FAQs
My business is struggling with cashflow due to the lockdown but we have already received the wage subsidy, is there any other Government support that could help?
The Government has announced the Small Business Cashflow Loan Scheme which will provide businesses loans from the Government up to $10,000. Applications are now open on the IRD website, click here for more information. The Government also announced a tax relief package designed to help businesses cashflow. For more information click here. You may also be able to access the wage subsidy extension, to check if you are eligible click here.
Can I claim an extension of time due to the COVID-19 lockdown?
Under the Master Builders contracts (clause 102 or 111) you will be able to claim for an extension of time as the lockdown is outside of your control. You will likely be able to claim for delays due to a loss in productivity caused by the return to work protocols under the various alert levels. We recommend maintaining regular communication with your client about all potential claims and with your legal advisor over what can and cannot be claimed due to COVID-19.
Can I charge for price increases due to COVID-19?
The contracts have clauses (46 or 49) for cost fluctuations, which are often price increases. These are increases in the price of materials and services. This will include increases in prices related to labour (including subcontractors), plant (such as scaffolding) and materials. If there have been any increases which have resulted in the builder incurring additional expenses, then the builder is entitled to additional payment to cover these costs. We recommend maintaining regular communication with your client about all potential claims and with your legal advisor over what can and cannot be claimed due to COVID-19.
Can I charge for the additional cost of compliance with the back to work protocols?
With the return to work under the various Alert Levels you can charge for cost fluctuations (as iterated above) which will include items such as:
- Sanitiser and sanitizer stations, electronic thermometers, etc.
- Separation barriers for staff and extra site signage.
- Checks and extra security at sites, etc.
This can include increases in costs related to revised health and safety measures, labour, materials and other costs that were not regarded at the date the contract was signed. We recommend maintaining regular communication with your client about all potential claims and with your legal advisor over what can and cannot be claimed due to COVID-19.
How does contact tracing work onsite?
This will involve everyone who enters your sites providing clear contact details and signing in and out. This includes product deliveries, BCA inspectors and workers. You can access resources to help you with this process here.
What are the protocols, over and above normal procedures, if there is an accident or incident on site resulting in injury?
The risk profile becomes very important here. If possible, try and have someone in the persons bubble administer first aid for minor injuries. If you have good cleaning, hygiene, and tracing in place emergency services and first aid administration should have no problem being undertaken.
Can the hand washing basin in a portaloo be used as a hand washing station given that the door to the portaloo may be opened by someone who, unknowingly, has covid19?
This comes down to your cleaning protocols, if high-touch areas are consistently cleaned then this should not be a problem. Handwashing with soap and proper drying is especially important in this situation.
Do visitors have to sign-in themselves or can it be signed on their behalf to reduce contact with pens?
If you can have an electronic version of the sign-in sheet that is preferable. However, if the visitor has washed their hands this should not be a problem. You can also request visitors use their own pens.
Do you have to wear COVID PPE onsite?
The Ministry of Health have advised that extra PPE is unnecessary. You should be using PPE that is fit for the task you are undertaking. In some instances, extra PPE can cause unintended safety issues, for example, wearing plastic gloves while soldering could cause serious burns. It is advised that proper handwashing and hygiene practices are more effective than extra PPE onsite.
Can a builder open their show home?
Yes but they have to follow the show home protocols hygiene and distancing practices. To access the protocols click here.
Can I work on renovations if the owner is living in the house?
If you can isolate contamination between the work site and the owner, then yes. This should be similar to the normal renovation process as you must isolate the homeowner in case of injury or harm anyway. However, proper hygiene and tracing will be especially important in this situation.
Do I have to wash my hands and clean my tools every time I change tools?
No, this would be unpractical. You are not expected to wash your hands every time you change from a hammer to a screwdriver. You should be washing your hands and cleaning used surfaces every time you change tasks.
What is the best thing to do to protect sites and workers from COVID-19?
The best things to do are maintain proper social distancing, wash and dry hands frequently, avoid touching your face, and clean thoroughly using recommended cleaning guides.
Are there apps that builders can use to manage who is onsite and contact tracing?
Yes, there are a number of free apps available that can help you do this.
The ConstructSafe App is available for download. You don’t need to complete the ConstructSafe assessment, you only need to register either as yourself or as a business to access the tools. More information about the app is available here.
Can I send evidence to councils for inspections to reduce physical contact?
With council inspections, we recommend contacting them and asking them about their requirements for being on site and their ability to accept other evidence, like photographs, to satisfy the requirements of the consent.
My site has been compromised by the weather during lockdown. Who pays for the insurance excess?
Generally speaking, whoever took out the insurance policy pays the excess. It may be reasonable for whoever took out the insurance policy to ask the other party to contribute to the cost of excess in the current circumstance. We suggest talking to your insurance provider in the first instance. If need be seek legal advice in this situation.
Will the Guarantee cover my home if the builder goes into liquidation because of COVID-19?
Yes, the guarantee will still cover your home in this situation.
My homeowner didn’t want the guarantee but now because of COVID-19 they do want one. Can I still get a guarantee?
No, not if works have started before lockdown. Application of the guarantee must occur before building work begins.
My clients opted out of Non-Completion cover and loss of deposit, can they upgrade the guarantee to include these now?
Unfortunately, we are unable to upgrade guarantees.
Will guarantee applications, transfers and notifications of practical completions still be processed during lockdown and lower alert levels?
Yes, the guarantee team is fully operation. Please do not hesitate to contact them on 0800269119 or help@masterbuilder.org.nz
What is happening with the Regional Master Builder events?
The health and safety of our entrants, judges, sponsors, staff and the community will always be the top priority and this will be behind every decision we make.