Buying property in Wanaka and Queenstown is a significant financial investment. The services of a reputable building inspector allow buyers to purchase with confidence fully informed about the property that they are investing in.
Vendors are frequently, in my experience, not even aware of many of the issues identified in a quality building inspection report.
Tools utilised which identify issues undetectable to the untrained eye will include, an infrared thermography, a capacitance moisture meter, a wealth of experience and a high attention to detail.
Thermal imaging inspection helps by detecting; electrical faults, plumbing issues, leaks, areas of high moisture, underfloor heating problems and insulation completion.
Credentials to look for are that the inspector is a licensed building practitioner, a certified thermal thermographer, experience, passion for their work and membership of the institute of building inspectors.
An inspection will be followed by a comprehensive written report. This will be a useful document to both any lending company involved and an insurance company. The report should be impressively comprehensive and detailed, providing photographic evidence of issues involved.
Descriptions will be provided of the construction and functionality of ceilings, walls, electrical fittings, cabinetry, windows, heating systems, plumbing, fixed appliances, electrical system types, switchboard inspection, roof space inspection, hot water supply system, access, insulation, presence of any pests, flashing, cladding, junctions in the building systems, any deterioration in coatings/ surface finishing, rain water systems, gates, fences, section drainage, surfaces, safety hazards, water pressure, water supply source and wastewater disposal system. The report should be user friendly and provide a summary of concerns with photographic evidence after detailing the specific components inspected.
Parts of the report will be based on information and records held by the local authority.
My experience with this service has been extremely positive and I am always impressed by the worth of the assessment provided. From the mailbox at the street frontage to the carpet beetle in the farthest corner of the sleepout to the compliance with the maintenance schedule for the heating system. This has always proved to be money well invested.
New Zealanders have become very aware of different types of cladding systems in recent years, because of weather tightness issues. There have been significant issues with a system termed as “monolithic cladding” used reasonable extensively in New Zealand in the past 25 years.
Monolithic cladding is a cladding of sheet material that forms a continuous mass with an applied coating to give the appearance of a seamless cladding. Examples include; stucco, plastered fibre cement based sheets (Harditex) and EIFS (exterior insulation and finish systems – which is polystyrene with plaster over the top). The cladding is directly fixed to the timber framing with no cavity system in place. The reason that this system can cause a leaky home is that if moisture was to get in, it has no means of escape. Today most homes with a plaster finish must have a cavity.
It is important to note that not all monolithic cladding homes leak. Leaky homes are not caused because these cladding systems are unsatisfactory. Additional factors need to be taken into consideration such as poor detail, blocked gutters, no eaves, ground heights, flashing details, or lack of flashings etc. Monolithically clad properties should not leak if they have been carefully constructed, have had the final coat of waterproofing correctly applied and are well maintained. Further information on this system can be viewed at http://www.dbh.govt.nz
I recommend for all clients buying property in Wanaka and Queenstown to seriously consider a building inspection especially of homes with this type of construction.
Buyers Agent NZ works to ensure that your decision to buy a specific property is an informed one based on obtaining independent and objective professional advice that is from the most respected practitioners within the Central Lakes region.