T&Cs | TrueCheck Building Inspections

Terms & Conditions

A VISUAL INSPECTION ONLY is conducted in accordance with New Zealand Standard Property Inspection Requirements.

Inspector/Our/Us/We, means the company, partnership or individual named in the inspector details section of this report that you have requested to carry out the property inspection and report.

Client/You/Your, means the party identified on the client details section of this agreement as the Client, and where more than one party all such parties jointly and severally, together with any agent of that party.

Visual inspection was limited to those areas and sections of the property to which reasonable access was both available and permitted on the date of inspection.

The inspection DOES NOT include breaking apart, dismantling, removing or moving objects including, but not limited to, foliage, mouldings, roof insulation/sisalation, floor or wall coverings, sidings, ceilings, floors, furnishings, appliances or personal possessions.

The inspector CANNOT see inside walls, between floors, inside skillion roofing, inside the eaves, behind stored goods in cupboards, in other areas that are concealed or obstructed.

The inspector DOES NOT dig, gouge, force or perform any other invasive procedures. An invasive inspection will not be performed unless a separate contract is entered into. In an occupied property it must be understood that furnishings or household items may be concealing evidence of Timber Pests which may only be revealed when the items are moved or removed. In the case of Strata type properties only the interior of the unit is inspected.

Ability to carry out a full inspection was limited by variable access depending on the amount of furniture and personal items positioned throughout the house and other structures at the time of inspection.

Scope of Report

The scope of this inspection complies with the requirements of the New Zealand Standard (NZS 4306:2005). To provide advice to you regarding the condition of the property at the time of inspection.

The inspection comprises of a visual assessment of the property to identify major defects, safety hazards and significant maintenance issues present and to form an opinion regarding the general condition of the property at the time of inspection.

An estimate of the cost of rectification of defects is not required in an inspection report in accordance with this Standard. If an estimate is provided it is merely an opinion of possible costs that may be encountered and is not a guarantee or quotation for rectification work. The inspector accepts no liability for any estimates provided.

General Summary

Any person who relies upon the contents of this report does so acknowledging the scope and limitations of the inspection which forms an integral part of the report. Before you decide to act upon this report you should read and understand all of the information contained herein.

It will help to explain what is involved in a standard property inspection, the difficulties faced by an inspector and why it is not possible to guarantee that a property is free of defects. If there is anything contained within this report that is not clear or you have difficulty understanding, please contact the inspector prior to acting on this report.

The report is not intended as a certificate of compliance of the property within the requirements of any Act, regulation, ordinance, or by-law, or, as a warranty or an insurance policy against problems developing with the building in the future, nor does it include inspections of the building plans and specifications at your local council.

A Standard Property Inspection Report only deals with the detection or non detection of Structural Damage, Conditions Conducive to Structural Damage and any Significant Defect in the general condition of Secondary Elements and Finishing Elements of construction discernible at the time of inspection, with or without ancillary testing. All other reports are special-purpose inspection reports.

In the case of Strata and Company Title properties, the inspection is limited to the interior and immediate exterior of the particular unit/s being inspected. The complete inspection of other common property areas would be the subject of a special-purpose inspection report which is adequately specified.

