Inspections

Although it is possible to identify some of the characteristic causes of a leaky home yourself, guaging the true extent of damage requires special equipment and expertise. Knowing exactly what damage your home may have suffered and how to fix it will help you determine which step to take next, and who to pursue for compensation, if compensation is an option. Therefore, an assessment of your home by a professional is a very important first-step. 

 Building Surveyor

The title 'Building Surveyor' is bandied around as being the best qualification for a
weathertightness inspector, and you will find many "Registered" Building Surveyors and Weathertightness inspectors on the NZIBS website (see weblinks). 

In fact, the qualification of 'Building Surveyor' has only been available in New Zealand for a very short time. Many of the current stock of Building Surveyors are either from the UK, or ex-builders or building inspectors. This means it is quite possible the person inspecting your leaky home may be the one who certified it for the council in the first place!

As there is such a variance in 'qualifications' for the same title, it is therefore important to weed out the failed builders and inspectors when employing the services of one, which can be done by conducting a background/reference check.

Pre-purchase Inspection

Pre-purchase inspections are invariably carried out by ex-builders, are cheap, and superficial with regards to serious construction issues. If the property being inspected turns out to be a lemon, inspectors can fold their companies and evade all responsibility very easily. If you are serious about pre-purchase inspections, a qualified pre-purchase inspector with indemnity insurance (to ensure he doesn't have to fold his company when things go wrong) should be sought.

Thermal Imagery

As the name suggests, thermal imagery provides an analysis of temperature changes within the walls or ceiling space of a house. When used under the right conditions (i.e. not after 3-months of drought), by an experienced operator thermal image cameras provide clues as to whether leaks are present or not. Their main limitation is that they will not detect rot, nor will they tell you why the water is coming in, so the information is only useful if combined with knowledge of home construction. 

Destructive Inspection

A full weathertightness inspection will involve removing parts of the cladding to actually view how the leaking areas are constructed. Obviously, without knowing this it is impossible to suggest remedial repairs. Destructive testing in one area often uncovers substandard building techniques that are most likely used throughout the building. This also is important to know when deciding on what repairs are needed. Destructive tests also provide vital evidence that can be used to claim for compensation, if applicable.

Moisture Probes

For those who suffer paranoia about leaky homes, moisture probes can be placed at strategic locations around your home to monitor moisture content. Although doing this may provide the current owner with peace of mind, the practical value of the information is limited. Knowing one of twenty five window is leaking still means an experienced surveyor will need to conduct a weathertightness inspection to establish if the other twenty four are likely to fail.

The information from probes would only fool a gullible prospective buyer too, as most pre-purchase inspectors these days are aware of the construction methods which cause leaky homes, and will note these on their report, putting the prospective buyer off.