LEAKY HOME WARNING SIGNS? WE'LL FIND THEM
Leaky and weathertightness issues are a serious concern in Auckland, largely due to past construction practices and the region’s damp, coastal climate.
Water ingress can cause hidden damage that affects a home’s structure, safety, and resale value. Identifying these issues requires more than a quick check — it demands a thorough inspection by someone who knows what to look for.
At Dependable House Inspections, we’re known for our attention to detail and trusted expertise. Our weathertightness reports meet the standards required by banks across New Zealand, giving you the confidence to make informed decisions.
WHY WEATHERTIGHTNESS/ LEAKY HOME ARE NO JOKE
Leaky homes are more than just an inconvenience—they're a serious threat to the health, safety, and value of your property.
In New Zealand, thousands of homeowners have seen their home’s worth plummet due to weathertightness issues, with some properties becoming unsellable without major repairs.
What starts as a small leak can lead to hidden moisture damage, mould, rotting timber, and major structural problems. Fixing these issues is rarely cheap—costs can easily run into the tens or hundreds of thousands.
That’s why getting a professional building inspection report from someone with real experience in weathertightness is not just a smart move—it’s essential. Whether you’re buying or selling, a detailed report can uncover red flags early, save you from costly surprises, and help you make informed decisions.
Cutting corners now can cost you later. A thorough inspection is a small investment compared to the financial hit of buying or owning a leaky home.
WHAT A BUILDER'S REPORT CAN REVEAL ABOUT LEAKY HOMES
A professional builder's report for a potential leaky home can reveal several key signs and risk factors that may not be obvious to an untrained eye. Here’s what can typically be shown or flagged in a builder’s report:
1
Moisture Behind Walls
Moisture readings can reveal hidden leaks that may not yet show visible damage but pose a serious long-term risk.
2
Mould or Musty Smells
These are common indicators of ongoing dampness and poor ventilation, often linked to weathertightness failures.
3
Risky Cladding Systems
Certain cladding types and poor flashings often lead to leaks, especially in homes from the late 1980s to early 2000s.
4
Timber Decay or Soft Spots
Soft or crumbling timber suggests rot caused by prolonged exposure to moisture, potentially affecting structural integrity.
5
Evidence of Past Leaks
Visible patchwork or surface treatments may signal previous weathertightness issues that need closer investigation.
CLADDING TYPES THAT RAISE WEATHERTIGHTNESS CONCERNS
If you own—or are considering buying—a plaster or monolithic clad home built between the late 1980's and mid-2000s, there’s a high chance it could be at risk of weathertightness issues.
That doesn’t mean all homes from this period will leak, but many share the same high-risk features.
Monolithic style cladding, which became popular in the late 1980s, later developed a poor reputation due to widespread weathertightness failures. These problems were often caused by poor design, substandard construction, and the use of untreated timber framing during that time.
In New Zealand, monolithic cladding typically falls into three main types:
Plaster Over Polystyrene (Commonly Known as EIFS)
A lightweight cladding system where plaster is applied over polystyrene foam, often with no cavity for moisture drainage.
Stucco
A cement based plaster applied over a rigid barrier or direct to the building paper that’s attached to the wall framing.
Textured Fibre Cement Sheets
Fibre cement sheets with a textured coating, typically fixed directly to framing, which can trap moisture without a proper drainage cavity.
WHY DEPENDABLE HOME INSPECTIONS?
Why the quality of our builder's report is hard to beat for Auckland homeowners.
Comprehensive and
Detailed Reports
Our commitment to professionalism is reflected in every builder’s report—clear, detailed, and easy to understand, helping you make confident, informed decisions after the inspection.
Same day
Delivery
For your convenience, we ensure that our builder’s report is delivered on the same day the inspection is carried out, so you can move forward with your property decisions without unnecessary delays.
Meticulous
Attention to Detail
Our thorough inspection approach ensures no detail is overlooked, allowing us to identify issues others might miss and deliver a builder’s report that offers a complete picture of the property’s condition.
Decades of
Industry Expertise
With 25+ years of experience, Dependable delivers quality builder’s reports. Ryan, our trained inspector, offers clear insights into property condition, maintenance, and workmanship.
PEACE OF MIND GUARANTEE
Buy, build, invest and sell with confidence.
We are a company that was launched in order to provide standard building inspections and reports for Auckland homeowners. It does not matter whether you are buying or selling; we are able to provide a properly arranged comprehensive report about the entire property.
