Building and Construction Minister Maurice Williamson says there will be some losers under a $1 billion leaky homes package, but insists it is the best deal that can be struck.
A law enacting a compensation package is due to passed by Parliament next week. It follows years of negotiation and court action.
Homeowners will have to find half of the repair bill - and central and local Government will cover the rest.
Mr Williamson says some people will miss out, but without any limits to the package, the cost would be eye watering.
Homeowners are eligible if their house was built or altered within the 10 years immediately prior to lodging a claim.
If they sign up, they give up the right to sue the Crown or their local council at any point in the future.
However, they could still take action against liable parties such as builders, developers or manufacturers of defective products.
The number of houses affected ranges between 42,000 - 89,000 and the repair bill is estimated anywhere between $11 - $23 billion.
