Quality

What quality means for BRANZ research

Building quality is about homes and buildings performing as intended – safely, reliably and over their full lifespan.

BRANZ invests the Building Research Levy in research that helps lift building quality, reduce defects and support consistent, high‑performing outcomes across the sector.

Through the quality focus area, we invest in research that helps identify and reduce common quality issues, lift construction practices and support performance that goes beyond minimum requirements.

Why quality matters

Quality issues can lead to rework, higher costs, delays and poor outcomes for occupants. When problems aren’t identified early, they can undermine confidence and add cost across the building system.

Building quality is shaped by many factors – design decisions, construction materials and methods, workmanship and how buildings are maintained over time. Levy‑funded research helps the sector prevent issues before they occur by improving evidence, tools and guidance that support better decision making.

What BRANZ is working to change

BRANZ invests the Building Research Levy in building quality research guided by two related research goals:

• Growing industry capability and use of tools and technologies to deliver high-quality buildings.
• Encouraging designers, developers and builders to consistently get it right the first time, delivering beyond regulatory standards.

The objective is to reduce quality issues, improve building performance and foster greater confidence throughout the building and construction sector.

Types of research BRANZ supports

Under the quality focus area, BRANZ may invest in research that supports:

• tools and technologies that help assure and verify building quality
• evidence to reduce defects and lift performance outcomes
• research that supports performance beyond regulatory minimums
• information and guidance that builds demand for quality buildings.