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Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What is a pre-purchase building inspection?

A pre-purchase building inspection is a detailed assessment of a property's condition before you buy it. It identifies issues such as leaks, rot, deterioration, poor workmanship, and structural damage so you can make an informed buying decision.

Why should I get a building inspection before buying a home?

A building inspection helps you avoid costly surprises. It gives you the information you need to negotiate repairs or pricing and protects you from buying a property with hidden issues.

What makes Canterbury Property Reports different from other inspection companies?

We provide same day reports, include more photos and details, and go deeper in our inspections. Our reports are easier to read, locally focused, and trusted by buyers, agents, Insurers and lawyers across Canterbury.

Are your inspectors qualified and licensed?

Yes. Our inspectors are fully qualified building professionals with years of experience in New Zealand’s construction industry. They understand local conditions and building standards.

Do you offer same day building reports?

Yes. We often deliver reports on the same day as the inspection, This is especially helpful for time-sensitive sales and auctions.

Report & Coverage

What does your inspection include?

Our inspections cover the full property, including interior, exterior, roof, subfloor, plumbing observations, insulation, electrical observations, and additional checks including moisture testing, floor levels and more. Every report includes clear photos and easy to understand descriptions.

What types of properties do you inspect?

We inspect standalone houses, apartments, townhouses, units, and light commercial properties throughout Canterbury.

What areas do you service in Canterbury?

We service Christchurch, Rolleston, Rangiora, Kaiapoi, Lincoln, further afield across Canterbury. If you are unsure, get in touch and we will confirm coverage.

Do your reports include photos?

Yes. All reports include high resolution photos with arrows and labels showing exactly what we found and where. This helps you understand the issue even if you cannot attend the inspection.

What if the property has issues? Will your report help me negotiate?

Yes. Our reports highlight the severity and location of each issue and provide recommendations. Many buyers use them to negotiate repairs or price adjustments with the seller.

Is moisture testing included?

We undertake non-invasive moisture testing when specifically ordered with our full inspection packages. We can also undertake one off non invasive moisture checks. And where further investigation is required, we offer invasive testing options.

Do you check for unconsented work or code violations?

We look for signs of changes to a property that may differ from the properties original layout or any changes that may have been undertaken since construction. However, we recommend checking the property’s council records for clarity as changes to a property can be well disguised.

Is the roof space and subfloor inspected?

Yes. We inspect accessible roof spaces and subfloors where safe. We use state of the art robot technology to inspect subfloor where possible. If access is not sufficient or unsafe, we note this clearly in the report.

Do you inspect new builds or just older homes?

We inspect both new builds and existing homes. Even new properties can have defects or compliance issues worth knowing about before purchase.

Can you explain the difference between a standard and a comprehensive report?

Our standard report already includes a thorough visual inspection nut does not include non-invasive moisture testing or floor levels. A comprehensive report includes our thorough visual inspection and also includes moisture testing and floor levels. However clients can add or remove additional services.

Will your reports meet my bank or lawyer’s requirements?

Yes. Our reports are professionally written and widely accepted by lenders, mortgage brokers, legal advisors and insurers across New Zealand.

Booking & Process

How do I book an inspection?

You can book online, call us directly, or request a callback. We will confirm the inspection date and handle access with the real estate agent if needed.

Can you liaise directly with the real estate agent to arrange access?

Yes. Just provide the agent’s contact details and we will arrange a suitable inspection time directly with them, saving you the hassle.

How much notice do you need to book an inspection?

We can usually book within 48 hours or dependent on market demand. For urgent bookings or auctions, let us know and we will do our best to accommodate.

What happens after I book?

Once your booking is confirmed, we contact the agent, conduct the inspection, and for straight forward properties we send your detailed report by email the same day as the inspection (generally in the evening) .

What information do I need to provide before the inspection?

We need the property address, your contact details, the agent’s contact info (if applicable), and your preferred inspection date. Let us know if you have specific concerns.

Can you do urgent inspections for auctions or short deadlines?

We do our best to accomodate short notice inspections. However this can depend on market demand.

What’s your cancellation or rescheduling policy?

We understand plans change. Just give us at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule your inspection.

After the Inspection

Will someone walk me through the report if I have questions?

Yes. We are happy to answer any questions about your report, either by phone or email. We want you to feel confident about your next steps.

Can you recommend specialists if issues are found?

Yes. We can connect you with trusted local plumbers, electricians, roofers, or builders if your report identifies issues needing further investigation.

Do you offer follow-up inspections after repairs are done?

Yes. We offer re-inspections to confirm repairs have been completed properly. This is especially useful for conditional sales where repairs are negotiated. Dependent on repairs additional documentation and / sign offs may be required by the contractors that completed the repairs.

Legal & Insurance

Is your report legally binding?

While our reports are professional and can be used in legal or financial negotiations, they are not contracts. Always consult your lawyer before making final decisions.

Can your report be used for insurance purposes or claims?

Yes. Many insurers accept our reports as supporting evidence for pre-existing conditions or claim investigations. However we do not provide repair estimates or undertake repairs.

For Sellers & Agents

Do you offer pre-sale building inspections for sellers?

Yes. A pre-sale inspection helps you identify and fix issues before listing, increasing buyer confidence and potentially speeding up your sale.

Can real estate agents recommend your services to buyers?

Absolutely. We regularly work with agents across Christchurch who refer buyers to us for clear, reliable reports that support smooth transactions. However, agents typically do need to provide a few options for inspectors