Definitions

Access hole (cover) - Hole cut in flooring or other part of a structure to allow for entry to carry out an inspection.
Accessible area - Area of the site where sufficient safe and reasonable access is available to allow inspection within the scope of the inspection.
Client - Person or other entity for whom the inspection is being carried out.
Conditions Conducive to Structural Damage - Noticeable building deficiencies or environmental factors that may contribute to the occurrence of Structural Damage.
Deformation - An abnormal change of shape of primary elements resulting from the application of load(s)
Dampness - The presence of moisture within the building which is causing consequential damage to primary elements.
Dampness Tests - Instrument testing using an electronic Moisture detecting meter of those areas and other visible accessible elements of construction showing evidence of dampness was performed.
Damage - The building material or item has deteriorated or is not fit for its designed purpose
Distortion, Warping, Twisting - The item has moved out of shape or moved from its position.
Fungal decay - Loss of strength due to destruction of cellulose and or lignin by wood decay fungi. NOTE: Fungal decay is commonly but incorrectly called 'wet rot' and 'dry rot’.
Finishing Elements - Fixtures, fittings and finishes applied or affixed to Primary Elements and Secondary Elements such as baths, water closets, vanity basins, kitchen cupboards, door furniture, window hardware, render, floor and wall tiles, trim or paint. The term 'Finishing Elements' does not include furniture or soft floor coverings such as carpet and lino.
Inspection - Close and careful scrutiny of an item carried out in order to arrive at a reliable conclusion as to the condition of an item.
Inspector - Person or organization responsible for carrying out the inspection
Limitation - Factor that prevents full achievement of the purpose of the inspection.
Material Deterioration - The item is subject to one or more of the following defects; rusting, rotting, corrosion, decay.
Major safety hazard - An object or physical situation with a potential for causing harm to life or health of persons.
Major Defect - Is a defect requiring building works to avoid unsafe conditions, loss of function or further worsening of the defective item.
Minor Defect - Any defect other than what is described as a major defect. NOTE – Minor defects are common to most properties and may include minor blemishes, corrosion, cracking, weathering, general deterioration, unevenness, and physical damage to materials and finishes.
Mould - A type of fungus that does not structurally damage wood.
Non-invasive inspection - Visual inspection supplemented by sounding that does not mark the surface and may include limited use of equipment as described in this Standard.
Property - Allotment, including improvements and all timber structures such as buildings, patios, decking, landscaping, retaining walls, fences and bridges.
Requires Maintenance - A matter which, in view of the age, type or condition of the residential building, does not require substantial repairs or urgent attention and rectification and which could be attended to during normal maintenance.
Readily Accessible Areas - Areas which can be easily and safely inspected without injury to person or property, are up to 3.6 metres above ground or floor levels, in roof spaces where the minimum area of accessibility is not less than 600mm high by 600mm wide and subfloor spaces where the minimum area of accessibility is not less than 400mm high by 500mm wide, providing the spaces or areas permit entry OR, where these clearances are not available, areas within the inspector's unobstructed line of sight and within arm's length.
Site - Area within the property boundaries and within 30 meters of the nominated building.
Subfloor space - That part of a building between the soil and the ground floor level.
Structural Cracking/Movement - Major (full depth) cracking forming in primary elements resulting from differential movement between or within the elements of construction, such as foundations, footing, floors, walls and rooves.
Structural Timber Pest Damage - Structural failure, i.e. an obvious weak spot, deformation or even collapse of timber primary elements resulting from attack by one or more of the following wood destroying agents; chemical delignification, fungal decay (rot) wood borers (borers) and termites (white ants).
Structure - The load bearing part of the building, comprising the Primary Elements.
Secondary Elements - Parts of the building not providing load bearing capacity to the Structure, or those nonessential elements which, in the main, perform a completion role around openings in Primary Elements and the building in general such as non-load bearing walls, partitions, wall linings, ceilings, chimneys, flashings, windows, glazing or doors
Primary Elements - Parts of the building providing the basic load bearing capacity to the Structure, such as foundations, footings, floor framing, and load bearing walls, beams or columns. The term 'Primary Elements' also includes other structural building elements including those that provide a level of personal protection such as handrails, floor-to-floor access such as stairways, and the structural flooring of the building such as floorboards.
Physical Tests - The following physical actions undertaken by the inspector; opening and shutting of doors, windows and draws; operation of taps; water testing of shower recesses and the tapping of tiles and wall plaster.
Water Penetration, Dampness - Moisture has gained access to unplanned and/or unacceptable areas.

Moisture Readings

Moisture readings are taken using a Gann Hydromette® BL Compact B 2, a non-destructive meter that uses radio frequencies to detect moisture in walls, ceilings, and floors. The inspection focuses on areas such as: around windows, high-risk junctions, flashings, and ground-level spots. Any unusually high readings are highlighted in the report.

