When a Tidy Renovation Isn’t What It Seems
A freshly renovated home can be incredibly appealing. Clean lines, modern finishes, and a new coat of paint can make a property feel move-in ready at first glance. But not every renovation is completed to a good standard—and some cosmetic upgrades can hide more than they reveal.
When you’re viewing a property, it pays to look beyond the surface.

7 Red Flags to Watch For
1. Doors that don’t close properly
This can indicate movement in the structure, poor installation, or uneven framing. 
2. Uneven flooring or inconsistent finishes
Sloping floors, gaps, or rough edges may point to rushed workmanship or underlying issues. 
3. Fresh paint over problem areas
New paint can sometimes conceal staining, cracking, or previous moisture damage rather than fix it. 
4. Lack of ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms
Without proper extraction, moisture builds up quickly leading to mould, condensation, and long-term damage. 
5. Incomplete or rushed work
Missing trims, exposed edges, or mismatched materials often signal a renovation done quickly or without proper care. 
6. Cracks in the foundation
Maybe un-repaired or missed earthquake damage. 
7. Poor Drainage 
Possible cracked sewer pipes. 

Why Cosmetic Updates Can Be Misleading
Cosmetic improvements are designed to enhance appearance—but they don’t always address the condition of what’s underneath. A home can look modern and tidy while still having issues with moisture, structure, or installation quality.
This doesn’t mean every renovation is a problem—but it does mean you should approach them with a critical eye.

What You Can Do

• Take your time during inspections—look closely at details, not just overall presentation 
• Open and close doors and windows, check floors underfoot, and look behind furniture where possible 
• Ask questions about when the work was done, who completed it, and whether any warranties or consents apply 

Money well spent getting a Building Inspection
A professional building inspection provides a deeper, unbiased assessment of the property. It helps identify issues that aren’t immediately visible and explains what they mean for you as a buyer.
This includes:

• Identifying potential moisture concerns 
• Assessing workmanship quality 
• Highlighting maintenance or repair needs 
• Giving you clarity before you commit 

Savvy tips
A tidy renovation can make a strong first impression—but smart buyers look beyond the surface.
Understanding the true condition of a home before you purchase can save you time, money, and stress down the track.

​Call us today 021 143 2995

At Savvy Houz Inspections, we're incredibly proud to have recently reached 300+ Google 5-Star Reviews from our valued clients.
What makes this milestone even more special is that it reflects the trust and support of thousands of homeowners, home buyers, investors, and real estate professionals who have chosen us over the years.

Since starting the business in 2011, we've now completed over 10,000 building inspections across Christchurch and Canterbury. From first-home buyers purchasing their dream home to experienced investors building their portfolios, our goal has always been the same—to provide clear, honest, and practical advice that helps our clients make informed decisions.
Building inspections are about more than identifying defects. They're about giving people confidence, peace of mind, and the knowledge they need when making one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.
We would like to sincerely thank every client who has trusted us with their inspection and taken the time to leave a review. Your feedback motivates us to continue delivering the high level of service that has helped us grow over the past 15 years.

300+ Reviews. 10,000+ Inspections. 15 Years in Business.
Thank you for being part of our journey. We look forward to helping many more Canterbury home buyers and homeowners in the years ahead.
​
Dean Norrie
Director & Master Inspector
Savvy Houz Inspections
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Call us first 021 143 2995

Booking a building inspection? A little preparation can make a big difference—not just for the inspector, but for the quality and accuracy of the report you receive.
One of the most important (and often overlooked) factors is access.

Why Access Matters
A building inspection is only as thorough as the access available on the day. If key areas can’t be reached or viewed properly, there’s a higher chance that important issues may go unnoticed.
It’s not always about what’s wrong with a property—sometimes it’s about what can’t be seen because access is restricted.

