Remediation
The process of repairing, restoring, or cleaning up a building or land to fix defects, remove contamination, or bring it to a safe and compliant standard.
What is a Remediation?
Remediation in the New Zealand property context covers a broad range of repair and restoration work. The most common types buyers encounter are weathertightness remediation (fixing leaky buildings), contaminated land remediation (cleaning up hazardous substances), earthquake strengthening (bringing buildings up to minimum seismic standards), and methamphetamine decontamination.
Weathertightness remediation has been the most significant category in recent decades. Full remediation of a leaky building typically involves stripping the exterior cladding, removing and replacing rotted timber framing, installing a proper drainage cavity, and re-cladding with a weathertight system. Partial remediation — fixing only the most affected areas — is sometimes possible but carries the risk of missing hidden damage.
Remediation work generally requires a building consent, and the completed work needs to receive a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC). Quality remediation, properly consented and inspected, can restore a building to a sound condition and even improve its value.
Why It Matters for Due Diligence
If a property has been remediated, you need to understand the scope and quality of the work. Was the remediation comprehensive or partial? Were building consents obtained and CCCs issued? Who did the work, and are they still in business (for warranty purposes)? Was the remediation done to the standard of the MBIE Acceptable Solutions?
A well-remediated property can be a good purchase — the problem has been identified and fixed. But a poorly remediated property can be worse than one that hasn't been touched, because problems may be hidden behind new cladding. Always get an independent assessment of any remediation work.
How to Check
Check the LIM report for remediation-related building consents and CCCs. Ask the seller for all documentation relating to the remediation: scope of work, contractor details, engineer's reports, producer statements, warranties, and before/after photos. Get an independent building inspector to assess the quality of the remediation. For contaminated land, check post-remediation validation reports confirming contamination levels are below guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a remediated leaky building safe to buy?
It can be, if the remediation was done properly. Look for: building consents and CCCs, comprehensive scope (full re-clad, not just patching), reputable contractor, and engineer sign-off. Get an independent moisture assessment to verify the remediation is performing. A well-remediated house may actually be more weathertight than a non-leaky house of the same era that hasn't been updated.
Who pays for remediation if problems are found after purchase?
Generally, the new owner bears the cost of remediation for issues discovered after settlement — unless misrepresentation by the seller can be proven, or the property has a specific warranty. This is why thorough pre-purchase inspection is so critical. For weathertightness, the WHRS process (now largely wound down) allowed claims against builders, councils, and others, but most claim periods have expired for properties built before 2005.
Related Terms
Leaky Building
GlossaryA building that suffers from moisture ingress through its exterior envelope, leading to hidden rot and structural damage — a widespread problem in New Zealand known as the leaky building crisis.
Weathertightness
GlossaryA building's ability to prevent water from entering the structure through its exterior envelope — the roof, walls, windows, and other external elements.
Contaminated Land
GlossaryLand that contains hazardous substances at concentrations that pose a risk to human health or the environment.
Code Compliance Certificate (CCC)
GlossaryAn official council certificate confirming that completed building work meets the requirements of the building consent and the Building Code.
Building Code
GlossaryThe New Zealand Building Code — a set of minimum performance standards that all building work must meet, covering structure, fire safety, moisture, energy efficiency, and accessibility.
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