HOUSE INSPECTIONS NEW ZEALAND

Most New Zealanders use the term "house inspection." In the industry, it’s called a building inspection—and it's the same service.

If you’re searching for a house inspection, you're looking for an independent, qualified inspector to examine a property’s condition before you commit to buying it. That is precisely what we do, and you can read the full details on our Building Inspection page.

What’s worth adding here is the part specific to houses. A standalone house presents a different set of risks from an apartment or a commercial building — and the era it was built in changes what we look at most closely. Both are covered below.

MORGAN KIRCHER - OWNER/DIRECTOR

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YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE

COMPLETED INSPECTIONS

6 Things We Check on Every House Inspection

Roof and Roof Space

A house has its own roof cavity, and it's where we most often find failed flashings, inadequate insulation, and bathroom extractor fans venting into the wrong place. We inspect the roof exterior, the framing, the insulation and the ventilation.

Roof & weathertightness

Subfloor and Foundations

Most New Zealand houses have a suspended timber floor with a subfloor we can get into — something an apartment simply doesn't allow. That's where we assess the piles, ventilation, plumbing, borer, and the first signs of foundation movement.

Foundation guide

Cladding and Weathertightness

A house has far more cladding, corners, junctions and penetrations than an apartment, and every one is a potential entry point for water. We assess the envelope closely, with particular attention to homes built during the monolithic cladding era.

Monolithic cladding guide

Moisture Testing Throughout

We test with both pin-type and non-invasive meters at windows, doors, cladding penetrations, bathrooms and kitchen areas. It is the single most important check on a New Zealand house — moisture sits behind the most expensive problems we find.

Moisture testing guide

Interior and Unconsented Work

We examine wall linings, floors, windows, doors and fittings throughout the house, and look for alterations made without consent. Unpermitted work is common in older homes, and it can affect both your insurance and your ability to sell.

Problems behind your walls

Site, Drainage and Outbuildings

A house owns its section, so ground levels, retaining walls, paths, decks, driveways and stormwater all form part of the inspection — along with garages, carports, sleepouts and sheds, which may be unconsented.

Hidden traps for buyers

Important: Our building inspection is a visual assessment of accessible areas. We don't remove fixtures, lift floor coverings, or conduct invasive investigations. The inspection takes about 1-2 hours on-site, and you're welcome to attend. If our inspection identifies concerns requiring specialist assessment, we'll recommend appropriate follow-up testing.

Building Inspection Services Throughout New Zealand
Alert Building Inspections provides professional builders reports throughout New Zealand. We service Auckland, North Shore, West Auckland, East Auckland (Howick & Pakuranga), Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Tauranga, Dunedin, Whangarei, Rotorua, Hawkes Bay and Palmerston North. Wherever you're buying, our trade-qualified inspectors deliver comprehensive reports within 24-48 hours.

Book Your Building Inspection Today

Our inspectors cover most of New Zealand — so wherever you're buying, we deliver your report within 24 to 48 hours.

Confirm your quote before you commit. Call 0800 4 ALERT (425 378), or book online and we’ll be in touch the same day.

Not sure what you’ll receive? See what’s in a written building report →

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