Our Services
Confidence Building Inspections Limited
Residential Property Inspections
Our Services - Residential Property Inspections
Confidence Building Inspection's pre-purchase and pre-sale standard building inspections are in strict adherence to New Zealand Standard NZS4306:2005 Residential Property Inspection.
Specialised inspection/reports can be undertaken as required, such as Weathertight inspection, for monolithic-clad dwellings; or maintenance reports. All inspections are visual and non-invasive meaning the structure will not be damaged or tampered with to provide results.
Interior non-invasive moisture testing is undertaken in all standard inspections in wet-room areas such as kitchens/bathrooms/laundries. Common problem areas and any suspect areas of moisture build-up or damp will also be tested using a Trotec non-invasive moisture meter, backed up by a Flir thermal imaging camera if needed, at no extra charge. Electrical testing of sockets is included, using a Cabac polarity tester (note this is not a full electrical test, that must be understaken by a registered electrician).
During the inspection, we generally take 300-400 photos of the property using a DSLR camera, ensuring we have plenty of high-quality images of the property, which we hold for seven years for future reference. Within 24 hours we will provide you with a full report, usually around 25-30 pages including detailed photos, however we aim to have the report to you the same day. A standard building inspection report on significant defects, particular attributes, gradual deterioration, and any significant maintenance required, as well as details on possible remedial work or building material characteristics. A Certificate of Inspection will be provided for all residential building inspections.
On the day: please ensure any dogs on site are restrained, and that access has been provided to sub-floor hatches and roof-space hatches, and all other areas to be inspected. Furniture and personal items will not be moved by the inspectors, to avoid damage. We take lots of photos on the day, however we endeavor to avoid taking photos of people/personal items where possible, and/or will not include these in the final report (or will crop photos). We also do not walk on roofs - both to avoid damage to roofing material and to adhere to the Health & Safety at Work Act; inspection and photos are undertaken from a ladder around the perimeter of the roof where accessible.
Specialised inspection/reports can be undertaken as required, such as Weathertight inspection, for monolithic-clad dwellings; or maintenance reports. All inspections are visual and non-invasive meaning the structure will not be damaged or tampered with to provide results.
Interior non-invasive moisture testing is undertaken in all standard inspections in wet-room areas such as kitchens/bathrooms/laundries. Common problem areas and any suspect areas of moisture build-up or damp will also be tested using a Trotec non-invasive moisture meter, backed up by a Flir thermal imaging camera if needed, at no extra charge. Electrical testing of sockets is included, using a Cabac polarity tester (note this is not a full electrical test, that must be understaken by a registered electrician).
During the inspection, we generally take 300-400 photos of the property using a DSLR camera, ensuring we have plenty of high-quality images of the property, which we hold for seven years for future reference. Within 24 hours we will provide you with a full report, usually around 25-30 pages including detailed photos, however we aim to have the report to you the same day. A standard building inspection report on significant defects, particular attributes, gradual deterioration, and any significant maintenance required, as well as details on possible remedial work or building material characteristics. A Certificate of Inspection will be provided for all residential building inspections.
On the day: please ensure any dogs on site are restrained, and that access has been provided to sub-floor hatches and roof-space hatches, and all other areas to be inspected. Furniture and personal items will not be moved by the inspectors, to avoid damage. We take lots of photos on the day, however we endeavor to avoid taking photos of people/personal items where possible, and/or will not include these in the final report (or will crop photos). We also do not walk on roofs - both to avoid damage to roofing material and to adhere to the Health & Safety at Work Act; inspection and photos are undertaken from a ladder around the perimeter of the roof where accessible.
Standard Pre-Purchase and Pre-Sale Inspections
Buying a home or rental property is a huge financial commitment and you want to make sure that what you're buying is sound and fit for purpose. On the other end when selling, you want to make sure you get the best price, and no unexpected building defects arise which may affect the sale.
If you are buying or selling a property with any amount of 'monolithic' cladding (plaster-finish), we suggest you check with your loan provider if a Weathertight inspection may also be required.
Includes: Inspection and full written report on property condition to NZS4306:2005 which includes: the site (including retaining walls and pool fencing), sub-floor (if relevant and accessible), exterior (cladding, any decks/pergolas, windows/doors, roof if accessible - moisture testing is only undertaken for this type of report if potential issues are observed, and readings are not included in the report unless elevated), interior including non-invasive moisture testing in wet-room areas (i.e. kitchen/bathroom/laundry - photos of moisture test results not included in report unless elevated), roof space (if relevant and accessible), and services (type/condition). Inspection includes a possible 97-point check of features. Full professional indemnity insurance coverage.
