What Does a Building Inspection Include? A Guide for Christchurch Homeowners
- Shane Browne
- Jul 30
- 2 min read
If you’re buying, selling, or maintaining a home in Christchurch, chances are you’ve been told to get a building inspection. But what exactly is included in one?
At Manetain Building Services, we carry out thorough, non-invasive building inspections across Christchurch and Canterbury—designed to give you a clear picture of a property’s condition before you commit or invest further.
Let’s break down what you can expect from a standard inspection.
What Is a Building Inspection?
A building inspection is a detailed visual assessment of a property’s structure, safety, and general condition. It’s not invasive (we won’t pull up carpets or remove wall linings), but it’s designed to highlight defects, hazards, and maintenance issues that may not be obvious to the untrained eye.
Our inspections follow the NZS 4306:2005 standard, which sets the benchmark for residential property reports in New Zealand.
What Does a Manetain Building Inspection Cover?
Here’s what we assess during every standard inspection:
Interior
Ceilings, walls, floors, doors, and windows
Signs of movement, dampness, or poor workmanship
Visible leaks or water damage in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries
Exterior
Cladding, weatherboards, and wall linings
Joinery, paint condition, flashings, and seals
Driveways, decks, fences, and retaining walls (where relevant)
Subfloor (if accessible)
Foundations, piles, ventilation, and drainage
Moisture damage, rot, and signs of structural issues
Roof Space (if accessible)
Roof framing, insulation, signs of leaks or condensation
Electrical and plumbing issues (visible only)
Moisture and Ventilation
Obvious signs of mould, dampness, or condensation
Ventilation issues in wet areas
Recommendations to prevent further issues
What’s Not Included?
We don’t carry out:
Invasive checks (e.g. lifting flooring or opening wall cavities)
Plumbing or electrical compliance testing
Valuations or detailed cost estimates
Specialised services like meth testing, asbestos sampling, or floor level surveys
If we see something concerning, we’ll flag it clearly in the report and recommend further investigation by the right specialist.
Why It Matters
Even brand-new homes can hide problems. Whether it’s minor wear and tear or serious moisture ingress, our goal is to arm you with the facts—so you can make confident decisions before buying, selling, or investing in maintenance.
Book a Building Inspection in Christchurch
With over 25 years of experience, Manetain is a trusted name for building inspections in Christchurch and across Canterbury. We’re fully insured, easy to deal with, and always honest in our assessments.
📞 027 345 3138
