A leading consumer group has called for sweeping reforms in the domestic building sector through tighter regulation.

A report compiled by the National Consumer Agency has produced 25 recommendations in the areas of insurance, legal and conveyance issues, as well as building regulations.

The agency found that one in 20 people questioned had experienced problems either in purchasing a property, or in having renovation work done.

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However, most problems were encountered during renovation works.

Calls have been made for a statutory backed system of certificates of compliance, developing a standardised contract for small, domestic building works, and improved dispute resolution procedures.

Under the recommendations it has also been suggested sub-contactors should be required to sign-off on completed work, enabling the contractor to provide a Certificate of Compliance.

Agency Director Anne Fitzgerald, speaking at the launch of the report, said buying a house is the biggest financial step many people take, and that a lot still needs to be done to ensure their rights are protected.

(PR/JM)