DIY builder ends up bankrupt | Wairarapa News | Local News in Wairarapa

A Masterton man who failed to properly assemble his kitset home has declared bankruptcy after the new owners found it needed more than $200,000 in repairs because it leaked.

Haydn Lodge and the Wellington City Council each have to pay $105,000 after a ruling by the Weathertight Homes Tribunal.

Mr Lodge filed for bankruptcy last month and he said yesterday he was "quite happy" although he refused to elaborate.

"All I really have to say about the whole case is it was an enlightening experience, it's been a blessing in disguise if you like."

He said the house he built 10 years ago should never have been given a building consent.

Mr Lodge began building his family home in Johnsonville in 1999 from a kitset with no building qualifications or experience.

After it was built, he and his wife sold the home in 2001 to Deane and Loraine Milne.

The Milnes were undertaking some minor repair work in early 2008 when they became aware of signs of leakage and lodged an application with the Weathertight Services Group.

An assessor was called in who found windows and cladding were improperly sealed and water was entering the home through barge boards and gaps in the sealant.

He found that decay around door frames, garage and bathroom windows, the balcony hand rail, and corner studs would need repairing.

The Lodges did not dispute the assessor's findings but denied liability because Wellington City Council's building inspectors approved Mr Lodge's construction.

Adjudicator Roger Pitchforth found the Milnes were owed $219,602.69 in remedial costs and associated professional fees - half of their original request.

Mr Pitchforth found Mr Lodge had no practical experience and relied on others to guide him, and the council to confirm his building practices.

The council permitted a number of faults including windows installed without sealant on each side of the window and without sill flashings.

"Despite complying with the council's directions and building in the way that they approved, Mr Lodge did construct a dwelling which leaked.

"In that he was negligent and must take responsibility ... I consider the council and Mr Lodge are equally to blame and are jointly and severally liable."

The Wellington City Council filed a cross-claim against Mr Lodge for which Mr Lodge had to reimburse the council by half of the Milnes' claim or $105,000.

A Weathertight Homes Tribunal spokeswoman said of the 700 cases heard since April 2007, only two to three involved kitset homes.