If you have a copy of the LIM or council files and would like these checked in comparison to the 'as-built', please forward these to us before the inspection (no extra charge).Prices from $550 incl gstContact us today for a free quote
Specialised Weathertight Inspections
- Weathertight inspections verify weathertight risk factors and look for any water ingress into the external envelope of the dwelling. These are primarily undertaken on 'monolithic' clad dwellings, i.e. those with a plaster-finish cladding system.
- Due to the leaky homes issue in New Zealand of monolithic-design homes built from mid 1990s to 2004, banks may insist on purchasers having a weathertight inspection undertaken prior to approving lending by an approved building surveyor.
- These are specialised inspections/reports, and should be undertaken by suitably qualified building surveyors (i.e. BOINZ Level 2 members), such as Confidence Building Inspections. Inspections are non-invasive. If significant leaks or defects are found, invasive and/or destructive testing may be recommended.
- Includes: Inspection and full written report on building envelope weathertightness (NZBC E2/AS1 External Moisture) suitable for lending purposes, which includes a risk assessment of: the site (contour and drainage), exterior (cladding, window/door junctions, roof, wall/roof penetrations/junctions, non-invasive moisture testing of monolithic-clad walls at multiple test sites), interior (non-invasive moisture testing of monolithic-clad external walls at multiple test sites). This includes an exterior 45-point check of possible water ingress areas, and a weathertightness risk matrix assessment. A selection of moisture-meter reading photos are included in the report. Full professional indemnity insurance coverage, as required by major lending institutions.
- Prices from $750 incl gst
- Contact us today for a free quote
Combined Building and Weathertight Inspections
If you are considering purchasing a monolithic-clad property, this type of inspection is a good option to have everything covered.
Includes: Inspection and full written report on property condition to NZS4306:2005 and building envelope weathertightness to NZBC E2/AS1 External Moisture. Reports are suitable for lending purposes on monolithic dwellings. Assessment includes: the site, subfloor, exterior, interior, roof space, and services. Non-invasive moisture testing is undertaken on monolithic-clad walls at multiple test sites and on the interior side of monolithic-clad external walls at multiple test sites. Non-invasive moisture testing will also be undertaken in wet-room areas such as bathrooms/laundries. The inspection includes an exterior 45-point check of possible water ingress areas, and a possible 97-point check of property features. The report will include a selection of external moisture-metre reading photos and a weathertightness risk matrix assessment. Full professional indemnity insurance coverage, as required by major lending institutions.
Prices from $850 incl gstContact us today for a free quote
.jpg "Moisture Testing")
Healthy Homes Assessment
- This assessment involves a full non-invasive inspection of the property to assess how the property meets the Residential Tenancies (Healthy Homes Standards) Regulations 2019. The assessment is independent and unbiased. Assessment includes: heating and smoke detectors, insulation, ventilation, draughts, and moisture ingress and drainage. A comprehensive report will be provided with photographic evidence.
- $250 - as an add-on with a building inspection
- $450 - as a stand-alone booking
Homeowners and Landlords
Do you have a particular building issue you'd like inspected or advice on? We can undertaken non-invasive inspection and provide advice and problem solving on what to do next. Fees are dependent on the scope of work. Site visit for specific inspection from $100 incl gst
Residential Warrant of Fitness for Homeowners and Landlords: building defects can lie unseen for some time before you notice them - getting a regular full check of your existing home/rental can help identify these issues before they become bigger more expensive issues. The inspection will be similar to a pre-purchase inspection in what is inspected, however the report will be a simplified version outlining defects and level of priority, and possible remedial action (unfortunately we can't provide costs of maintenance/repairs as there are such wide variables). This type of inspection/report can be used if you're considering renovations, to identify areas of priority.
Prices from $300 incl gst.
Third Party Building Survey Reports
Do you have unconsented building work, completed before 1 July 1992? While you won't be able to get a Certificate of Acceptance on this work, you can get a Third Party Building Report (or Safe and Sanitary Report), which will report on the structure being built to a safe and sanitary level. These are non-destructive, so findings are based on visible building elements only. These reports can be lodged with the council to go on your property file, or kept for future purchasers of your property. Costs vary depending on size and complexity of work unconsented.
