Builders - Would you be happy to sign off your own work?

As a building educator, with over twenty years experience in the industry, I’ve met a lot of builders in my time. 
Whilst some of you get frustrated with delays from local territorial authorities around building and resource consent processes, I can quite safely say that every builder I have ever met understands the requirement for these procedures.
If I told you that a proposal could be on the table that would enable you to sign off your own work, how comfortable would you be? 
I suspect you would have a few questions…
• What exactly are you signing off? The foundations? The structure? The work that your sub-contractors complete?
• How would this open you up to disputes and/or claims, affecting your professional indemnity insurance?
• What liability would the local territorial authorities have in terms of building standards and any repercussions from sub-standard workmanship?
There are probably lots more questions rolling around in your head right now, and yet it appears the door is ajar for letting you sign off on your own work. A proposal to enable this self-certification is among recommendations released earlier this week by the Government's rules reduction taskforce, which was set up to look at the rules and regulations causing frustration for taxpayers. Read the article HERE. 
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11517015

Having worked within the building industry for many years, including the years immediately following the “Leaky Homes Crisis”, I can only say that if this proposal for self-certification comes to fruition, there will undoubtedly be a requirement for you to become more than builders, you’ll need to get your legal wig and gown on too.
Having read the article on self-certification just two days ago, imagine how surprised I was to read a piece this morning that almost diametrically opposes the content. “Council crackdown on shoddy building.” 
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11517939 

Building inspection is part of the local territorial authority’s role and purpose. It is in the interest of public safety to ensure that New Zealand building regulations are upheld. It is also in your best interests to have an independent third-party set of eyes checking your work.
With all that said and done, you also have an obligation to be aware of updates and changes within your industry’s governing legislation, The Building Act 2004.
Building Networks New Zealand can help you with that. BuildNet is our professional learning network that gives you access to…
• Online advice
• Training
• Emailed tips and expertise, as well as 
• Discounts on offline workshops and seminars
BuildNet is for builders as well as Building Inspectors, IQPs and BWOF Officers. Educate yourself and raise your own level from just $12.50 a month.
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