How to Inspect Homes for Earthquake Damage and Poor Repairs in Canterbury

Buying a house in Canterbury means paying close attention to earthquake damage and how any repairs were done. The 2010–2011 quakes caused widespread structural issues, and while many homes were fixed, some repairs were only cosmetic or “quick-fix” jobs. Here’s how to spot potential problems:

Do Your Homework First

Before engaging in a physical inspection, research the property’s earthquake claims history. Search online databases like Canterbury Maps to see if any earthquake claims were made for the address. If so, ask the seller for documentation of the repairs and who carried them out. If the seller insists the house had no damage despite being in a hard-hit area, be sceptical—they might have taken an EQC cash payout but never completed the repairs. Also check the council’s LIM report for any building consents related to earthquake repairs or foundation work.

Red Flags During the Inspection

• Uneven floors or sticking joinery: If you sense floors sloping or notice joinery that jams or doesn’t align, the underlying structure may have shifted during the quakes.
• Cracks and cosmetic patches: Small hairline cracks are normal, but extensive cracks in walls, ceilings, or concrete slabs are a warning sign. Likewise, be wary of freshly plastered or repainted areas that could be concealing crack repairs.
• Subpar foundation fixes: Take a look at the foundation. For a timber pile house, peek under the floor (or have your inspector do it) to spot any makeshift props, new timber posts, or metal brackets added after the fact. Shoddy quake repairs under the house often look improvised. For concrete foundations, watch for significant cracks or newly epoxy-filled sections indicating past damage.

Bring in the Experts

Always get a comprehensive building inspection from someone experienced with earthquake issues. A skilled inspector will know what proper post-quake repairs look like and can tell if, for example, a floor has been correctly re-leveled or a cracked foundation has been properly reinforced. In cases of major structural modifications, you might also engage a structural engineer to double-check the integrity of the repairs. It pays to budget extra for due diligence in Canterbury – the cost of an additional inspection or report is minimal compared to uncovering a serious issue after purchase.

Finally, check with your insurer before buying. Some insurance companies in NZ require evidence of earthquake repairs or may not cover pre-existing damage, so you’ll want clarity on insurability. The process of buying in Canterbury can be more involved, but doing your homework and getting expert advice will greatly reduce your risk.

Contact us to book a Canterbury earthquake assessment – our inspectors will help ensure any quake repairs were done right, so you can buy with confidence.