Snagger

Snagging in New Zealand: the 12-month defect repair period

By Mark Brincat5 min read

New Zealand has some of the clearest home owner protection anywhere, written straight into the Building Act. Two layers matter for snagging: a 12-month defect repair period and implied warranties that last up to ten years.

The 12-month defect repair period

For residential building work, you have 12 months from completion to tell your builder in writing about defects. Once notified, the builder must fix them within a reasonable time. During this period it is broadly up to the builder to show that a defect is not their fault — after it, the burden shifts to you.

Two practical points:

  • Get the completion date in writing. The 12 months runs from it, so agree it with your builder rather than guessing.
  • Notify in writing. Email with the list attached is fine; a conversation on site is not.

Implied warranties — up to 10 years

All residential building work carries implied warranties, whatever the contract says and whatever the job cost. They include that the work is done properly and in line with the consented plans, the materials are suitable, it meets the Building Code, and the home is fit to live in. They cannot be contracted out of, and they pass to later owners.

Enforcing them generally means a dispute process or court, so they are the backstop — the 12-month period is where snagging actually gets done.

Before completion

Walk the job with your builder before the final payment and write the defects list together. Items found then are far easier to resolve than items raised after the money has gone. If you have a building inspector, bring them.

Common NZ snags

  • Weathertightness details — flashings, cladding junctions, sealant around joinery.
  • Joinery that does not seal or latch; damaged glazing.
  • Plasterboard finishing visible under raking light.
  • Drainage falls on decks and level thresholds.

Use the new-build snagging checklist for a room-by-room route.

This is a general guide, not legal advice. Periods and rules change, and your own contract can add to them — check it, and take professional advice before relying on a deadline.