Building Surveying Services

09/06/2026

We truly appreciate your kind words and ongoing trust in our services. Reviews like yours inspire us to keep improving and delivering the best for our clients. Thank you for your support!

04/06/2026

Shower leaks are one of the most common causes of hidden damage in New Zealand homes and often go unnoticed during open homes and property viewings. What starts as a small leak can quietly lead to damaged wall linings, timber deterioration, and significant repair costs. A detailed building inspection helps identify issues that may be hidden behind the walls before you commit to a purchase.
Contact us today to book your pre-purchase inspection.

25/05/2026

Over time, roof fixings can loosen due to weather exposure and natural movement. During our inspections, we visually assess the roof where safe to do so and identify any areas needing attention.
Contact us today to arrange your building inspection.

20/05/2026

What is a Monolithic Home, and Things to Look Out for When Buying One

Monolithic homes became very popular in New Zealand during the 1990s and early 2000s. The term “monolithic cladding” refers to homes built with a solid-looking exterior finish, often using plaster or textured coatings over materials such as polystyrene, fibre cement, or concrete.

While many monolithic homes are perfectly fine, some have become associated with New Zealand’s well-known “leaky homes” issues — especially properties built between the mid-1990s and early 2000s.

Quick Checklist Before Buying a Monolithic Home

✅ Get a thorough pre-purchase building inspection
✅ Ask whether the home has cavity construction
✅ Check for signs of moisture or water ingress
✅ Review council records and consent history
✅ Look carefully around windows, decks, and roof joins
✅ Ask about any recladding or remediation work
✅ Check whether moisture testing is included in the report
✅ Understand insurance and lending implications
✅ Look for ventilation and drainage details
✅ Don’t panic — many monolithic homes are well built and maintained

What Makes Monolithic Homes Higher Risk?

The biggest concern is moisture becoming trapped behind the cladding. Older designs often lacked:

Ventilation cavities
Proper flashing systems
Adequate drainage paths
Sufficient roof overhangs

If water gets in and cannot escape, timber framing can begin to rot over time — sometimes without obvious visible signs.

Things to Look Out For
Cracking in the Cladding

Hairline cracks may allow moisture into the wall system. Small cracks are common, but larger or poorly maintained cracks should be investigated.

Staining or Swelling

Discolouration, bubbling paint, swollen skirting boards, or soft areas around windows and doors can indicate moisture problems.

Flat Roofs and Minimal Eaves

Homes with flat roofs, parapets, or very small eaves tend to have higher weather-tightness risk because rainwater is less protected from the building envelope.

Decks Attached Through the Cladding

Poorly designed deck connections were a major issue in many leaky homes. These areas deserve extra attention during inspections.

Poor Ventilation

Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries need good ventilation to reduce internal moisture build-up.

Are All Monolithic Homes Bad?

No — definitely not.

Many monolithic homes:

Were built correctly
Have been reclad
Have cavity systems installed
Have been well maintained for years

The key is proper due diligence before buying.

Why a Building Report is So Important

A quality pre-purchase building report can help identify:

Moisture risks
Signs of past leaks
Structural concerns
Deferred maintenance
Potential repair costs

For monolithic homes especially, buyers should ensure the inspector has experience with weather-tightness issues and includes moisture testing as part of the assessment.

Final Thoughts

Buying a monolithic home is not automatically a bad decision — but it is a property type where careful investigation matters. A detailed building inspection and understanding the home’s construction history can save buyers from very expensive surprises later on.

18/05/2026

Gully traps play an important role in preventing surface water and debris from entering the sewer system. During our inspections, we locate and assess gully traps where accessible to ensure they are correctly installed.
Book an inspection to make sure your property is protected.

12/05/2026

During an inspection, we access the roof space where possible to assess insulation coverage and ensure there is a continuous thermal envelope. Proper insulation plays a key role in comfort and energy efficiency.
Book an inspection to ensure your home is performing as it should.

05/05/2026

Hidden issues can quickly turn into expensive problems if left undetected. A professional building inspection helps uncover risks before they impact your investment.
Call Building Surveying Services today to book your inspection.

28/04/2026

This past weekend we paused to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who have served New Zealand.

ANZAC Day is a reminder of the values that shaped this country; resilience, integrity, and looking out for one another.

In our day-to-day work and lives, those same values matter.

Lest we forget.

21/04/2026

Joanne has been a valued part of the team for many years and is often your first point of contact. Her approachable and organised nature ensures every client is looked after and the office runs smoothly.
Contact us today and Joanne will help get your inspection booked.

Providing professional building inspections for all types of properties. This includes residential, industrial and commercial. If you are buying, selling or building property you can count on our reliable and experienced team.

13/04/2026

Old ceiling decorations such as this were on trend once upon a time.
​
​If you want to get rid of them by scraping or sanding them off, be sure to get the ceiling tested for asbestos before commencing work.
​
​You don't want to contaminate yourself, your family and the rest of your house.