Discovering that your concreter has done substandard work — cracked slabs, poor finishing, incorrect levels, or work that simply doesn't match what was agreed — is frustrating and potentially costly. The good news is that New Zealand homeowners have clear rights and a structured process to follow when things go wrong with a concreting job.
Start With Direct Communication
Before escalating anything, contact your concreter in writing (email is ideal, as it creates a paper trail). Describe the defects clearly, include photos, and give them a reasonable opportunity to inspect the work and put things right. Many disputes are resolved at this stage — a reputable tradesperson will want to fix genuine mistakes.
Keep records of:
- Your original written quote or contract
- Any variations agreed during the job
- Photos of the finished work (and ideally, photos taken during the job)
- All written communications
Understand Your Consumer Rights
Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (CGA), services must be carried out with reasonable care and skill, be fit for purpose, and be completed within a reasonable time. If your concreter's work falls short of these guarantees, you are legally entitled to have the problem remedied. The Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 also supports your right to enforce the terms of your agreement.
Consumer NZ has excellent plain-English guidance on your rights when tradespeople do poor work — it's worth reading before you escalate a dispute.
Check Whether a Building Consent Was Required
Some concreting work — such as a new concrete slab for a habitable building, retaining walls, or driveways that affect stormwater — may require a building consent under the NZ Building Code. If consent was required and not obtained, this is a serious issue. Work done without consent may not comply with the Building Code, and you could face problems when selling your home.
Contact your local council to check whether consent was needed. MBIE Building Performance has guidance on what work requires consent and what falls under Schedule 1 exemptions — but always confirm with your council, as requirements can vary.
Get an Independent Assessment
If the concreter disputes your claim, getting an independent technical assessment strengthens your position significantly. You could engage:
- Another experienced concreter to provide a written opinion
- A Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) — find one at Licensed Building Practitioners
- BRANZ, New Zealand's building research authority, which can provide technical guidance on concrete standards and acceptable tolerances
Having a written expert opinion makes it much harder for a concreter to dismiss your concerns.
Formal Disputes Options
If direct negotiation fails, you have several formal pathways:
Disputes Tribunal
For claims up to $30,000, the Disputes Tribunal may be a practical option for many homeowners — check the Ministry of Justice website for the current claims limit, as this can change. It's relatively low-cost, doesn't require a lawyer, and decisions are legally binding. You can file a claim online through the Ministry of Justice. The tribunal will consider your evidence, the concreter's response, and any expert opinions.
District Court
For larger claims (over $30,000), you may need to pursue the matter through the District Court. Legal advice is strongly recommended at this stage.
Trade Associations
If your concreter is a member of a trade association such as the Certified Builders Association of NZ (CBANZ) or the Master Builders Federation, those organisations may have a complaints or mediation process. Check whether your concreter holds any such membership.
Your Local Council
If consented work doesn't comply with the approved plans or the NZ Building Code, your council's building compliance team can investigate. In serious cases, they have powers to require remediation.
What Counts as Poor Work?
Not every imperfection is a defect — concrete naturally develops minor surface cracking as it cures. However, the following are generally considered unacceptable:
| Issue | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Structural cracking (wide or deep cracks) | Indicates mix, reinforcing, or curing problems |
| Incorrect levels or falls | Can cause drainage and flooding issues |
| Surface delamination or dusting | Poor finishing or curing technique |
| Work not matching the agreed spec | Breach of contract |
| Reinforcing not installed as specified | Structural and Building Code concern |
When to Call a Professional
If the defective work involves a structural slab, foundation, or any consented work, get a qualified professional to assess it promptly — don't wait. Structural concrete issues can worsen over time and affect the safety and value of your home. A Licensed Building Practitioner or structural engineer can provide the authoritative assessment you'll need for any formal dispute. You can find qualified local concreters and building professionals on tradedirectory.co.nz to get comparison quotes or independent opinions.
Safety note: If you suspect a structural slab or foundation is seriously compromised, seek professional advice before using the affected area.
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