The Master Build 10-Year
Guarantee — Included
Every Add Value Renovations project comes with New Zealand’s strongest workmanship cover. Up to $1 million of protection, structural cover for ten full years, and the only renovation guarantee most Auckland mortgage lenders will accept.
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COVER
CLAIMS
LIABILITY
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A renovation guarantee isn’t a nice-to-have — it’s a non-negotiable.
If your builder walks off the job, goes into liquidation, or the work fails three years after completion, what protects your money and your home? In New Zealand, the answer for most homeowners is: not much. The Building Act gives you implied warranties, but enforcing them through the Disputes Tribunal or the courts is slow, expensive, and uncertain.
The Master Build 10-Year Guarantee changes that. It’s an independent, third-party guarantee administered by the Registered Master Builders Association — New Zealand’s longest-established builders association, founded in 1891. Only Master Builder members can offer it. Every Add Value Renovations renovation, extension, and structural alteration in Auckland is delivered under it — subject to the guarantee’s terms and conditions.
The cost of the guarantee is built into your project price. You don’t pay extra. You just get cover.
Want to see how the guarantee fits into our wider process? Read about how we work, our team and credentials, or browse recent renovation projects we’ve completed across Auckland.
Five layers of real, written protection
The Master Build 10-Year Guarantee isn’t a marketing slogan — it’s a legal contract with specific dollar amounts and time periods. Here’s exactly what’s covered on every Add Value Renovations project.
Loss of Deposit
If you’ve paid a deposit and the builder can’t start (insolvency, death, withdrawal), you’re covered up to $50,000 or 10% of the contract value — whichever is lower.
Non-Completion
If the builder can’t finish, the guarantee covers the cost of getting another builder to complete the job — up to $500,000 or 20% of the contract value.
Materials & Workmanship
Non-structural defects — paint, fixtures, finishes, joinery, doors that won’t close — are covered for two years after practical completion.
Structural Defects
Structural failure, weathertightness issues, rot, and fungal decay are covered for a full ten years from the guarantee acceptance date.
Temporary Accommodation
If repair work means you have to move out, you’re covered for up to $10,000 in alternative accommodation, removal, and storage costs.
Total Maximum Cover
Total claims across the life of the guarantee can be up to $1,000,000 or the value of your building contract — whichever is less. Extended cover is available for larger projects.
Protection at every stage of your renovation.
The guarantee works from the moment you sign — not just after the keys are handed back. Here’s the timeline.
Loss of deposit
Up to $50,000 or 10% of contract value if the builder can’t start.
Non-completion
Up to $500,000 or 20% to get another builder to finish the project.
Materials & workmanship
Non-structural defects — finishes, fixtures, joinery, plumbing fixtures.
Structural & weathertightness
Structural failure, leaks, rot and fungal decay. Plus up to $10,000 temporary accommodation if remediation requires you to move out.
What this actually means for your renovation
Bank-Ready
Most lenders require it
If you’re financing your renovation, the major Auckland banks increasingly require an independent third-party builders guarantee before they’ll release construction lending — especially for LVRs above 80%.
Resale Asset
Transferable when you sell
The guarantee transfers automatically to the new owner if you sell within the 10-year period. It’s a real asset that adds value at sale time and helps buyers commit faster.
Independent
Not just our promise
It’s not Add Value Renovations writing the cheque if something goes wrong — it’s the Registered Master Builders Association scheme, independent of us. Your protection doesn’t depend on whether we’re still trading.
The full trust stack behind every project
The Master Build Guarantee is one layer. We back it with five more. Together they’re the reason Auckland homeowners renovate with us without losing sleep.
Registered Master Builder
Full Master Builders Association membership — the credential needed to offer the 10-Year Guarantee in the first place.
About our team →House of the Year Gold 2025
Recognised by the Master Builders House of the Year awards for renovation craftsmanship and design execution.
View award-winning projects →Licensed Building Practitioners
Every team lead is an LBP — the legal requirement for restricted building work in New Zealand, and the certification councils look for.
How we work →$2 Million Public Liability Insurance
If something happens on site that affects your property or a third party, $2M of cover sits behind every project — separate from the Master Build Guarantee.
Read about our credentials →QS-Backed Fixed Pricing
A 21-section scope of work priced by a qualified Quantity Surveyor before you sign. No budget blow-outs hidden in vague allowances.
See our process →4.8 Stars · 34 Google Reviews
Verified Auckland homeowners. Reviews mention communication, finish quality, on-time/on-budget delivery, and the team’s care for the family living through it.
