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The Best Building Inspectors in Christchurch

​ Browse Christchurch's top building inspector experts that deliver trusted pre-purchase house checks
Updated 26 July 2024
Looking to buy a house and want to make sure there are no problems with it?
  1. In this guide, we outline what you need to know when it comes to building inspections.
  2. With each inspection costing at least $400, the report gives a tell-all of the state of the property before you make an offer to buy it.
  3. Building inspections are somewhat of a necessary cost in the house hunting phase. Without one, you don't know the faults or potential issues with a property.

To give you the confidence to engage a building inspector, we've prepared this guide to explain the expected costs and service. It also lists nine trusted Christchurch professionals who have a solid track record in helping prospective homeowners just like you.

Our Christchurch building inspectors guide covers:​​​ ​​As an introduction, building inspection reports generally cover:
  • Pre-Purchase Inspections - this is the standard service, which includes every critical aspect of a property. A report will raise any issues that need to be addressed, such as dampness, foundation problems or roofing damage.
  • Leaky homes and moisture checks - building inspectors have extensive experience with the problematic construction types that lead to leaky buildings.​

MoneyHub's Top Trusted Christchurch Building Inspectors

How much does a building inspection cost, and what does it cover?

A comprehensive building inspection and the report will usually cost at least $400 + GST, and can go higher depending on the size and nature of the property. The key factor in determining price is your address, so you'll know upfront the cost you're looking at. 

​What does a Building Inspection Report cover?
A building inspector will perform a complete building inspection that looks at:
  1. Above the floor, i.e. the internal condition of the property including wall linings, windows and doors, hardware, floors, bathroom fixtures, fittings, tiled areas, kitchen, cabinetry and identification of any waterproofing issues
  2. Sub-floor (when accessible), including the foundations, ventilation, the condition of pipe-work
  3. Ceilings, including walls, roof and roof space, roof framing, wiring and other electrical items.
  4. Plumbing
  5. External conditions of the property, including exterior cladding, door and window frames, garages, fences, paving, drives, decking etc.
  6. Alterations or additions including looking at council records for compliance of any changes to the property.

A building inspector is focused on risks and brings a wealth of experience in Christchurch homes to focus on what's most likely to be a problem. With the long-standing issues of leaky buildings, a building inspector can suggest moisture tests are undertaken. 

Building Inspection Reports
  • After the building inspector has visited the property and performed the necessary checks, the report will usually be emailed and/or mailed within 1-2 business days. If you're in a rush, it's a good idea to ask the turnaround time upfront so you're not left waiting or chasing.

MoneyHub's Top Trusted Christchurch Building Inspectors

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The Best Christchurch Building Inspectors Available Right Now

​Our list below, which is no particular order, covers Christchurch. We have selected these Building Inspectors based on their history of longstanding service within Christchurch, location and data extracted from internet reviews on Google Business, Facebook, TradeMe Services and others.

​AA House Checks

Base: Rolleston, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm 
Google Review rating: 4.8/5.0
Website:  AA House Checks
Facebook Page: AA House Checks
Email address: [email protected]
​Phone:  03 963 5780
 
Customer Feedback:
  • Professional and skilled building inspector
  • Communicates throughout the process
  • Identifies property issues distinctly
  • Quick turnaround of reports
 
Pros:
  • AA House Checks offer a detailed non-invasive inspection of the entire property to the NZS 4306:2005 Residential Property Inspection standard.
  •  24 hour turnaround time on our reports.
  • AA House Checks add full page colour photos of significant defects within our report and helpful links/general maintenance information for your peace of mind. Our colour coding defect system has had great feedback from clients making our reports easier to follow and understand.
  • AA House Checks' building surveyor is qualified under Building Officials Institute of New Zealand (BONIZ) Level 1 - Accreditation to carry out Residential Property Inspections in accordance with NZS 4306-2005 Residential Property Inspections and also Level 2- Earthquake Damage Property Specialist Inspections.
  • AA House Checks' BOINZ Accredited building surveyor has over 29 years of building experience in New Zealand and Australia, was an estimator for the New Zealand Earthquake Commission (EQC), completed a BOINZ TA013 E2 Weathertightness course and has undertaken over 4500 property inspections in the Canterbury region. For more information regarding BOINZ you can visit: https://www.boinz.org.nz/