It will interest you to know that we offer value to home developers and homeowners because we want your investment to be protected. Hence, our inspector spends quality time, meticulously inspecting every part of the property, in order to provide you with a well-prepared report that you can understand easily.
At Dependable House Inspections, we pride ourselves in the satisfaction of our esteemed clients, our professionalism, and our industry. Do not hesitate to reach out to us today, and we are certain we will surpass your expectations.
Ryan Meynell
Managing Director of Dependable House Inspections.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Thinking of buying property in Auckland? Getting a builders report Auckland is a smart move that can help you avoid costly repairs.
Finding out your home is leaky can be stressful, but it can be fixed. Get quotes for repairs or recladding, as selling without addressing the issue will lower the property’s value. A professional weathertightness report will help you understand the extent of the problem and your options.
If a home has known or suspected weathertightness issues, be cautious. You can walk away or use it to negotiate a lower price—but always get a professional inspection to understand the risks and costs before committing.
Yes, absolutely. A pre-purchase inspection helps identify current issues and possible future problems—including leaks, structural defects, or code compliance issues. It’s not just important for buyers, but also useful for sellers who want to understand the true condition of their property before listing it on the market.
Plaster homes, especially those built between the late 1980s and mid-2000s, are more prone to weathertightness problems. However, any home can leak—regardless of age or style. Common risk factors include flat roofs with no eaves, balconies over living spaces, poor flashing, and low ground clearance. A specialist inspection is essential to assess the actual condition of the property and whether any hidden moisture or structural damage is present
Yes. Even newly built homes can develop leaks due to poor design, rushed construction, or incorrect detailing. A code-compliant build doesn’t always guarantee long-term performance. Regular inspections and proper maintenance are key to protecting your investment.
A weathertightness inspection typically includes non-invasive moisture testing, assessment of cladding systems, rooflines, flashings, windows, balconies, and other high-risk areas. The report will outline any current issues, signs of past water entry, and maintenance recommendations.
Yes, leaky homes can be repaired, but the cost can be significant—ranging from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on the severity. Early detection is critical. Recladding and remediation must be carried out by licensed professionals following the correct building code.
Yes. Many weathertightness issues are hidden behind walls and are not visible to the naked eye. A property can appear to be in good condition while still having serious underlying issues. A building report gives you peace of mind and protects you from unexpected repair bills.
CLIENT REVIEW
What do our clients think about us? Let's find out!
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Paul Anderson2024-05-16Ryan came round on short notice and gave us a really detailed report that same afternoon. Highly recommend this serviceTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Eli A2024-05-16Very efficient and thorough, thank you!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Clare Fuller2024-05-15The services were provided in a timely manner (we had time constraints), and the report was comprehensive and gave the impression that great care was taken in assessing the property's condition. Thanks, Team.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Chrissie2023-08-07Ryan was extremely helpful in providing a thorough inspection and getting report to us the same day. The level of detail in the report was excellent with clear guidance of what was being assessed or not. He communicates in a professional and compassionate way, doing what he can to meet short timelines and taking some of the stress of buying a house away!! Highly recommend this service!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Renaldo Prasetio2023-08-075 Stars Review for Ryan, He arrange his inspection effectively and give us additional advice on how to keep the property well. On Top of that, he is also able to help us advising which part of our subdivision has consent and which one is not. We discuss this 1 week after the report has been issued. He did not even forget us as customer. I would recommend using Ryan for your House Inspection since I can tell he understand consent and site plan not only doing external checks on your house.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Phil Presnall2023-07-11Fast and efficient communication from Ryan, and a thorough report. Highly recommended.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Esti Garfield2023-06-19Great, fast and friendly communication, professional service. Highly recommend!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Sam Archer2023-06-18Very responsive, professional, and thorough. Was able to view property and turn around the report very quickly, which was quite impressive.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Martin brannigan2023-06-15We used Ryan for several properties we were interested in and his service was fantastic. We received each report on the day he carried them out (within a couple of hours of completing!) and the last one he did, he was able to carry out late on a Friday afternoon even though we only asked him the evening before! We will definitely use him for any future reports we needTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Danilo Palen2023-06-14This is my first time in getting a building inspection report and the report that Ryan provided me is so easy to understand. He also kept me updated of the progress and was able to give the report on the same day.
BOOK AN INSPECTION TODAY
Get in touch with us today to get your report prepared. Don’t be shy if you only just want a few questions answered. We are happy to help.
Alternatively, call us on 0800 337 373 for a quick response.