Moisture meter digit readings aren’t exact measurements of a material’s moisture content. They are compared across areas and assessed in context, rather than taken in isolation, unusually high results may point to areas needing further investigation. Readings are also influenced by the type and density of the material being tested, meaning that while two different materials may show the same reading, one may be considered dry while the other may be damp. Readings are interpreted using the following guide:

Softwood timbers (i.e pine framing, plasterboard/drywall):

10-60 = Dry | 60-90 = Damp | 90 + = Very moist / Wet

High density materials (i.e standard/dense concrete blocks, natural stone (granite, marble), ceramic tiles, steel (structural components):

30-90 = Dry | 90-120 = Damp | 120 + = Very moist / Wet

Timber framing can dry out over time due to seasonal changes, periods of vacancy, or if moisture has been deliberately hidden. Moisture readings reflect conditions at the time of inspection. Framing may be in a dry state and may not show historical issues. It is not possible to predict future moisture issues at the time of the inspection, and the device does not detect rot in timber.

We recommend further checks to confirm and understand the cause of any elevated readings. Invasive testing may be needed to get a full picture and check if any internal timbers are affected.

Limitations

The Inspector shall not be liable for failure to perform any duty or obligation that the inspector may have under this agreement, where such failure has been caused by inclement weather, industrial disturbance, accident, or any cause outside the reasonable control of the inspector.
This Inspection Report does NOT include the inspection and assessment of items or matters outside the scope of the requested inspection and report. Other items or matters may be the subject of a Special-Purpose Inspection Report which is adequately specified.
This Inspection Report does NOT include the inspection and assessment of items or matters that do not fall within the inspector's direct expertise.
The inspection only covers the Readily Accessible Areas of the property. The inspection did not include areas which were inaccessible, not readily accessible or obstructed at the time of inspection. Obstructions are defined as any condition or physical limitation which inhibits or prevents inspection and may include, but are not limited to fixed ceilings, wall linings, floor coverings, fixtures, fittings, furniture, clothes, stored articles/materials, thermal insulation, sarking, pipe/duct work, builders' debris, vegetation, pavements or earth.
New Zealand Standard Inspection of Buildings NZS 4306:2005 recognises that a standard property report is not a warranty or an insurance policy against problems developing with the building in the future.
This is not a structural engineering/damage report. Neither is this a warranty as to the absence of Timber Pest Attack.
Inspection for Timber Pest Activity was NOT carried out in this report.
Inspection for mould was NOT carried out at the property and no report is provided on this subject.
Inspection for Magnesite flooring was NOT carried out at the property. We advise the client to follow up any questions of concern to ascertain the presence of Magnesite flooring.
Inspection for asbestos was NOT carried out at the property, the report will NOT outline the absence or presence of asbestos.

Expected Performance

It is not possible to test the expected performance of the storm water drains or roof drainage, guttering systems, capping or roof leaks during normal, dry conditions.

The inspector cannot assess or examine the condition of storm water drainage, gutters, joins or sewer pipes for blockages or obstructions or breaks including rising damp and leaks which may be subject to the prevailing weather conditions; whether or not services have been used for some time prior to the inspection and whether this will affect the detection of leaks or other defects (e.g. In the case of shower enclosures the absence of any dampness at the time of the inspection does not necessarily mean that the enclosure will not leak).

As such, the inspector cannot comment of their condition or performance and therefore can take no responsibility or liability in this regard. Flashings, especially in older homes, should be carefully monitored for performance and replaced rather than repaired.

Exclusions

In accordance with New Zealand Standard NZS 4306:2005 a Standard Property Inspection Report does not cover or deal with:

Any 'minor fault or defect', i.e. a matter, in view of the age, type and condition of the building being inspected, does not require substantial repairs or urgent attention and rectification.
Solving or providing costs for any rectification or repair work.
The structural design or adequacy of any element of construction.
Footings; concealed damp-proof course; electrical installations; smoke detectors and residual current devices plumbing; drainage; gas-fittings; air-conditioning; garage door opening mechanisms; alarm systems; intercom systems; soft floor coverings including carpet and lino; paint coatings (interior) and hazards
Areas concealed by wall linings or cladding, landscaping, rubbish, floor coverings, furniture, pictures, appliances and stored items, insulation, masonry or any other obstructions to visual inspection.
The operation of fireplaces and chimneys
Any services including building, engineering (electronic), fire and smoke detection or mechanical
Any swimming pools and associated pool equipment or spa baths and spa equipment or the like
Any appliances such as dishwashers, insinkerators, ovens, stoves and ducted vacuum systems
A review of Occupational Health & Safety issues such as asbestos content, or the provision of safety glass or swimming pool fencing.
Whether the building complies with the provisions of any Building Act, Code, Regulation or By-laws; and
Whether the ground on which the building rests has been filled, is liable to subside, is subject to landslip, earthquakes or tidal inundation, or is flood prone.
Any other items listed in NZS 4306:2005 that have not been explicitly listed above.

