CAPITAL BUILDING INSPECTIONS

Terms and Conditions
THIS IS A VISUAL, NON-INVASIVE INSPECTION ONLY in accordance with NZS 4306:2005 (Residential Property Inspection).
Definitions
- Inspector/Our/Us/We means the company, partnership, or individual named in the inspector details section of this report that you have requested to carry out the property inspection and report.
- Client/You/Your means the party identified on the client details section of this agreement as the Client. Where there is more than one party, all such parties are jointly and severally liable, along with any agent of that party.
Visual Inspection and Access Constraints
The visual inspection was limited to those areas and sections of the property to which reasonable access was both available and permitted on the date of inspection. The inspection DOES NOT include breaking apart, dismantling, removing, or moving objects including, but not limited to, foliage, floor or wall coverings, ceilings, floors, furnishings, appliances, or personal possessions.
The inspector CANNOT see inside walls, between floors, inside skillion roofing, inside the eaves, behind stored goods in cupboards, or in other areas that are concealed or obstructed. The inspector DOES NOT dig, gouge, force, or perform any other invasive procedures. An invasive inspection will not be performed unless a separate contract is entered into.
In an occupied property, it must be understood that furnishings or household items may be concealing evidence of defects which may only be revealed when the items are moved or removed. In the case of cross-lease or unit title properties, only the interior and immediate exterior of the nominated dwelling is inspected. The ability to carry out a full inspection was limited by variable access depending on the amount of furniture and personal items positioned throughout the dwelling at the time of inspection.
Scope of Report
The scope of this inspection complies with the requirements of NZS 4306:2005 (Residential Property Inspection). The purpose is to provide advice regarding the condition of the property at the time of inspection. The inspection comprises a visual, non-invasive assessment to identify significant defects, safety hazards, and maintenance issues, including visible evidence of borer and timber pest activity.
An estimate of the cost of rectification of defects is not required under this Standard. If an estimate is provided, it is merely an opinion of possible costs and is not a guarantee or quotation for rectification work. The inspector accepts no liability for any estimates provided.
General Summary and Limitations
Any person who relies upon the contents of this report does so acknowledging the scope and limitations of the inspection. Before deciding to act upon this report, you should read and understand all the information contained herein. Please contact the inspector prior to acting on this report if anything is unclear.
The report is not a certificate of compliance with the NZ Building Act 2004, the NZ Building Code, the Resource Management Act 1991, or any other regulation. It is not a warranty or insurance policy. The report does not include inspections of building plans, consents, or code compliance certificates (CCC) held by the council.
Key Terms Defined
- Access hole (cover): A hole cut in flooring or a structure to allow entry for inspection.
- Accessible area: An area where sufficient, safe, and reasonable access is available within the scope of the inspection.
- Borer (Anobium punctatum): Native wood borer assessed visually as part of the standard inspection.
- Fungal decay: Loss of strength due to destruction by wood decay fungi.
- Inspection: Close and careful scrutiny to arrive at a reliable conclusion regarding condition.
- Leaky building indicators: Visual signs such as interior staining, swollen skirtings, or musty odours that may indicate weathertightness failure. Their presence does not confirm a leak, and their absence does not confirm weathertightness.
- Major safety hazard: An object or situation with the potential to cause harm to life or health.
- Non-invasive inspection: A visual inspection supplemented by sounding that does not mark the surface.
- Property: Allotment including improvements, structures, decking, landscaping, and outbuildings.
- Site: The area within the property boundaries and within 30 metres of the building.
- Weathertightness: The building envelope's ability to prevent water ingress, assessed visually only.
- Significant Defect: A defect requiring building works to avoid unsafe conditions, loss of function, or further deterioration.
- Minor Defect: Any defect other than a significant defect.
- Structural Cracking/Movement: Major (full depth) cracking in primary elements.
- Primary Elements: Load-bearing parts of the structure (foundations, framing, load-bearing walls) and safety elements like handrails.
- Secondary Elements: Non-load bearing parts such as partitions, linings, ceilings, windows, and doors.
- Finishing Elements: Fixtures and fittings such as baths, kitchen cupboards, and paint. Does not include furniture or soft floor coverings.
Readily Accessible Areas
These are areas that can be easily and safely inspected without injury to person or property, up to 3.6 metres above floor levels. In roof spaces, the minimum accessibility area must be at least 600mm high by 600mm wide. In subfloor spaces, the minimum is 400mm high by 600mm wide. Where these clearances are not available, only areas within the inspector's unobstructed line of sight and arm's length are inspected.
Additional Limitations
The inspector shall not be liable for failure to perform duties caused by inclement weather, accidents, or causes outside their reasonable control. This report does not cover matters outside the inspector's direct expertise or items outside the requested scope. NZS 4306:2005 recognizes that a standard property report is not a warranty or insurance policy.
- Weathertightness assessment is visual only; no invasive testing was conducted.
- Inspection for mould, asbestos, or methamphetamine contamination was NOT carried out.
- The Healthy Homes section provides observations only and is NOT a formal compliance assessment.
- Assessment of Dux Quest or polybutylene plumbing is limited to visible pipework only.
NZ Building Code and Compliance
This report DOES NOT assess compliance with the NZ Building Code or Building Act 2004. The Client is strongly advised to obtain a Land Information Memorandum (LIM) from the council to confirm building consents, hazards, and other matters affecting the property.
Expected Performance and Exclusions
It is not possible to test the performance of stormwater drains, roof drainage, or sewer pipes during normal dry conditions. As such, the inspector cannot comment on their condition or performance. In accordance with NZS 4306:2005 Appendix D, this report excludes minor faults, structural design adequacy, concealed damp-proof courses, electrical installations, plumbing, alarm systems, and appliances.
Accessibility in Detail
Unless specified, the inspection only covered Readily Accessible Areas. The inspector did not move furnishings, equipment, or floor coverings. In cross-lease properties, the client may have additional liability for common property not covered in this report. In roof spaces, bodily access requires a 450mm x 400mm opening. Subfloor access requires a 500mm x 400mm opening with 400mm clearance.
Disclaimer
This report is for the sole use of the Client named on the report for pre-purchase purposes. No liability is accepted to third parties. Capital Building Inspections is not responsible for misconstrued verbal advice. The client is responsible for satisfying themselves regarding the structural soundness and value of the dwelling.
To the extent permitted by law, any liability for compensation shall be limited to a full or partial refund of the fee paid. No claims shall be accepted for repair costs, loss of value, or consequential loss.
Complaints Process
If you are dissatisfied with this report, you must provide Capital Building Inspections with written notice before taking remedial action. Both parties shall meet within 28 days to resolve the matter. If unresolved, the matter may be referred to the Disputes Tribunal or mediation. Nothing in these terms limits your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 or the Fair Trading Act 1986.