Cons:
  • None 
 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • ​AA House Checks are independent home inspectors based in Christchurch, who have been serving property owners of Canterbury for over 14 years
  • The inspection process is designed to locate major property defects and identify earthquake-related damage
  • AA House Checks' report includes all rooms, moisture testing and full page colour photos, the Roof space/insulation, Subfloor/Foundations is inspected (where access is possible). They check the visible structural integrity of the dwelling, any visible alterations/additions within the dwelling are noted, and services/systems including heating/water/plumbing/drainage and electrics are covered in the report. They include a non-invasive moisture test report and known weather tightness risk points are noted for your reference. The exterior inspection covers everything from the roof down to the ground, including - Roof/flashings/chimney, wall claddings, window/door joinery and the perimeter foundation wall. The section includes - driveway/paths/patio/fences/decks/shading systems and retaining walls, as well as any detached buildings if requested.
  • AA House Checks has professional indemnity insurance of $1,000,000 cover and public liability insurance of $2,000,000 cover for your peace of mind.

Alert Building Inspections

Alert Building Inspections is a pre-purchase Christchurch building report specialist offering both verbal and comprehensive full written reports. They are known for their quick turnaround time, detailed reports and thorough inspections. 
​Hours: Mon to Sun 8am - 9pm 
​Google Rating: 5/5.0
Base: Riccarton, Christchurch
Website: Alert Building Inspections Christchurch
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 027 450 5010

What customers like:
  • Responds to online requests within an hour 
  • Provides a thorough report and sound practical advice for pre-purchase inspections
  • Their feedback is easy to comprehend
  • Has great client communication with a quick turnaround time  

Services include but not limited to:  
  • Bank-approved building inspection report for residential or commercial properties in Christchurch, crafted by a BCITO trade-qualified inspector with 40 years of experience and backed by full indemnity.
  • Verbal building inspection reports
  • Meth testing
  • Safe and sanitary reports
  • Full Moisture testing
  • Pre-Sale inspection

CheckHome Canterbury - Building Inspections

Base: Victoria Street, Christchurch Central
Hours: Mon to Sat 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Google Review rating: 5/5.0
Website:  CheckHome - Building Inspections
Facebook Page: CheckHome - Building Inspections
Email address: [email protected]
​Phone:  027 242 4325
 
Customer Feedback:
  • Provides a comprehensive and detailed report
  • Ensures all necessary details are discussed fully with the client 
  • Friendly and professional staff 
  • Quick turnaround time 
 
Pros:
  • Registered building inspectors
  • Affiliated with the New Zealand Institute of Building Inspectors 
 
Cons:
  • None
 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • CheckHome was established in 2010 by Nic Patterson, who aims to fill the gap in the building inspection market
  • The team has completed over 9000 building inspections since 2010
  • Inspects pre-purchase building, pre-sale building, verbal, interior, etc. 
  • Provides reports for maintenance building, healthy homes, and handover 
  • Offers moisture test, asbestos testing, and more 

Savvy Houz Inspection

Base: Burnside, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 9 am – 7 pm, Sat 10 am – 4 pm 
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website:  Savvy Houz Inspection
Facebook Page: Savvy Houz Inspection
Email address: [email protected]
​Phone:  021 143 2995
 
Customer Feedback:
  • Very precise about the condition of the building being inspected
  • Includes photos of the problem areas with a detailed description
  • Has a good reporting system
  • Quick turn around time
  • Friendly and efficient inspector
 
Pros:
  • Provides fair pricing 
  • Provides an honest report
 
Cons:
  • None 
 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • Savvy Houz Inspection is a home and property inspection service provider based in Christchurch
  • Offers a wide range of inspection services while providing the highest standard of customer service
  • Inspectors are all well-trained and mostly experienced licensed building practitioners
  • Offers tenancy regulations inspection, thermal imaging, floor level inspection, full interior moisture screening, EQC scope of work review 

BuildQual NZ Ltd

Base: Christchurch Central
Hours: Mon to Fri 8:30am - 7pm, Sat to Sun 9am – 5pm 
Google Review rating: 4.7/5
Website:  BuildQual NZ Ltd
Facebook Page: None 
Email address: [email protected]
​Phone:  03 421 6757
 
Customer Feedback:
  • Quick to organise inspections
  • Delivers easy to read and understand reports
  • Staff are well-mannered and professional
  • Quick turnaround time
  • Upfront about the costs
 
