Building Inspection Services

Independent building inspections to help you buy, sell and own property with confidence.

Building Inspection & Due Diligence Services

Whether you’re purchasing your first home, preparing a property for sale or wanting an independent assessment of its condition, Inquest provides professional building inspections across New Zealand. Our inspections help identify significant defects, maintenance issues and potential risks so you can make informed decisions.

Pre-Purchase Inspections

Independent assessments to help buyers understand a property’s condition before purchase.

subfloor inspection

Pre-Sale Inspections

Understand your property’s condition before marketing begins and before purchaser due diligence starts.

Inquest Presale inspection

Monolithic Cladding & Risk-Era Assessments

Helping purchasers identify weathertightness risks commonly associated with monolithic cladding and other higher-risk building systems before committing to a purchase.

Understanding Moisture Readings in Building Inspections

Building Surveying & Consultancy

Independent advice and specialist building assessments for complex property concerns.

Inquest Building Consultancy

Healthy Homes Assessment

Assess compliance with the Healthy Homes Standards for rental properties.

healthy Homes ventilation

Cost to Rectify Inclusion (CRI Report)

Experience-based repair cost estimates to support informed property decisions and negotiations.

inquest onsite

When a building inspection isn’t enough

Some properties require more than a standard building inspection. Where we identify signs of weathertightness concerns, structural movement, significant moisture risks or compliance issues, we can provide specialist building surveying services.

What’s Included in a Building Inspection?

Every Inquest Building Inspection is a comprehensive, non-invasive visual assessment of the property’s readily accessible areas. Conducted in accordance with the principles of NZS 4306, our inspections are designed to identify significant defects, maintenance concerns and other visible issues that may influence your property decision.

  • Site and Structure

    Assessment of site conditions, drainage, foundations, subfloor areas (where accessible) and other elements that may affect the property’s performance.

  • Exterior

    Inspection of exterior cladding, joinery, windows, doors, decks, balconies and other visible building envelope components, including indicators of moisture ingress or weathertightness concerns.

  • Roof

    Assessment of roof coverings, flashings, gutters, downpipes and, where accessible, the roof space,  framing, insulation and ventilation.

  • Interior

    Inspection of internal walls, ceilings, floors, kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and other readily accessible areas, including visible moisture-related concerns where appropriate.

  • Moisture Scanning

    Where appropriate, moisture scanning is carried out using non-invasive moisture detection equipment to help identify areas of elevated moisture that may warrant further investigation. Moisture readings are considered alongside the visual inspection and other observations.

  • Plumbing and Electrical

    A visual assessment of accessible plumbing fixtures, sanitary fittings and electrical components, with observations noted where systems or materials appear outdated, damaged or warrant further investigation by an appropriately qualified specialist.

Why Choose Inquest for Your Building Inspection?

Independent Advice

Our inspections provide clear, objective information to help you understand a property’s condition and make informed decisions with confidence.

Experienced Inspectors

Our inspectors have extensive experience assessing New Zealand homes and understand the construction methods, materials and common defects found across the country.

Building Inspection & Surveying Expertise

Our inspectors are supported by specialist building surveying expertise, providing access to more detailed investigation and technical advice when complex building issues are identified.

Comprehensive Digital Reports

You’ll receive a clear, easy-to-read digital report outlining the property’s condition, significant defects, maintenance issues and recommendations for further investigation where appropriate.

Moisture Detection Technology

Where appropriate, we use non-invasive moisture detection equipment alongside the visual inspection to help identify areas that may require further investigation.

Discuss Your Report

Your inspector is available to answer questions, explain the findings and help you understand the report before you make your next property decision.

Need Help Choosing the Right Inspection?

Whether you’re buying, selling or investigating a property concern, we’ll help you choose the most appropriate inspection service and explain exactly what to expect before you book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Inquest provides a range of independent building inspection services designed to help buyers, sellers, homeowners and property owners make informed decisions. Our services include Pre-Purchase Building Inspections, Pre-Sale Building Inspections, Healthy Homes Assessments, Monolithic Cladding & Risk-Era Assessments, Cost to Rectify (CRI) Reports and specialist Building Surveying services.

If you’re unsure which inspection is right for your situation, our team can help you choose the most appropriate service before you book.

The right inspection depends on your circumstances.

A Pre-Purchase Building Inspection is recommended when buying a property and wanting to understand its condition before your purchase becomes unconditional.

A Pre-Sale Building Inspection helps vendors identify maintenance issues and significant defects before taking a property to market.

If you’re concerned about weathertightness, structural movement, significant moisture issues or compliance matters, a specialist Building Survey may be more appropriate than a standard building inspection.

If you’re unsure, simply contact us and we’ll recommend the most suitable inspection for your needs.

A standard building inspection is designed to identify significant visible defects and maintenance issues.

However, some properties require more detailed investigation.

A Building Survey may be recommended where there are concerns about:

  • Weathertightness
  • Monolithic cladding
  • Structural movement or cracking
  • Significant moisture ingress
  • Building compliance issues
  • Insurance or legal matters
  • Complex building defects

Our inspectors will explain when a specialist Building Survey is likely to provide more appropriate advice.

Yes.

Our residential building inspections are conducted in accordance with the principles of NZS 4306, the recognised New Zealand Standard for residential property inspections.

NZS 4306 provides a framework for comprehensive visual, non-invasive inspections while clearly defining the scope and limitations of the inspection process. Where we identify indicators of more complex issues, we may recommend further specialist investigation.

Absolutely. Many clients find it helpful to be on site at the end of the inspection for a walkthrough or summary. This allows you to ask questions in context before receiving the full written report.  You will need to advise on booking so we can co-ordinate timings

Inspection availability varies depending on your location and current demand.

Because many property purchases are subject to due diligence timeframes, we recommend arranging your inspection as early as possible after your offer has been accepted.

If you have an urgent timeframe, contact us and we’ll do our best to accommodate your requirements.

You’ll receive a detailed inspection report outlining the property’s overall condition, significant defects, maintenance issues and any recommendations for further investigation where appropriate.

Your inspector is also available to discuss the report, answer your questions and help you understand the findings so you can make informed property decisions with confidence.

Booking is easy.

Simply contact our team by phone or complete our online enquiry form.

We’ll discuss your property, your circumstances and your timeframe before recommending the most appropriate inspection service. Once confirmed, we’ll arrange your inspection and keep you informed throughout the process.