Why Even Brand-New Builds Need a Building Inspection

New Subdivision Homes: Why Even Brand-New Builds Need Building Inspection
It’s easy to think a brand-new home means a problem-free home. In fast-growing Canterbury suburbs like Rolleston, Wigram, Pegasus, and Rangiora, new builds are popping up everywhere. They look fantastic — fresh paint, modern kitchens, and energy-efficient heating. But after years of inspecting both old and new properties, I can tell you: even new builds can hide problems.
Why Issues Happen
Canterbury’s building boom has put pressure on builders and subcontractors. With tight deadlines, margins and multiple trades working at once, things can get missed or completed to an average standard. Typically we find an average of 10 issues with new builds we inspect that haven't even been passed over to the purchaser! Many of these issues generally turn out to be small, but lots of small issues add up!
Common Problems we find during a building inspection in New Homes
- Flashings that are not installed incorrectly—which can lead to moisture ingress.
- Cracking occuring to interior linings and exterior claddings—mostly causing cosmetic imperfections but can be telltale signs of incorrect preparation.
- Joinery including windows and doors catching or not working as they should, making use of them more difficult.
- Unfinished work—often things like plumbing get missed or dont get connected up.
These aren’t always obvious on a walk-through but will show up under a detailed inspection.
Why a CCC Isn’t Enough
A Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) simply confirms the building meets minimum consented requirements. It’s not the same as a quality check, and it doesn’t guarantee there are no defects.
The Smart Move
Arrange an independent inspection before settlement—ideally after the completion of construction. It’s far better to have the builder handle repairs before you move in than to lodge warranty claims later.
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