Halo vs Master Build
Building or renovating is a major undertaking. You want to know that if something goes wrong, you’re protected – not left with unexpected repair bills and stress.
That’s where a building guarantee comes in. It’s your safety net, stepping in if your builder can’t or won’t fix an issue.
A quality building guarantee gives you:
Financial protection for repairs
Peace of mind for the next decade
Confidence in your builder’s qualifications and business standards.
Even with the best builders, defects can appear months or even years after you move in. Without a guarantee, the cost of repairs – especially for structural or weathertightness issues – can be significant.
What are my options?
In New Zealand, the two major options are:
Halo 10-Year Residential Guarantee (exclusive to New Zealand Certified Builders Association)
Master Build 10-Year Guarantee
You need to do your own research, but there are important differences that make Halo the better choice for your project.
Halo vs Master Build at a glance
Here’s how the two guarantees compare:
Feature | Halo 10-Year Residential Guarantee | Master Build 10-Year Guarantee |
|---|---|---|
Start of cover | From practical completion (full 10 years from move-in) | From acceptance of guarantee application |
Non-structural defects | 2 years | 2 years |
Weathertightness cover | 10 years | 10 years |
Contract variations | Covered up to 10% automatically; more with approval | Not covered |
Damage resulting from defect | Included | Not included |
Temporary accommodation | 26 weeks, up to $30,000 | Up to $10,000 |
Spec/builder-owned homes | Covered | Not covered |
Small commercial/industrial projects | Covered | Not covered |
Transferable to new owner | Yes (with application and fee) | Yes (with application and fee) |
Provider | Halo Guarantees Ltd (owned by NZCB) | Master Build Services Ltd |
When comparing guarantees, both Halo and Master Build offer solid protection – but Halo provides extra flexibility, broader cover, and greater peace of mind.
Where Halo goes further
1. Covers damage caused by defects
If a burst pipe damages your kitchen flooring, Halo covers both the pipe repair and the floor replacement. Master Build only covers the pipe repair.
2. More flexibility for changes
Halo automatically covers contract variations up to 10% of your original price, and can approve more. Master Build doesn’t cover variations at all.
3. Higher accommodation cover
If you need to move out during repairs, Halo covers up to 26 weeks and $30,000 for temporary accommodation, compared to Master Build’s $10,000 cap.
4. Cover starts when you move in
Halo cover begins at practical completion, so you enjoy the full 10 years in your home. Master Build’s cover starts earlier, which means some of your protection can run out before you even move in.
5. Broader project eligibility
Halo can be used for small commercial or industrial projects, as well as spec and builder-owned homes. Master Build doesn’t cover these.
Choosing the right guarantee
Your guarantee is only as strong as the builder behind it. Halo is available exclusively through NZCB-approved builders, who:
Must be trade qualified and meet strict financial and business standards
Are part of a nationwide network of over 2,800 builders who are committed to quality workmanship.
How to get Halo
1.
Choose an NZCB-approved builder for your project.
2.
Your builder applies for the Halo Guarantee before work starts.
3.
You receive your guarantee documents, giving you cover for the next 10 years.
