The Certified Builders Association says there is no reason for home owners to panic over claims some Auckland homes have been built using substandard timber.
Up to 1500 Auckland houses are believed to have been built with the timber. Building and Construction Minister Maurice Williamson has called for an investigation.
Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey said houses built with the faulty timber can be structurally insecure and homeowners should be alarmed.
He said the non-loadbearing timber is not for structural applications and he will seek legal advice on Monday.
The Certified Builders Association said on Monday that building inspectors are checking for signs of red paint stripes put on timber every 1500mm to identify it as a non-load-bearing product for structural purposes.
Builders Association chief executive Derek Baxter said substandard timber would only cause minor problems and it is extremely unlikely that any collapse would occur.
Mr Williamson said the Department of Building and Housing is working with industry officials to determine the nature and extent of the problem.
He said the investigation is confined to the Auckland area and concerns only two companies.
Mr Williamson said the investigation will indicate whether there is any need for remedial work.
The body representing frame and truss manufacturers is investigating whether allegations of substandard timber being used on some Auckland homes is a more widespread problem.
The Frame and Truss Manufacturing Association says its 60 representatives are
checking what materials are being used at building sites throughout New Zealand.
Chief executive Rob Skipsey says the association is concerned non-compliance materials are being used and it is an unfair trade practice which needs to be stamped out.
The Certified Builders Association said one frame and truss supplier, Placemakers, has cancelled contracts with two companies it sub-contracts to while the investigation is being carried out.
