Building inspection: what it covers and what to ask
What a pre-purchase building inspection looks at, what it misses and questions to ask.
- An inspection is a visual check of what is accessible on the day. It does not open walls or lift carpet.
- It usually does not cover hidden defects, Building Code compliance, drains, ground stability or structure.
- Ask what the inspector could not see, and what worries them about this age and type of house.
- Book specialist reports for known risks, such as drainage, asbestos, meth or ground and slope issues.
- Ask your lawyer how strong the builder's report condition is, and whether you can use the findings to renegotiate.What does Building report mean?A building report is a written check of the property by an accredited inspector that lists any defects; settled.govt.nz suggests one that meets the standard NZS 4306:2005. settled.govt.nz (Te Kāhui Kāinga Ora / REA): Learning about the property
Check the details. Check the inspection scope with the inspector, and the contract condition wording with your lawyer.
Shortened from a Berry article first written 2026-05-16. Figures we could not check against a public source were taken out. This is general information, not advice.