Read all testimonials →Guaranteed vs. un-guaranteed — what you actually get
Lots of builders advertise “quality workmanship.” The Master Build Guarantee is the only thing that means it in writing, with an independent third party standing behind it.
| What you get | Master Build Guarantee (Add Value Renovations) |
An un-guaranteed builder |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit protection if builder folds | ✓ Up to $50k | — |
| Non-completion cover | ✓ Up to $500k | — |
| Structural defects covered | ✓ 10 years | Building Act implied warranty (enforced via court / Disputes Tribunal) |
| Materials & workmanship | ✓ 2 years | 1-year implied warranty |
| Weathertightness / rot cover | ✓ 10 years | — |
| Temporary accommodation if uninhabitable | ✓ Up to $10k | — |
| Accepted by major mortgage lenders | ✓ | Often refused for high LVR |
| Transferable on sale | ✓ | — |
| Independent of builder still trading | ✓ | — |
How to make a claim — four simple steps.
The vast majority of our clients never need to. But if you ever do, here’s exactly how it works.
Tell us first
Most issues are resolved fastest by talking to us directly. Many “defects” turn out to be settling, normal seasonal movement, or maintenance items we can walk you through.
Lodge with Master Builders
If we can’t resolve it together, you lodge a claim directly with the Registered Master Builders Association — independent of us.
Independent assessment
A Master Builders assessor reviews the claim against the policy terms and the MBIE Guide to Acceptable Tolerances. Their decision is independent.
Remediation or cash settlement
Approved claims are resolved through repair work or a cash settlement, plus temporary accommodation costs (up to $10k) if you need to move out during repairs.
Important: Your guarantee is not valid until both you and we have signed the application and Master Builders has issued the Certificate of Guarantee. We handle the lodgement; you keep the certificate. Always confirm you’ve received it before practical completion.
The questions Auckland homeowners actually ask
Does the Master Build 10-Year Guarantee cost extra?
No. The cost of the guarantee — typically less than 1% of the contract value — is included in your Add Value Renovations build price. You don’t pay separately, and you don’t pay for it after the fact. It’s built in.
Is the Master Build 10-Year Guarantee the same as the Building Act warranty?
No. The Building Act gives you implied warranties on residential building work, but you have to enforce them yourself through the Disputes Tribunal or the courts. The Master Build 10-Year Guarantee is an independent, insurance-backed product that pays out directly — without you having to chase your builder through court. It also covers loss of deposit and non-completion, which the Building Act does not.
What’s the difference between Master Build and the NZCB Halo Guarantee?
Both are 10-year third-party residential guarantees, and both offer similar core cover. Master Build is run by the Registered Master Builders Association (RMBA); Halo is run by New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB). A builder can only offer one, depending on which association they belong to. Add Value Renovations is a Registered Master Builder, so every project we deliver is covered by the Master Build 10-Year Guarantee.
Does my mortgage lender require a builders guarantee?
Many New Zealand lenders request an independent third-party builders guarantee before releasing construction lending — particularly for higher loan-to-value ratios. Lender requirements vary, so check with your specific bank or broker before committing to a builder.
Is the guarantee transferable if I sell my home?
Yes. The Master Build 10-Year Guarantee transfers automatically to the new owner for the remainder of the guarantee period. It’s a registered asset attached to the property, not to you personally — which is a real selling point at resale time.
Does the guarantee cover renovations and extensions, or only new builds?
Both. The Master Build 10-Year Guarantee covers residential alterations, additions, and full renovations — including kitchen and bathroom renovations, home extensions, second-storey additions, and structural alterations. The level of cover depends on the type of work and the contract value.
What isn’t covered by the Master Build Guarantee?
The guarantee doesn’t cover normal wear and tear, lack of maintenance, owner-caused damage, work done outside the original contract, or items that fall within MBIE’s Guide to Acceptable Tolerances. It’s protection against building failure, not a maintenance plan.
How long does the guarantee take to set up?
We lodge the guarantee application as part of pre-contract work. The Master Builders Association typically confirms approval within 14 days of receiving a signed application. Your cover doesn’t start until you’ve received the Certificate of Guarantee — we’ll confirm that with you before construction begins.
Can a Registered Master Builder refuse to offer the guarantee?
By the rules of the scheme, a Master Builder must offer the guarantee. If you don’t want it (some homeowners decline because they’re cash buyers, not financing, and prefer the small saving), you have to sign a written waiver. We don’t recommend declining — the cost is small and the cover is significant.
