Buying a home or investment property in New Zealand? A building inspection report is one of the most important tools to protect your investment — yet many buyers skip it or leave it too late.
Why It Matters
Building reports reveal potential problems that may not be visible during open homes or even private viewings. These can include:
- 🚧 Leaky homes or water ingress
- 🚧 Unconsented alterations or non-compliance
- 🚧 Structural issues or settlement
- 🚧 Pest, rot, or borer damage
Uncovering these issues early lets you:
- ✅ Walk away from a risky deal
- ✅ Negotiate on price
- ✅ Avoid thousands in unexpected repairs
Are Building Reports Legally Required?
No — but many mortgage lenders and legal advisors recommend or require one before unconditional approval. And for auctions, getting a report beforehand is often the only way to do your due diligence.
What Happens If You Don’t Get One?
Skipping a building inspection could leave you with costly surprises — like structural defects or uninsurable issues — after the deal is done. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.
How to Get a Building Report
You can search by address using InspectaCheck to see if a report already exists. If not, you can easily request one from a qualified inspector.
Related Reading
Still unsure? Contact us — we’re happy to guide you through the process.