Why Every Buyer Needs a Pre Purchase House Inspection

Why Every Buyer Needs a Pre Purchase House Inspection

TL;DR: A pre purchase house inspection uncovers hidden issues before you buy — helping you make informed decisions, avoid costly repairs, and negotiate price in Christchurch’s competitive market.

What's the problem?

In the rush of buying a new home, it's easy to fall in love with the kitchen or garden and forget about what's behind the walls. That’s where a pre purchase house inspection comes in.

For Christchurch buyers, it’s a crucial step to make sure the property is sound — and the price is fair.

What is a pre purchase house inspection?

This is a professional inspection carried out before you commit to buying. It covers everything from structural soundness to plumbing, insulation, and signs of moisture or mould.

It’s your safety net — especially in a city like Christchurch, where earthquake repairs and older homes can hide a lot.

Some examples of what can be uncovered

• Leaky roofs or gutters
• Rotten decking or framing
• Cracks in foundations or brickwork
• Faulty wiring or plumbing
• Unconsented additions
• High moisture readings (possible leaks)
• Signs of deferred maintenance
• Structural or weathertightness issues

These aren’t always visible at first glance — but they can cost you thousands after you move in.

How does it help buyers?

• Negotiating power – If we find issues, you can ask the seller to fix them or adjust the price.
• Peace of mind – Know what you’re buying and what repairs might be coming up.
• Avoids bad buys – Some issues are just too big to take on. Better to walk away before it’s too late.

Real example from Christchurch

We recently inspected a 1950s home in St Albans. Looked great on the surface. But moisture testing revealed leaks behind the tile shower and after invasive investigation, it was found significant rot had also occurred to the framing behind the linings — the buyer avoided an approximate $10,000 bathroom rebuild from the get-go.

Don’t skip it — even in a hot market

In fast-paced sales, especially auctions, some buyers feel pressured to skip inspections. We get it — but skipping can be costly. A rushed purchase without due diligence is a gamble.

We offer pre-auction and short-notice inspections across Christchurch — so you don’t have to choose between speed and safety.

Book your pre purchase house inspection with us today! →

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