Questions To Ask Your Building Inspector

Buying a property is a huge investment. You’ve found one you like, but how do you know if it’s a good one or if it’s a lemon?

This is where a building inspection comes in. It will provide you with all the information unseen to the naked, or untrained, eye, so you know exactly what you’re getting!

A building inspector is an impartial third party, not associated with the real estate agent, vendor or owner, so you can trust them to provide you with an honest assessment of the house you might soon be calling home.

Building inspectors are the experts so you shouldn’t have to ask them any questions, but here are five questions you can ask your building inspector, so you can feel confident about who you are trusting with your potential investment.

1. What standards do you follow?
   We recommend and adhere to the New Zealand Standard for Residential Property and the guidelines that NZS4306 demands. While there are no compulsory standards, following these guidelines ensures everything is above board and you’re getting your money’s worth, so it pays to ask this question.
    

2. Do you have insurance?
   Insurance will provide a safety net in the very rare situation your building inspector fails to identify a major fault. Insurance for building inspectors can be expensive and hard to obtain so many inspectors choose to go without. We appreciate the importance of having insurance for our clients so we make the investment.
    

3. Do I have to be present at the building inspection?
   You don’t have to be present at the inspection. We will discuss the findings of the inspection with you verbally over the phone if you’re not able to make it and then provide a comprehensive written report with photos, where necessary, so you can feel confident that you understand the house in its entirety. If you have any questions about the report or it’s findings, we encourage you to contact us so you completely understand what work (if any) is needed.
    

4. What areas of the property do you cover?
   Depending on the property this will vary but key areas to check that will be included are pools, separate garages/sheds and the deck, so pick up the phone to get an accurate quote. Also check that your building inspector will be getting up into the roof to have a look around at the structural work as well as plumbing, electrical and insulation for compliance. Sometimes there can be an issue with health and safety so it’s good to ask this question!
    

5. Would you buy this property?
   The building inspector doesn’t work for the real estate agent, vendor or owner, they are there to give a fair and honest evaluation of the property, so who better to ask! If the answer is no, that could be a red flag so find out why.
    

We believe you shouldn’t have to know the right questions to ask because your building inspector should tell you everything you need to know. We pride ourselves on our transparency and honesty, and being on your side when making one of the biggest investments of your life.

So, pick up the phone and have a chat with us - and ask us all the questions you like!

Have you met Simon? He’s our lead Building Inspector with over 33 years of experience in the building industry and recently did a building inspection that briefly featured on TVNZ’s One News. Click here to see the interview.