Building a home is a significant investment for many New Zealanders, with countless hours and resources poured into making it perfect. However, even the best-laid plans can go awry, and construction defects—whether in design, materials, or workmanship—can lead to unexpected expenses down the line. That’s where Stamford Insurance’s 10-Year Building Warranty comes in, offering peace of mind and financial protection for homeowners and developers alike.

In this blog, we’ll explore some examples of how Stamford’s 10-Year Building Warranty saved Kiwi homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs and safeguarded their investments.

Case Study 1: Structural Defects Uncovered After Two Years

Location: Auckland | Project Type: Residential Home

Two years after moving into their dream home, a family in Auckland discovered a serious problem: their roof had started to sag, and water was leaking into the walls during heavy rain. After an inspection, they learned that the roof trusses had been improperly installed, jeopardizing the structural safety of the home.

According to the terms of their 10-Year Building Warranty with Stamford, any defects discovered within the first two years of practical completion must be addressed by the builder. However, when the homeowners tried to contact their builder, they learned the company had gone into liquidation and was no longer able to fix the problem.

Thankfully, Stamford’s warranty was there to protect them. In cases where the builder is unable to remedy the defect, Stamford’s insurers step in to cover the costs and arrange for repairs. Stamford quickly coordinated the necessary work, saving the family from what could have been a $90,000 repair bill. The homeowners were able to rest easy, knowing that Stamford’s warranty would continue to cover major structural defects for the next eight years, ensuring long-term protection.

Location: Tauranga | Project Type: Multi-Unit Development

In Tauranga, a developer had completed a multi-unit apartment complex and sold the units to excited first-time buyers. Five years into ownership, several of the units began experiencing foundation issues, causing cracks to appear in the walls and floors. Concerned that the structural integrity of the building was at risk, the homeowners reached out to their developer—only to find out the construction company had since gone out of business.

Fortunately, Stamford’s 10-Year Building Warranty covered for all major defects in the warranty period. Stamford’s insurers immediately sent in specialists to assess the damage and determined that the foundation needed to be reinforced. The repairs, which totalled $650,000, were covered under the policy, ensuring that each homeowner could stay in their home without facing financial ruin. For these residents, Stamford’s warranty not only protected their investment but also maintained the value of their property in a competitive housing market.

Protect your build and your future with Stamford Insurance’s 10-Year Building Warranty. Get in touch with our team today to learn more about how we can help you safeguard your development projects from the unexpected and give your buyers real peace of mind.

*The case studies in this blog are fictional and designed to protect confidentiality while illustrating how our 10-Year Building Warranty works. Contact us for more information.