Any of the above matters may be the subject of a Special-Purpose Inspection Report which is adequately specified and undertaken by an appropriately qualified inspector.

Accessibility

Unless specified in writing, the inspection only covered the Readily Accessible Areas of the Building and Site. The inspection did not include areas which were inaccessible, not readily accessible or obstructed at the time of inspection. Reasonable access shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of New Zealand Standards NZS 4306:2005 Safe and Reasonable Access.

The inspector did not move or remove any ceilings, wall coverings, floor coverings (including carpet and wooden floorboards), furnishings, equipment, appliances, pictures or other household goods. In an occupied property, furnishings or household items may be concealing defects which may only be revealed when the items are moved or removed.

In the case of Strata and Company Title properties or other Class 2 buildings or equivalent, if the inspection was limited to assessing the interior of a particular unit or lot, the client may have additional liability for defects or faults in the common property. This additional liability can only be addressed through the undertaking of a Special-Purpose Inspection Report which is adequately specified.

The inspector did not move or remove any obstructions such as wall cladding, awnings, trellis, earth, plants, bushes, foliage, stored materials, debris or rubbish. Such items may be concealing defects that may only be revealed when the items are moved or removed.

In inspecting the roof space of any pitched roof there was no inspection of areas where accessibility was less than 600mm high by 600mm wide, but includes areas at the eaves of accessible roof spaces that are within the inspector's unobstructed line of sight and within arm's length from a point with conforming clearance, i.e. 600mm high by 600mm wide.

Bodily access should be provided to the interior of all accessible roof spaces. In accordance with New Zealand Standard NZS 4306:2005 the minimum requirement is a 450mm by 400mm sized access manhole.

Obstructions such as roofing, stored articles, thermal insulation, sarking and pipe/duct work may be concealing evidence of defects which may only be revealed when the obstructions are moved or removed.

Storage of materials in subfloor areas is not recommended as it reduces ventilation and makes inspection difficult. Obstruction may be concealing evidence of damage or faults which may only be revealed when the obstructions are moved or removed.

Bodily access should be provided to all accessible subfloor areas. In accordance with New Zealand Standard NZS 4306:2005 the minimum requirement is a 500 mm x 400 mm access manhole. In the case of timber floors, the vertical clearance between the ground and structural components should be no less than 400 mm.

Disclaimer

This report is provided for the sole use of you, the Client named on the report, and for the purpose of a pre-sale or pre-purchase inspection report. No liability or responsibility whatsoever is accepted to any third party who may rely on the report wholly or in part. Any third party acting or relying on this report whether in whole or in part does so at their own risk which releases TrueCheck Building Inspections of any counter issues or recourse made by third parties.

Where verbal advice is given TrueCheck Building Inspections shall not be held responsible for any matters whatsoever should the Applicant/s misconstrue and/or fail to understand such advice given at any time during the client/business dealings.

Please note that all responsibility and liability rests with you (the client), to satisfy yourself of the structural soundness and value of the dwelling you are considering for sale or purchase. No liability will be accepted by TrueCheck Building Inspections for any error, negligence, omission or defect contained in this report whether such claim is for breach of contract or for negligence or a claim based on any other liability.

Insofar as permitted by law and without limiting the foregoing, any liability for compensation shall be limited to a full or partial refund of the fee paid for this pre-purchase inspection report and no claim shall be accepted for any loss or damage whatsoever including (without limitation) any claim for the cost of repair or rectification, loss of value, or any consequential loss of any nature whatsoever.

Disputes

The Client acknowledges and agrees that any claim regarding the accuracy of this report is limited to the specific areas inspected and may not extend to areas outside the scope of the report. The client must notify TrueCheck Building Inspections of any dispute in writing within ten (10) days of discovery. Except in cases of emergency, no alterations, replacements, or repairs are to be undertaken in the disputed areas before the inspector has had the opportunity to re-inspect. Failure to provide notice as set out above shall constitute a waiver of any and all claims relating to the accuracy of the report or the condition of the property.