Savvy Houz Inspections

Savvy Houz Inspections Dean Norrie at Savvy Houz Inspections is a LBP licensed, qualified Builder, with 20+ years

14/06/2026

Building report in Hanmer Springs yesterday! Make sure when you work hard remember to stop and smell the roses and listen to Bell Bird song!!!

Christchurch 1.6% growth
12/06/2026

Christchurch 1.6% growth

We had seen several building reports from other inspectors by the time we got Dean to do one for us, his was much more d...
03/06/2026

We had seen several building reports from other inspectors by the time we got Dean to do one for us, his was much more detailed and informative. It was really easy to book on the website and he got in touch with us within an hour with a time to complete the inspection. We will definitely use him again for our next move.

Would recommend Savvy Houz for building inspections. Got a building report completed for a house we brought. Fast contac...
03/06/2026

Would recommend Savvy Houz for building inspections. Got a building report completed for a house we brought. Fast contact, flexible hours, good communication and fast, thorough report. Report was easy to read, identified any issues and allowed us to move forward with our home purchase. Appreciated there services as they don’t mess you around. Would absolutely use them again and recommend to friends and family.

Skylights – A Common Leak Risk AreaSkylights are a fantastic way to bring natural light into your home, but they are als...
03/06/2026

Skylights – A Common Leak Risk Area
Skylights are a fantastic way to bring natural light into your home, but they are also a common risk area for water ingress.
Because skylights pe*****te the roof cladding, they rely on flashings, seals, and drainage channels to remain watertight. Over time, these components can deteriorate due to weather exposure, movement, and general wear and tear.
To help prevent leaks and costly repairs:
✔ Inspect and maintain flashings and seals regularly
✔ Keep drainage holes clear of dirt and debris
✔ Check for signs of moisture staining around the skylight
✔ Include skylight maintenance as part of your home's regular maintenance plan
Regular inspections by a qualified specialist can help identify issues early and ensure your skylight continues to perform as intended.
Remember: A small maintenance issue today can prevent a major leak tomorrow.

Happy Kings Birthday!
31/05/2026

Happy Kings Birthday!

Dean has provided great service to me. He was quick in responding back to me questions as well and doing the inspection....
27/05/2026

Dean has provided great service to me. He was quick in responding back to me questions as well and doing the inspection. The report was thorough and he was happy to answer further questions I had about the report. Would recommend him!

ACCESS AND PETS: HOW TO PREPARE FOR A SMOOTH BUILDING INSPECTIONBooking a building inspection? A little preparation can ...
27/05/2026

ACCESS AND PETS: HOW TO PREPARE FOR A SMOOTH BUILDING INSPECTION

Booking a building inspection? A little preparation can make a big difference—not just for the inspector, but for the quality and accuracy of the report you receive.
One of the most important (and often overlooked) factors is access.

Why Access Matters
A building inspection is only as thorough as the access available on the day. If key areas can’t be reached or viewed properly, there’s a higher chance that important issues may go unnoticed.
It’s not always about what’s wrong with a property—sometimes it’s about what can’t be seen because access is restricted.

What to Prepare Before the Inspection
To get the most value from your inspection, make sure these areas are accessible:
Garage, sheds, and sleepouts
Ensure all external buildings are unlocked and available to inspect.
Roof space and subfloor
Clear a safe path to access points such as manholes or hatches.
Around walls and key fixtures
Move stored items away from walls, hot water cylinders, electrical boards, and other important areas.
Outdoor areas
Trim back overgrown vegetation and ensure pathways are clear and safe.
Even small obstacles can limit what an inspector can properly assess.

What About Pets?
Pets are part of the home—but on inspection day, they can create safety risks or distractions.
Secure dogs and other animals in a safe, contained area
Ensure pets won’t interfere with access to key parts of the property
Let the inspector know in advance if animals are present
This helps the inspection run smoothly, safely, and without interruption.

Buying, Selling, or Healthy Homes Compliance
Whether you’re:
Buying a property
Preparing to sell
Organising a Healthy Homes assessment

Making the home fully accessible allows for a more accurate and complete inspection. It reduces the likelihood of missed issues and gives everyone involved greater confidence in the outcome.

Final Thought
A well-prepared property leads to a better inspection—and better information for you.
If you’re unsure how to get your property ready, it’s always worth asking. A small amount of preparation can go a long way in making sure nothing important is overlooked.

Window Stays on Second-Level Dwellings: A Simple Safety UpgradeWindows are essential for light, ventilation, and comfort...
27/05/2026

Window Stays on Second-Level Dwellings: A Simple Safety Upgrade
Windows are essential for light, ventilation, and comfort—but in multi-level homes, they can also present a serious fall risk, particularly for young children.
On second-storey levels and above, open windows without safety restrictions can allow a child to climb, lean, or fall out. It’s a hazard that is often overlooked, especially in homes where windows open wide or furniture is positioned nearby.
Why Window Stays Matter
Window stays (also known as restrictors) are designed to limit how far a window can open, reducing the risk of falls while still allowing airflow.
• They help prevent windows from opening beyond a safe distance
• They are especially important in bedrooms and living areas where children spend time
• They provide peace of mind without compromising ventilation
Key Risk Factors to Watch For
• Low windowsills that are easy for children to climb onto
• Wide-opening windows without restrictors
• Furniture placed near windows, giving children easy access
• Homes with visiting children or grandchildren, not just permanent occupants
Practical Safety Tips
• Install window stays or restrictors on all upper-level windows
• Keep beds, chairs, and other climbable furniture away from windows
• Ensure any restrictors used can be released quickly by an adult in case of emergency
• Regularly check that stays are secure and functioning properly
For Homeowners and Buyers
If you’re living in, renting, or purchasing a multi-level property, take time to assess window safety. It’s a relatively low-cost upgrade that can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury.
Final Thought
A fall from height can happen in seconds—but it’s also highly preventable.
Installing window stays is a simple, practical step that helps make your home safer for everyone—especially the youngest members of the household.

Loose Ovens: A Hidden Risk—Especially in an EarthquakeAn oven that isn’t properly secured to the cabinetry might seem li...
27/05/2026

Loose Ovens: A Hidden Risk—Especially in an Earthquake

An oven that isn’t properly secured to the cabinetry might seem like a minor issue, but it can present a real safety risk—particularly in areas prone to seismic activity.

Built-in ovens are designed to be firmly fixed in place. When they’re not correctly installed or have come loose over time, there’s a risk they could shift, tip, or slide forward.

Why This Matters
• Earthquake risk – In a seismic event, an unsecured oven can move or fall out of its housing
• Injury hazard – A heavy appliance shifting forward can cause serious harm
• Damage to wiring or connections – Movement can strain electrical connections, creating additional risks
• Daily use risk – Even without an earthquake, a loose oven can shift when the door is opened or weight is applied
Signs an Oven May Not Be Secure
• The oven moves or tilts when the door is opened
• Visible gaps between the oven and cabinetry
• Missing or loose fixing screws/brackets
• The unit feels unstable when gently tested

What Should Be Done
• Ensure the oven is properly fixed using manufacturer-approved brackets or screws
• Have installation checked by a qualified technician or installer
• Address the issue promptly—this is a simple fix with important safety benefits

For Homeowners and Buyers
If you’re inspecting a property, don’t overlook built-in appliances. A loose oven may indicate poor installation or rushed workmanship—and it’s something that should be corrected before use.

Final Thought
It’s a small detail, but one that matters—especially in earthquake-prone regions.
Making sure your oven is securely fixed helps protect your home, your appliances, and most importantly, the people using them.

Address

217 Grahams Road, Burnside
Christchurch
8053

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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