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 ten trusted Hamilton professionals who have a solid track record in helping prospective homeowners just like you.

Our Hamilton building inspectors guide covers:​​​

• How much does a building inspection cost, and what does it cover?
• 5 Reliable Hamilton Building Inspectors Available Right Now

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.​

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 Hamilton 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.

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

Disclaimer: Quotes for building inspections will vary, and our pricing guide is for informational purposes only.