What’s the maximum claim amount?
Total claims across the life of the guarantee can be up to $1,000,000 or the value of your building contract — whichever is lower. Within that total, loss of deposit is capped at $50,000, non-completion at $500,000, and temporary accommodation at $10,000. Extended cover is available for larger projects.
Do I still need home and contents insurance during the build?
Yes. The Master Build Guarantee covers building defects and builder-related events — it doesn’t replace your home and contents insurance, contract works insurance, or our $2 million Public Liability cover. Talk to your insurer about contract works cover before construction starts. We’ll let you know when you need it.
Why does Add Value Renovations include this on every project?
Because we think it’s the standard every Auckland homeowner should expect from a renovation company — not a premium extra. Renovations are large, complex, and personal. The guarantee removes the worst-case financial scenarios from your decision, so you can focus on the design and the outcome. It also keeps us accountable: we know the work has to stand up for ten years.
Every service, same guarantee
Whatever your project — kitchen, bathroom, extension, full home, or heritage restoration — it’s delivered under the Master Build 10-Year Guarantee.
Complete Home Renovations
Full-house renovations across Auckland — design through to handover, under one contract.
Learn more → ServiceHome Extensions
Rear extensions, second-storey additions, indoor-outdoor flow — making your home work for your family.
Learn more → ServiceKitchen Renovations
Auckland kitchen renovations from concept to install — joinery, layout, lighting, the lot.
Learn more → ServiceBathroom Renovations
Master ensuites, family bathrooms, powder rooms — fully waterproofed, fully consented, fully covered.
Learn more → ServiceHeritage Restoration
Villa and bungalow restoration with modern liveability — heritage-zone experience, character preserved.
Learn more → ServiceStructural Alterations
Wall removals, re-piling, structural beams — engineered, consented, and guaranteed.
Learn more → PortfolioOur Projects
Browse recent renovations across Auckland — before, during, and after.
View projects → How We WorkOur Process
QS-led, 21-section scope of work — see the process behind the guarantee.
See the process → HelpfulFAQs
Everything Auckland homeowners ask before starting — answered in plain language.
Read FAQs →Renovate with confidence
We’re Licensed Building Practitioners and Registered Master Builders. Every project we deliver is backed by the Master Build 10-Year Guarantee, $2 million public liability cover, and a QS-led process designed to remove the unknowns. Talk to us about your project — we’ll guide you through every step.
Book a Free Consultation30 minutes · no obligation · serving all of Auckland
Important Information
The content on this page is a general summary of the Master Build 10-Year Guarantee, provided for information only. It is not a contract, insurance policy, or legal advice. All cover, limits, exclusions, and processes described are subject to the official Master Build 10-Year Guarantee Terms and Conditions, which take precedence in all cases. Full Terms and Conditions are available at www.masterbuilder.org.nz.
Project value: The Master Build 10-Year Guarantee is generally available for residential building projects with a contract value of $30,000 or more (including GST). Projects valued below $30,000 are not covered by the Master Build 10-Year Guarantee. Speak to us about smaller projects — many are still backed by Building Act 2004 implied warranties and our own workmanship standards.
Cover commencement: The Guarantee is not automatic. It must be applied for, approved by Master Build Services, and a Certificate of Guarantee issued before cover begins. Building work must not commence until the application is approved. Cover is subject to all conditions outlined in the official Guarantee documentation, including payment of the Guarantee fee.
Eligibility and exclusions: Cover, claim limits, and processes vary by project type and contract value. Some claims, items, and circumstances are excluded — including normal wear and tear, lack of maintenance, owner-caused damage, work outside the original contract, and items within MBIE’s Guide to Acceptable Tolerances. Refer to the official Master Build Terms and Conditions for the full list of exclusions.
Dollar amounts and timeframes: All figures shown on this page (including $50,000 loss of deposit, $500,000 non-completion, $10,000 temporary accommodation, $1,000,000 total cap, 2-year materials and workmanship cover, and 10-year structural cover) reflect standard Master Build 10-Year Guarantee terms current at the time of writing. Limits and terms can change. Always confirm current terms with your Master Builder and with Master Build Services before signing a building contract.
Add Value Renovations Ltd is a Registered Master Builder and Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) operating in Auckland, New Zealand. This page describes the standard Master Build 10-Year Guarantee available through our membership. Each project’s specific cover is confirmed in writing on the individual Certificate of Guarantee issued by Master Build Services. Last updated: May 2026.