Pros:
  • Follows the NZ industry-standard NZS4306:2005 
  • Inspections are completed by their qualified and licensed team of house inspectors

Cons:
  • None 
 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • BuildQual NZ Ltd offers detailed property reports and home inspections in the Christchurch areas
  • All their inspections are completed by their qualified and licensed team with experience in both residential and commercial construction
  • Provides pre-purchase and pre-sale inspection 
  • Assesses and inspects the commercial property 
  • Assesses earthquake damage
  • Offers services for weather tightness, moisture testing and minor structural damage

MoneyHub's Top Trusted Christchurch Building Inspectors

NZ House Surveys Canterbury

Base: Aranui, Christchurch
Hours: 24/7
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website:  NZ House Surveys Canterbury
Facebook Page: NZ House Surveys Canterbury
Email address: [email protected]
​Phone:  03 344 2424
 
Customer Feedback:
  • Professional and very informative
  • Offers a selection of reasonable quotations based on the client’s requirements
  • Finishes the work on time 
 
Pros:
  • Provides 24-hour turnaround reports
  • A member of the NZ Institute of Building Inspectors
 
Cons:
  • None 
 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • NZ House Surveys Canterbury offers building inspection services throughout New Zealand
  • Reports include drug testing, moisture detection, electrical and plumbing checks
  • Provides building reports, asbestos testing, meth testing and quale check 

NZ Building Inspections

Base: Mobile only
Hours: Mon to Fri 7am - 6pm, Sat to Sun 7am - 6pm
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website:  NZ Building Inspections
Facebook Page: None 
Email address: Not specified 
​Phone: 0273086868
 
Customer Feedback:
  • Very professional to deal with
  • Easy to book an appointment with
  • Provides a thorough report
  • Responsive and efficient inspector
 
Pros:
  • Offers comprehensive reports for home and building inspections
  • LBP accredited and follows the New Zealand Standard 4306:2005
 
Cons:
  • None 
 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • NZ Building Inspections is a locally owned and operated business in Christchurch
  • They offer comprehensive reports for home and building inspections within the Canterbury region
  • Provides pre-purchase building inspection, roof inspection, joinery inspection, moisture testing, infrared imaging, sub-floor space inspection and more 

Canterbury Property Reports

Base: Mobile only
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 4.9/5.0
Website:  Canterbury Property Reports
Facebook Page: Canterbury Property Reports
Email address: [email protected]
​Phone:  022 287 6470
 
Customer Feedback:
  • Easy to understand reports
  • Has keen attention to details
  • Reasonably priced services
  • Helpful with queries and concerns
 
Pros:
  • Provides same-day reporting
  • Comprehensive reports with lots of details about the property
 
Cons:
  • None 
 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • Canterbury Property Reports provides same-day reporting for home and building inspections within Christchurch and Canterbury
  • They are qualified builders and licensed building practitioners having more than 15 years of experience in the industry
  • Inspects pre-sale and pre-purchase property
  • Does moisture reading, thermal imaging, aerial property and videography

HABiT Christchurch

Base: Ferrymead, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm (By appointment)
Google Review rating: 4.9/5.0
Website: HABiT Christchurch
Facebook Page: None 
Email address: [email protected]
​Phone:  03 344 5193
 
Customer Feedback:
  • Prompt, friendly and efficient service
  • Provides easy to understand reports
  • Highlights the problem areas that needed attention
  • Quick turnaround of reports
 
Pros:
  • LBP accredited
  • Provides free quote 
 
Cons:
  • Only accepts scheduled works
 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • Habit Christchurch is owned and operated by And Lin 
  • With over 10 years of experience in the construction industry and renovation work
  • Offers services for building reports, property inspections and meth testing 

MoneyHub's Top Trusted Christchurch Building Inspectors

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⚠️​ Disclaimer: MoneyHub.co.nz may have financial relationships with some businesses listed on this page due to their acceptance of our invite for additional promotion. We stand by the businesses we work with and believe them to be among the best. The pricing information provided is for informational and guidance purposes only and may not accurately represent the actual quotes or final bills for individual services. Our list should not be considered comprehensive. Please research and obtain quotes directly from a range of businesses to ensure accurate pricing and suitability for your needs.
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