Published on the 12/10/2015 | Written by Newsdesk
Wanaka start-up offers online tool to help builders comply with new Building Act requirements…
BuildInsite is a cloud platform for builders created by Insiteful. Described as an information portal that enables builders to store essential project information, it provides a complete digital record of a building project to the builder’s client.
The Building Amendment Act 2013 introduced new consumer protection measures that require building contractors to disclose certain information before the start of a project and present an ‘Owner’s Manual’ to their clients on completion of the project. Required information includes a prescribed checklist, information about the building contractor and contact person, written contracts, a 12-month defects repair period, guarantees and warranties offered, maintenance requirements and insurances accessible to their clients.
If builders don’t comply, they face fines ranging from $500 to $20,000.
Insiteful MD and creator of the solution Lauren McKay said the project handover tool allows builders to meet project completion requirements and creates a personalised Owner’s Manual once the job is done. “The idea behind the law change is to help consumers understand the building process. But builders have viewed it as a bit of a headache, as they have to deal with much more paperwork. BuildInsite allows them to tick all the boxes with one easy system, access up-to-date warranty information, and all the necessary information for each disclosure and project is stored in the cloud,” she noted.
The mandatory disclosure form builders must provide to their clients is simplified through BuildInsite, allowing contractors to set up a template for each job for free. The solution also enables builders to customise their project information by including company logos and other branding.
The solution has an introductory offer of $49 per project (the disclosure tool is free), is connected to another Insiteful online tool, HomeOversite, which was launched in April this year. When the builder sends an Owner’s Manual to their client, a free HomeOversite is automatically created and pre-populated.
HomeOversite allows homeowners to keep track of anything to do with their home and any other properties.
