Whatever the age or condition of the home, it’s worthwhile having a building inspection done.  As the leaky homes problem shows, even new homes are not immune from potential problems.

A building surveyor can inspect your home and tell you:

• What condition it is in
• Any significant maintenance or defects
• Any other issues you may need to clarify.

A building inspection is a common condition with many offers and can be useful because:

• It forewarns you of any problems before you buy the home
• You may be able to negotiate a lower price as a result of any issues found
• If you have renovations in mind the building surveyor can guide you as to whether they may be possible
• Your bank may require one as a condition of approving finance.

To find a building surveyor:

• Ask your friends or family for a recommendation
• Talk to your bank or a lawyer, as they may be able to recommend one
• If asking a real estate agent, it’s best to approach an independent one 
• Check your local Yellow Pages under Building Inspections.

Questions to ask a building surveyor:

• Do they work to New Zealand Standards for property inspections?
• What are the qualifications of the inspector – is the inspector an Accredited Building Surveyor?
• Are they independent or do they have any alliance or association with any of the parties involved?
• Do they hold professional indemnity insurance? This is a requirement of the New Zealand Standards.
• What is their fee and what does it cover?
• What will their report contain? The New Zealand Standards require a written report.
• Do they fully inspect the property; foundations, interior and exterior of the home and roof, check the attic, retaining walls etc? 
• How long will their inspection take and when can you expect their report? 
• You may want to ask to see a sample report.
• Can you be present so they can highlight and explain any issues?
• Are they available to discuss the report once completed (for example if you have any questions)?
• A Building Officials Institute of New Zealand Accredited Building Surveyor is an industry assessed property inspection expert and will comply with New Zealand Standards.

The report may recommend a specialist report by an electrician, plumber, engineer or weather tight specialist surveyor based on what was found.

Fees:

• A building surveyors report is likely to cost from $450, depending on the property size and age.

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