Bowen and Another v Paramount Builders (Hamilton) Ltd and Another - [1977] 1 NZLR 394

Building contracts, engineers and architects — Contractors, engineers and architects have a duty to use reasonable care to prevent damages to persons whom they should reasonably expect to be affected by their work.

Negligence — Builder employed by original owner negligent in respect of foundations — Builder liable to subsequent purchaser from original owner — Compliance with requirements of contract relevant but not decisive as to duty of care — Intermediate inspection not necessarily a defence.

Damages — Measure of damages — Interest — Loss of value of building after all remedial work completed recoverable as structural damage — Interest allowed between from date of damage to date of judgment though remedial work not commenced at latter date — Judicature Act 1908, s 87.