Built to Last. Backed for the Long Run.
PEACE OF MIND COMES WITH A CLASSIC HOME
When you build or buy a brand-new home with Classic Builders, you're backed well beyond move-in day. Every new home comes with a 10-year structural warranty, along with our dedicated Aftercare service for anything that needs attention once you've settled in.
CLASSIC BUILDERS WARRANTY GUIDE
Protection for your new home.
Please Note: This Guide is here to help explain the Classic Builders Warranty along with the warranties under the Building Act in a simplified, general overview way. It does not form part of your building contract.
Your Classic Builders Warranty is governed only by the terms in the Warranty Document and your building contract. If anything in this Guide differs from the Warranty Document, the Warranty Document will apply.
When you build with Classic Builders, your home is protected in two ways:
• New Zealand Building Act rights and obligations
• The Classic Builders Warranty
Together these provide statutory and contra
1. BUILDING ACT PROTECTION (APPLIES TO EVERY NEW HOME)
Residential building work in New Zealand includes automatic protections under the Building Act 2004. These are known as implied warranties, which means they are treated as part of the building contract by law, even if they are not specifically written into the contract.
These protections include a 12-month defect repair period. If defects in the building work are notified within 12 months of completion, the builder is required to remedy them unless an exception applies.
Implied warranties may also apply for up to 10 years from completion, subject to the relevant conditions, limitation rules, and the nature of the issue. After the 12-month defect repair period, the homeowner may need to show that the issue is a defect if the builder does not agree.
The Building Act implied warranties include requirements that:
• building work is carried out properly, competently, and to a reasonable standard
• suitable materials are used, and are new unless otherwise agreed
• the work complies with the New Zealand Building Code and relevant legal requirements
• the home is suitable for occupation on completion
• the work is completed within the agreed timeframe, or within a reasonable time if no timeframe is agreed
The Building Act provides important legal protection for homeowners, but what can be claimed, how it is resolved, and the timeframe that applies will depend on the type of issue and the relevant legal requirements.
2. THE CLASSIC BUILDERS WARRANTY
In addition to the Building Act protections, Classic Builders provides its own Classic Builders Warranty.
This warranty sits alongside the Building Act protections and provides:
• A process for rectifying defects arising from construction
• A direct relationship with Classic Builders
• Structured support if issues arise after construction
The warranty is provided by the regional Classic branch company (as named in the building contract), and is supported by Classic Warranties Limited, a separate entity established to stand behind warranty obligations.
This structure aims to ensure that if a Classic Builders branch were ever unable to deal with valid warranty claims, the warranty entity remains in place to support valid warranty claims.
3. WHY CLASSIC BUILDERS DOES NOT USE THE MASTER BUILDERS WARRANTY
Classic Builders provides its own warranty structure rather than participating in a pooled warranty scheme (such as Master Builders).
The Classic Builders Warranty was designed to reflect:
• Classic Builders’ national footprint
• 30+ years of building experience
• Strong financial backing
• A long track record of delivering homes across New Zealand
By providing our own warranty structure, Classic Builders maintains direct responsibility for resolving issues, rather than relying on a pooled industry scheme.
4. BANK AND LENDER ACCEPTANCE
Classic Builders is consistently recognised by major New Zealand banks as a low-risk national builder.
As a result:
• The Classic Builders Warranty is accepted by major lenders (subject to their specific lending policies and requirements)
• Completion cover is generally not required
• Banks may operate internal provisions allowing the Classic Builders Warranty to be accepted in place of a Master Builders warranty.
If required, the Classic Builders team can assist with lender or broker enquiries.
5. WHAT THE CLASSIC BUILDERS WARRANTY COVERS
The Classic Builders Warranty covers certain defects arising from construction, subject to certain terms, conditions, and exclusions.
Materials and Workmanship
Classic Builders will rectify defects relating to:
• materials used in construction
• workmanship during construction
Coverage period
2 years from the date of the Code Compliance Certificate (CCC), subject to notification and other requirements.
Examples may include installation issues or defects in finishing work.
Structural Defects
Classic Builders will rectify certain defects affecting load-bearing structural elements of the home.
This structure aims to ensure that if a Classic Builders branch were ever unable to deal with valid warranty claims, the warranty entity remains in place to support valid warranty claims.
Coverage period:
10 years from the date of the Code Compliance Certificate (CCC).
Structural cover is limited to defects that:
• arise from defective workmanship, and
• render the dwelling unsafe or unfit for habitation.
Any remedial work is limited to what is necessary to make the affected structural element safe and structurally sound.
Structural elements may include:
• foundations
• structural framing
• load-bearing walls
• structural roof components
6. WHAT THE WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER
As with all construction warranties, certain items are excluded.
These include:
• landscaping and external works
• driveways, paths, fences and retaining structures
• external structures not part of the dwelling
• normal wear and tear
• natural movement of building materials
• damage caused by lack of maintenance
• damage caused by accidents or misuse
• appliances or fixtures covered by manufacturer warranties
• consequential loss or loss of use
• defects not noted within the timeframes required by the Warranty terms
• liability that exceeds the maximum limits set out in the Warranty terms
These exclusions reflect standard industry warranty practice.
7. MANUFACTURER AND SUPPLIER WARRANTIES
Some products installed in your home are covered by separate manufacturer warranties, including:
• appliances
• tapware
• heating systems
• electrical equipment
These warranties are administered by the relevant manufacturer or supplier.
If your request relates to a product covered by a manufacturer’s or supplier’s warranty, our AfterCare team will help where we can, including providing relevant product details or documentation we have available. The warranty claim will need to be made with the manufacturer or supplier first.
8. WARRANTY TRANSFER WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME
If you sell your home, the Classic Builders Warranty may be transferred to the next owner.
The requirements for Transfer include:
• the warranty may only be transferred to one subsequent owner
• Classic Builders prior written approval is required
• a $500 transfer fee applies
• The transfer must occur within the original warranty period
The warranty cannot be transferred beyond the second owner.
9. WHY WARRANTY TRANSFERS ARE LIMITED
Warranty transfers are limited to ensure that warranty responsibilities remain connected to the original construction of the home.
As ownership changes over time:
• maintenance history may become unclear
• alterations may occur without documentation
• defects can become harder to attribute to the original construction
Limiting transfers helps ensure the warranty obligations remain connected to the original construction and that the warranty operates in a clear and fair way.
Importantly:
Even if the Classic Builders Warranty is not transferred, the Building Act implied warranties are not removed.
10. IN SIMPLE TERMS
When you build with Classic Builders:
• The Building Act includes a 12 month statutory defects period
• Separate contractual warranty cover is provided by Classic Builders
• Materials and workmanship may be covered for up to 2 years
• Certain structural defects may be covered for up to 10 years
• All cover is subject to conditions, exclusions and liability limits
• The Warranty Document governs all rights and obligations
• Subject to certain conditions, the Warranty may be transferred once if you sell your home
Our goal is to ensure your home is built to a high standard and that any issues are addressed quickly, fairly and transparently.