The implied warranties apply no matter what the contract says 1.
What do the Building Act implied warranties cover?
That the work's done competently, to the plans and consent, with suitable materials, within the law, with reasonable care and skill, on time, and fit for purpose 1.
| Protection | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Implied warranties | Up to 10 years | [[mbie_warr]] |
| Limitation long stop | 10 years from the act or omission | [[ba393]] |
| Product warranty | Varies by product and exposure | [[cs_env]] |
| Written contract | Required at $30,000+ incl. GST | [[mbie_prot]] |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a written contract for a re-roof?
Yes, for residential work of $30,000 or more incl. GST. You also get a disclosure statement and checklist 2.
Sources
- NZ Legislation — Building Act 2004, s 362I: implied warranties for building work (accessed 26 Oct 2026)
- MBIE Building Performance — Protection for homeowners (accessed 26 Oct 2026)
- MBIE Building Performance — Implied warranties and defects (accessed 26 Oct 2026)
- NZ Legislation — Building Act 2004, s 393: limitation defences (10-year long stop) (accessed 26 Oct 2026)
- COLORSTEEL® — Environmental categories & warranty guide (PDF) (accessed 26 Oct 2026)
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