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 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.
If you are buying 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.Getting a building inspection report on the property will uncover any existing issues with the property, and give you the confidence to decide if the property is right for you. Knowing the condition of a property allows you to make an appropriately informed offer, or budget for repairs later. You can buy with confidence. Prices from $600 incl gst (1-2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1 kitchen, concrete floor)Contact us today for a free quote
Standard Pre-Sale Inspections
- When selling your property, you always want to make sure you can get the best price, and that no unexpected building defects arise which may significantly reduce your selling price or scare potential buyers away.
- Getting a building inspection report on your property before putting it on the market will give you all the facts you need to price your property accordingly, or to make repairs prior to sale to ensure you get the best price - with no surprises! You can sell with confidence.
- If you are intending on selling by auction in particular, having a building inspection completed prior to listing will enable potential buyers to view the report in advance, as the usual time-frame to do due diligence may be affected.
- Prices from $600 incl gst (1-2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1 kitchen, concrete floor)
- Contact 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 bulding surveyors (i.e. BOINZ Level 2 members), such as Confidence Building Inspections. Inspections are non-invasive, and include intensive non-invasive moisture testing of the exterior, and the interior of external walls, supported by a specialised written report based on NZBC E2 External Moisture. If significant leaks or defects are found, invasive testing may be recommended.
Prices from $750 incl gst, based on size and complexity of construction/designContact us today for a free quote
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, insulation, ventilation, draughts, and moisture ingress and drainage. A comprehenisve report will be provided with photographic evidence.
- Prices from $400 incl gst when undertaken as a stand-alone assessment
- Prices from $150 incl gst when undertaken alongside a full building inspection.
Property Maintenance and Advice
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 $150 incl gst
Would you like a full check of your existing home/rental and summary of maintenance issues which are due or coming up? The inspection will be similar to a pre-purchase inspection, and the report will give you an idea of what work needs doing to keep your home in good condition and a healthy environment (unfortunately we can't provide costs of maintenance/repairs as there are such wide variables). Fees dependant on size of property, but starting from $500 incl gst.
What does a building inspection report cover?
A full building inspection will report on the general condition of:
The purpose of a Property Inspection Report is to identify existing significant defects which are visible and reasonably accessible at the time of inspection. 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.
Methamphetamine 'P' Testing
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.