Keeping good records after a handyman completes work on your home is one of the simplest things you can do to protect yourself. Whether it's a minor repair or a more involved maintenance job, having the right paperwork on hand can save you time, money, and stress if something goes wrong down the track — or when it comes time to sell.
Why Keeping Records Matters
In New Zealand, home maintenance and repair records serve several important purposes. They can support insurance claims, demonstrate that work was carried out by a qualified person, help future buyers understand the property's history, and provide evidence if a dispute arises with a tradesperson. Good records also help you track what's been done so you can plan future maintenance.
The Key Documents to Keep
Invoices and Receipts
Always ask for a written invoice from your handyman, even for small jobs. A proper invoice should include:
- The tradesperson's name, business name, and contact details
- A clear description of the work completed
- Materials used (including brands or product types where relevant)
- The date the work was done
- The total cost, including GST if they are GST-registered
- Their payment terms
Keep both digital and physical copies if you can. A simple folder — physical or cloud-based — works well.
Warranties and Guarantees
Many products used in home repairs come with manufacturer warranties. Ask your handyman to pass on any warranty documentation for materials they've supplied and installed — things like sealants, fixtures, or hardware. Reputable suppliers such as Bunnings and Mitre 10 provide product warranty information, and your handyman should be able to tell you what applies.
Some tradespeople also offer a workmanship guarantee on their labour. Get this in writing, noting the duration and what it covers.
Photographs
Take before and after photos of any work completed. This is especially useful for:
- Repairs that are hidden once finished (e.g., inside walls, under floors)
- Work involving weatherproofing or waterproofing
- Any area where the condition was already compromised before the handyman arrived
Photos are invaluable if an insurance claim or dispute arises later.
Building Consent and Inspection Documents
Some work requires a building consent from your local council, even if it looks straightforward. Under Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004, certain minor work is exempt — but the rules can be complex and vary by council. Always confirm with your local council whether consent was needed.
If consent was required and obtained, keep:
- The original consent approval
- Any inspection sign-off records
- The Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) once issued
These documents are critical when selling your home. MBIE Building Performance has clear guidance on what requires consent.
Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) Records
If your handyman carried out restricted building work (such as structural, weathertightness, or certain other work on homes), they must be a Licensed Building Practitioner. In that case, they are legally required to provide you with a Record of Work on completion. Keep this document — it confirms the work was done by a licensed person and is required as part of the consent process.
Electrical and Plumbing Certificates
Electrical and plumbing/gasfitting work in New Zealand is restricted work that must be carried out by licensed professionals — not a general handyman. If your handyman arranged or subcontracted any electrical work, the electrician must provide a Certificate of Compliance (CoC). Similarly, licensed plumbers and gasfitters must issue a Certificate of Compliance for their work.
Verify that anyone doing electrical work is registered with the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB), and plumbers/gasfitters with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB). Keep all certificates — they are legal documents.
Product Data Sheets and Maintenance Instructions
If your handyman applied paint, sealant, waterproofing, or similar products, ask for the product data sheet or at least a note of the brand and product name. This helps you match colours or products for future touch-ups. Paint brands like Resene, Dulux, and Wattyl all have product information available online, but knowing exactly what was used saves guesswork.
How Long Should You Keep Records?
As a general guide:
| Document Type | Suggested Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Invoices and receipts | At least 7 years (or while you own the property) |
| Warranties | Duration of warranty + a few years |
| Building consents and CCCs | Permanently (pass on to buyers) |
| LBP Records of Work | Permanently |
| Electrical/plumbing CoCs | Permanently |
| Photos | While you own the property |
When you sell your home, pass all relevant records on to the new owners — it's good practice and adds confidence for buyers.
Organising Your Records
A simple approach works best. Consider:
- A dedicated folder (physical or digital) labelled by year or by room/project
- Scanning paper documents and storing them in cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive or Dropbox)
- Keeping a simple maintenance log noting what was done, when, and by whom
When to Call a Professional
If you're unsure whether the work your handyman completed required a building consent, or if you've been handed paperwork you don't understand, it's worth checking with your local council or a Licensed Building Practitioner. For electrical or plumbing concerns, contact the EWRB or PGDB directly. A qualified local handyman or tradesperson can also advise — you can find trusted professionals in your area on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Sources & Further Reading
- MBIE Building Performance – Building consents and compliance
- Licensed Building Practitioners – LBP scheme and Records of Work
- Electrical Workers Registration Board – Licensing and compliance
- Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board – Licensed tradespeople
- Consumer NZ – Your rights with tradespeople
- BRANZ – Building research and best practice
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