Toxicology Sampling and Reports
Keith is a qualified meth sampler under NZS8510:2017, however we choose to only use the on-site 'field analysis' test, which provides a simple positive/negative result of the areas tested, based on the current NZ standard level of 1.5ug per 100cm2. This test won't provide you with an actual reading, only whether meth is present. Cost for this testing is from $150 (incl gst) when completed alongside a building inspection, including full written report on the findings and test results. Often this method of testing is enough, as purchasers just want to know if there is contamination or not.
If the property has been recently cleaned/painted, or renovated, this may impact on the results including a negative result. If the property has been used as a lab, the estate agent should be able to advise you of this as it's likely police have been involved in the property already.If the result is positive, or you would prefer to have a full lab test and analysis, we recommend you use a dedicated meth sampling/testing agency, such as Resultz Group - they will also be able to help with decontamination requirements.
If the property has been recently cleaned/painted, or renovated, this may impact on the results including a negative result. If the property has been used as a lab, the estate agent should be able to advise you of this as it's likely police have been involved in the property already.If the result is positive, or you would prefer to have a full lab test and analysis, we recommend you use a dedicated meth sampling/testing agency, such as Resultz Group - they will also be able to help with decontamination requirements.
Pre-Inspection/Offer Property Research
So you've found a property you like but want some further help or advice before you make your offer? We can help with going through vendor building inspections, LIM reports, council files, or freely available online information about the property before you go further and make an offer and get your building inspection completed. Costs will vary depending on the need to purchase information such as LIM reports or council files, level of information needed, and time taken to research the property. Costs: $100 per hour
What does a building inspection report cover?
A full building inspection will report on the general condition of:
SITE - wind zone, land contour, paths and patios, retaining, fencing, driveways, drainage and surface water
INTERIOR - wall and ceiling condition, floors, stairs, storage, windows and doors
ROOF SPACE - structure, roof leaks, firewalls, insulation, roof underlay, ceiling structure, structural alterations, ducting, timber rot, infestation
SUBFLOOR - foundation wall, piles, bearers and joists, structural alteration, insulation, plumbing, timber rot, infestation, soil condition
KITCHEN - benchtop and cabinetry condition, sink and plumbing, storage, ventilation
SERVICES - warning systems, security, heating, ventilation, solar systems, shading systems, lifts, gas and water services, aerials, telecommunications
EXTERIOR - cladding and condition, decks/pergolas, exterior stairs, chimneys, windows and doors
BATHROOMS - fixtures and fittings condition, wet wall linings, plumbing and drainage, ventilation
ELECTRICAL - switch and socket testing, polarity testing, general condition
ROOF - materials and condition, roof penetrations, gutters, downpipes, soffits
LAUNDRY - sink and plumbing, wet wall linings, ventilation
DRAINAGE - grey water system, foul water services
The purpose of a Property Inspection Report is to identify existing significant defects which are visible and reasonably accessible at the time of inspection and overall condition. Inspections are non-invasive (meaning the structure will not be damaged or tampered with to provide results) and based on visual inspection by professionals, and using specialised moisture measuring equipment. The inspection will also include an evaluation of the materials used and workmanship. Cosmetic condition is not mentioned unless it may affect the structure or use.
The process does not include a council Property File search or LIM report unless specifically requested. These should be consulted if there are any concerns about the site, or any building work undertaken which may not have permits/consent. These documents will need to be sourced by the client prior to the inspection taking place if you would like these checked by us in conjunction with the building inspection.
Report Turnaround - 24-hoursAfter undertaking a full inspection of the property, you will receive a comprehensive written report written in adherence to NZS4306:2005 Residential Property Inspection. It will outline general condition, any areas of concern including photos, and advice for repair or maintenance. The turn-around time on receiving your report is 24-hours via email.
Insurance CoverageWe are fully insured, holding current professional indemnity, public liability, and statutory liability insurances. A copy of our Certificate of Currency is available upon request.
Please contact us today for more information, or a free no-obligation quote.
The process does not include a council Property File search or LIM report unless specifically requested. These should be consulted if there are any concerns about the site, or any building work undertaken which may not have permits/consent. These documents will need to be sourced by the client prior to the inspection taking place if you would like these checked by us in conjunction with the building inspection.
Report Turnaround - 24-hoursAfter undertaking a full inspection of the property, you will receive a comprehensive written report written in adherence to NZS4306:2005 Residential Property Inspection. It will outline general condition, any areas of concern including photos, and advice for repair or maintenance. The turn-around time on receiving your report is 24-hours via email.
Insurance CoverageWe are fully insured, holding current professional indemnity, public liability, and statutory liability insurances. A copy of our Certificate of Currency is available upon request.
Please contact us today for more information, or a free no-obligation quote.
