What is and isn’t included in a standard building report?

Any property purchase is a major decision, and one that is best made with a building report to help the new owner determine the exact condition of the structure and the grounds. 

These building reports are quite comprehensive, and will help a prospective buyer understand the parts of the property that they might not know to look for themselves. However, a building report doesn’t necessarily cover every check possible – in particular, asbestos testing. 

Here’s what a standard building report will cover, and what it won’t.

Included: The structure and exterior condition 

A building report begins with a thorough inspection of the property’s exterior and structural elements. 

This includes the cladding, where inspectors look for cracks, rot, or other damage that could allow moisture to enter the home. The roof is carefully assessed for issues such as rust, damaged or missing tiles, and the condition of flashing (another leak prevention mechanism).

They will then inspect the foundations, windows, doors, and any decks and fencing for safety and their overall condition.

Included: Interiors

Any inspection will cover the interiors, making note of the condition of the walls, ceilings, and floors. 

The inspector will look for signs of damage and wear. They will also look at all the joinery to determine if all the doors and windows open and close, and lock and open, as they should. 

Fittings and cupboards are included in this part of the report.

Included: Moisture checks and weather-proofing 

New Zealand homes are renowned for being damp with our cold and wet winters. That’s why every standard building inspection here will include checks for weather-proofing and moisture. 

They will look around high-risk areas, including showers, windows, and external cladding joints. Any leaks or moisture could require costly fixes in the future, so it’s important that any property owners know about these issues prior to making a purchase.

Included: Roofspace and subfloor 

You’re probably not going to crawl into the roofspace during an open home – but a building inspector will for a report. 

These spaces can go for years without someone looking at them, which is why it’s so important to have it done during an inspection. They will check the trusses, framing, and insulation, looking for any signs of leaks or damage. 

If there is a subfloor space, the inspection will check that as well.

Included: Basic services 

A building inspection will also include a high-level check for services including plumbing and wiring. 

They’re looking at the condition of the switchboard and any accessible writing, and they’re checking pipes for damage, as well as water pressure issues. 

Note that a building inspector is not typically a licensed electrician or plumber, so these service checks are general only.

Included: Outdoor areas 

A look around the outdoor spaces of a property will check for any drainage issues, or if there has been any erosion. 

Inspectors will also check the stability of any retaining walls.

Not included: Asbestos testing 

A common misunderstanding is that asbestos testing is part of a standard building report. In most cases, it is not included. Building inspectors do not typically carry out asbestos sampling, as this requires specialised training and laboratory testing.

If you suspect your potential property might have asbestos, you would need to hire an expert to carry out an asbestos test.

We cover the three main signs a property might need an asbestos check here, but in short, they are: 

• Your property was built prior to the year 2000
• There is textured paint on the property
• You are planning to renovate or do other work on the property

If asbestos is found, you should be able to negotiate for a lower price on a property purchase to account for getting professional asbestos removal in future. 

While we don’t do asbestos testing here at PRO Environmental Services, we do offer asbestos removal, as well as environmental cleaning and demolition work. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote!