A: This is a common question, but you need to be certain you are comparing like with like. Some companies have a cheaper start price and have add-ons which make the cost balloon out. At BuildQual NZ Ltd, we price the job dependent on the size and location of the property. Our standard cost provides you an inspection which is compliant with the New Zealand Standard on property inspections – NZS4306:2005. We do moisture testing, and floor level assessment as part of that inspection –  all at a price tailored to suit your requirements and the location of the property. You get peace of mind in a report, at a reasonable price quoted up front – in just over 24 hours from the inspection.

A: Yes … if the inspector recommends a full floor level survey and detailed plan; if you need a drone inspection of the roof, or meth testing, there is an additional cost. Also there is a modest additional cost for checking the EQC scope of works against the property.

A: BuildQual NZ Ltd is an established Canterbury company that uses  independent Licensed Building Practioners or Registered Property Inspectors (NZIMI Reg.) to conduct the inspections. We are flexible and honest – we do what we say we will. When you book a property inspection report with BuildQual NZ Ltd, we send you a letter of engagement – so you know what’s going to happen, when and with which inspector. Most importantly it outlines the cost and itemises all terms and conditions. Totally transparent!!

A: No … BuildQual NZ Ltd will liaise with your agent and arrange access to the property. This is one less thing you need to worry about!! Engage BuildQual NZ Ltd and we will just get on with it and provide you with a high quality, detailed report within 48 hours of the inspection. Having said that though … last week an agent requested a report urgently. I got the call at 1 p.m., had an inspector on-site at 2:30 p.m. and the report to the agent by 11:30 a.m. the next day.

A: No … we do not. Thermal Imaging (TI) is good within parameters but it’s looking for differences in temperature in a wall. Hot vs Cold … and then the operator makes a leap of faith and says “if it’s cold, it must be wet”. This is not always the case and I have been called in after an inspection that has used TI only to find that moisture is not present. In one case the home owner was distraught – she thought her house sale was crumbling in front of her eyes.

I use a non-invasive capacitive based tester and an pronged resistance based tester – where appropriate.

A: Yes to both. Our reports have been relied upon since 2011 by both banks and insurance companies. Peace of Mind for them too!!

A: Talk to us about your needs and what has happened. BuildQual NZ Ltd prices its inspections competitively assuring you get value for money.  You can’t imagine the cost of buying a house without knowing about any defects that may exist, now that’s expensive. Considered on a case-by-case basis.