Builders forbidden to add insulation
MARTIN VAN BEYNEN
Should quake builders fit insulation into previously uninsulated walls?
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Fletcher EQR has ordered its repair contractors not to put insulation in uninsulated homes in Canterbury.
The instruction, which has prompted Community Energy Action to lament the move as a golden opportunity lost, is contained in a policy document issued on October 12 by EQR.
EQR is the project management office established by the Earthquake Commission (EQC) and referred to as Fletcher EQR because Fletcher Construction runs it.
The document says EQR had encouraged homeowners to take the opportunity to insulate while cladding was being replaced.
"This has now changed and EQR contractors are now required to avoid involvement in retrofitting insulation into previously uninsulated external walls," it said. "They are not to carry out or supervise the installation of retrofitting."
Contractors are still required to replace existing but damaged insulation.
The memo mentions delays caused by councils requiring consents for retrofitted insulation as a reason for the new policy, but concedes the Christchurch City Council has given an exemption for consents.
Other reasons given are:
- Delays in arranging homeowners or homeowners' contractors to fit insulation under EQR and contractor supervision, and the contractual and liability issues.
- Health and safety concerns.
- Older houses with suspect or degradation issues.
- Department of Building and Housing concerns about wiring and moisture buildup.
Community Energy Action acting chief executive Sheila Hailstone said the directive was surprising and a golden opportunity missed.
The cost of heating was a major concern for the trust. Every opportunity to reduce energy loss needed to be taken. Subsidies for insulation were available.
Fletcher EQR spokesman Barry Akers said the policy was designed to bring practice into line with Earthquake Commission rules.
"However, we can't tell a homeowner what to do," he said.
Insulation Association member Kim Eagle, whose company Insulation Team employs eight people, said the issue needed to be sorted out before the repair process got into full swing.
"It's just the perfect time to put in insulation. It can be done quickly and cheaply and will help the Warm Up New Zealand campaign."
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority communications manager Jane O'Loughlin said EECA's advice to homeowners was usually to install insulation in walls when the opportunity arose.
"In the case of the Christchurch rebuild, however, we recognise the urgency of getting houses watertight and liveable as soon as possible, and accept the reasons put forward by EQR for their directive."
- © Fairfax NZ News
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This whole 'rebuild' has turned into a nightmare. Contractors are now leaving ChCh as I guess it's been put on hold for ten years or so. Fletchers, who were employed by the EQC should be ashamed of themselves. All repairs/rebuilding work must be done to code and insulation on a house is exactly that - to code. This is really scarey stuff as it shows how desperate the EQC have become.
Spot on Charlie #34 - I know my policy says that repairs/rebuild will be done to current code and if my home required repairs, I would be demanding insulation. How much more of this do we have to hear? I'm so tired of hearing about the people of ChCh having to fight for every little thing they are entitled to. CERA - time for those super powers to come out! We have been waiting and waiting ....
I would have simply assumed that the new building codes required insultation and as such, all homes should automatically be repaired using insulation. What kind of third world country are we living in? I know the EQC are out of money, but this kind of stuff is crazy.
So now EQC & Insurers can rebuild houses outside the requirements of the the Building Act.I wish I could ! In MY real world of construction ANY Alterations, Additions, & Construction Has to meet ALL current legislation & Bylaws , so how come these Rebuilders & insurers can circumvent these requirements. Does the Insurance Policy override Legislation, I hope Not for all concerned. I would have thought that insurers would have taken that into account when offering REPLACEMENT Insurance, if not it is their lookout. Another fishhook of insurance, but one that has to be sorted out quickly & in favour on the homeowner. That is what I would argue if I had a major Claim on my insurer. I will be reading my Policy VERY carefully today.
That's Fletchers and EQR for you. A list of excuses especially hiding behind health and safety. What a shameful situation! The only reason wall insulation isn't part of the EECA managed government insulation scheme is because they are not easily accessible to insulate. Due to the quake many wall cavities are now accessible. So come on the Greens and push for walls in Christchurch to be insulated and perhaps even eligible for a subsidy!
I'll choose what I do with my home thank you EQC.
I'll pay the difference myself.... Can you please hurry up and pay your portion?
If I owed any money to a normal business, they're within their rights to charge interest on the outstanding amount.
With inflation and all that, the dollar amount of the payout becomes worth less and less every day. In 10 years the maximum of $100,000 will be the equivalent of $50,000 today.
I had no idea my home had no insulation (bought 16 years ago) until a lot of bricks fell out, whole house has to be reclad and that is the only oppotunity to do it, am on invalids benefit and i hoped there may have been some scheme to help people out with this, there was the replacement of old fire to new cleaner burning one, and the floor and roof were insulated, which was a god send, just wish this decision hadnt been made.
Not a Builder but i would have thought all properties needing internal/external rebuilds would have been subject to new building codes requiring insulation and double glazing. I realise EQC can't be responsible for all improvments, but surely the insurance companies concerned would be happier to reinsure a sound, modern repair rather than a PATCHUP. There are many incentives available to homeowners for subsidies. Shame on you, Fletchers, for refusing to assist homeowners in this simple but vital in swampy ChCH improvement. Suppose it's cheaper to have families suffering from influenza , athsma or other winter ills.
If all the repairs are being done to 'what it was before' then on one hand I can see why the insulation isn't being put in by EQR - after all it's a bit off to benefit from the eqs, while plenty of other homes with no insulation & less damage have to suck it up or pay for it. BUT on the other hand, if EQR are not going to do it, why doesn't the EECA work with EQR & the homeowner and get the insulation in, & the owner pay?
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To "Fed Up #46" - there is no accountability. Mr Brownlee is "making it up as he goes along" and it's too "complex" for Mr Sutton. I thought that CERA were brought in to ensure that the people of ChCh had someone there to bat for them ... yeah right. We have been left to the wolves and now it looks like that includes the EQC. A good friend of mine (who is leaving for OZ shortly) said that it wasn't the quakes driving her out, but the way everyone is having to fight tooth and nail for what they have always been entitled to and for what they have paid for ... she has lost all confidence in the CCC, EQC, CERA, insurers and doesn't ever want to be treated in this way again.