Checklist: Preparing Your Home for Sale Christchurch / Canterbury

1. Exterior & Cladding

• Check for cracks, separation at cladding joins/junctions, and degradation of cladding elements. Confirm the cladding type and research any related issues.

• Ensure paintwork is in good or reasonable condition and not deteriorated.

• Look for signs of water staining around windows, doors, and eaves.

• Check for signs of potential settlement or cracking in brickwork.

• If your property has a directly fixed plaster cladding system with no vented cavity system, buyers may request a recent or current weathertightness assessment. (Particularly relevant for homes built from the 1980s to around 2006 – refer to construction drawings if unsure.)

2. Roof, Gutters & Joinery

• Inspect the roof – no missing or damaged tiles, rust, loose iron, or loose fixings. If Butynol membrane roofing is older than 15 years, maintenance is likely needed.

• Ensure gutters and downpipes are clear and draining properly.

• Ensure windows and doors open and close easily and are weather-tight. Check seals.

• Check flashings and junctions are intact and functioning correctly.

• Properties built between the 1980s and mid-2000s with Klass internal soffit gutters can be prone to leaks – professional inspection is recommended.

3. Drainage & Ground Levels

• Ensure surface water drains away from the house (avoid ponding near foundations).

• Clear and check all stormwater drains and grates. Drainage inspections are advised for properties affected by earthquakes.

• Inspect for signs of subfloor dampness or water pooling.

• Ensure external ground levels are not touching or too close to cladding or joinery.

4. Foundation & Structural

• Check for visible cracking in foundations, walls, or slab edges.

• Confirm any earthquake repairs were completed professionally and fully signed off.

• Provide EQC and insurance documentation where applicable.

• Ensure floor levels are within MBIE guidelines (especially for properties affected by the Canterbury earthquakes). If floor levels exceed these guidelines, an engineer’s confirmation may be required.

• Check for any signs of leaks beneath the subfloor.

• Ensure piles and subfloor framing are in suitable condition.

5. Interior Condition

• Check that interior linings are in reasonable condition for the property’s age with no signs of cracking or movement.

• Check the condition of floor coverings.

• Ensure all doors and windows latch properly and are not warped or failing to seal.

6. Heating & Insulation

• Confirm there is a working fixed heating source in the main living area.

• Ensure ceiling and underfloor insulation meet current standards or are in reasonable condition for age.

• Provide any compliance reports or Healthy Homes certificates.

• Consider installing extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms if missing.

7. Electrical & Plumbing

• Fix any leaky taps, running toilets, and check water pressure.

• Check all lights and power outlets are functional.

• Ensure the hot water system is operating correctly.

• If the switchboard is outdated (e.g., ceramic fuses), consider an upgrade.

• Electrical, plumbing, or drainage inspections are recommended for homes built in the 1990s or earlier.

• Check for problematic Dux Qest piping (common in homes built in the 1980s–early 1990s).

8. Documentation / Information Buyers May Request

• EQC scope of works and completion confirmation (if applicable).

• LIM report or pre-sale property file (optional but useful – usually around $300).

• Council property file – often contains more information than a LIM report (usually under $50).

• Healthy Homes statement (required if selling as a rental).

• Supporting documentation and sign-offs for any structural repairs or alterations.

• Asbestos information – homes built before 2000 likely contain asbestos materials. These should be identified and in safe condition. Optional: Professional Checks Recommended

• Building report – A detailed independent report is preferable to generic 'glossy' reports often referred by agents. Reviewing sample reports before engaging an inspector is a good idea to ensure they cover critical items.

• Methamphetamine testing – If relevant.

• Moisture testing – Especially important for plaster-clad homes.

• Floor level check – Especially for properties that have experienced earthquake damage, even if no issues are apparent.