immediate action. Here, the insurance lawyers or leaky home lawyers step in, as only the court or Weathertight Homes Tribunal will decide the extent of your problem. Therefore, involvement of professional legal experts becomes mandatory.


Getting your home inspected by professionals also gains relevance to determine the extent of problem. One can undertake private mediation or can go for own court proceedings. The points which make one eligible for the claims are as follows:


The person should be the owner of the building or dwelling and it should be majorly residential.
The building should have been altered or built within the ten years preceding the date of lodging the claim.
Water entering from outside, that is leaking should be apparent and the damage occurred should be the result of the same.

Even after knowing and coming under the above mentioned criteria, sufferers often fail to get compensation and for this very reason the role of insurance lawyers becomes indispensible. In the matter of litigation for leaky buildings and homes, the choice of a trusted resource for timely information and comprehensive legal assistance becomes extremely important and therefore only experts in the field should be chosen.


About The Author

Grimshaw & Co Lawyers is a litigation and dispute resolution practice, best known for representing clients affected by leakyhomes and leakybuildings. It also acts for victims of the Christchurch earthquake(s) in claims against insurance companies. Visit us online at www.grimshaw.co.nz/