What to Prepare Before the Inspection
To get the most value from your inspection, make sure these areas are accessible:

• Garage, sheds, and sleepouts
  Ensure all external buildings are unlocked and available to inspect. 
• Roof space and subfloor
  Clear a safe path to access points such as manholes or hatches. 
• Around walls and key fixtures
  Move stored items away from walls, hot water cylinders, electrical boards, and other important areas. 
• Outdoor areas
  Trim back overgrown vegetation and ensure pathways are clear and safe. 

Even small obstacles can limit what an inspector can properly assess.

What About Pets?
Pets are part of the home—but on inspection day, they can create safety risks or distractions.

• Secure dogs and other animals in a safe, contained area 
• Ensure pets won’t interfere with access to key parts of the property 
• Let the inspector know in advance if animals are present 

This helps the inspection run smoothly, safely, and without interruption.

Buying, Selling, or Healthy Homes Compliance
Whether you’re:

• Buying a property 
• Preparing to sell 
• Organising a Healthy Homes assessment 

Making the home fully accessible allows for a more accurate and complete inspection. It reduces the likelihood of missed issues and gives everyone involved greater confidence in the outcome.

Final Thought
A well-prepared property leads to a better inspection—and better information for you.
If you’re unsure how to get your property ready, it’s always worth asking. A small amount of preparation can go a long way in making sure nothing important is overlooked.

Windows are essential for light, ventilation, and comfort—but in multi-level homes, they can also present a serious fall risk, particularly for young children.
On second-storey levels and above, open windows without safety restrictions can allow a child to climb, lean, or fall out. It’s a hazard that is often overlooked, especially in homes where windows open wide or furniture is positioned nearby.

Why Window Stays Matter
Window stays (also known as restrictors) are designed to limit how far a window can open, reducing the risk of falls while still allowing airflow.

• They help prevent windows from opening beyond a safe distance 
• They are especially important in bedrooms and living areas where children spend time 
• They provide peace of mind without compromising ventilation 

Key Risk Factors to Watch For

• Low windowsills that are easy for children to climb onto 
• Wide-opening windows without restrictors 
• Furniture placed near windows, giving children easy access 
• Homes with visiting children or grandchildren, not just permanent occupants 

Practical Safety Tips

• Install window stays or restrictors on all upper-level windows 
• Keep beds, chairs, and other climbable furniture away from windows
• Ensure any restrictors used can be released quickly by an adult in case of emergency 
• Regularly check that stays are secure and functioning properly

For Homeowners and Buyers
If you’re living in, renting, or purchasing a multi-level property, take time to assess window safety. It’s a relatively low-cost upgrade that can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury.

Final Thought
A fall from height can happen in seconds—but it’s also highly preventable.
Installing window stays is a simple, practical step that helps make your home safer for everyone—especially the youngest members of the household.

Call Savvy Houz today 021 143 2995

An oven that isn’t properly secured to the cabinetry might seem like a minor issue, but it can present a real safety risk—particularly in areas prone to seismic activity.

Built-in ovens are designed to be firmly fixed in place. When they’re not correctly installed or have come loose over time, there’s a risk they could shift, tip, or slide forward.

Why This Matters
• Earthquake risk – In a seismic event, an unsecured oven can move or fall out of its housing
• Injury hazard – A heavy appliance shifting forward can cause serious harm
• Damage to wiring or connections – Movement can strain electrical connections, creating additional risks
• Daily use risk – Even without an earthquake, a loose oven can shift when the door is opened or weight is applied

Signs an Oven May Not Be Secure
• The oven moves or tilts when the door is opened
• Visible gaps between the oven and cabinetry
• Missing or loose fixing screws/brackets
• The unit feels unstable when gently tested

What Should Be Done
• Ensure the oven is properly fixed using manufacturer-approved brackets or screws
• Have installation checked by a qualified technician or installer
• Address the issue promptly—this is a simple fix with important safety benefits

For Homeowners and Buyers
If you’re inspecting a property, don’t overlook built-in appliances. A loose oven may indicate poor installation or rushed workmanship—and it’s something that should be corrected before use.

Final Thought
It’s a small detail, but one that matters—especially in earthquake-prone regions.
Making sure your oven is securely fixed helps protect your home, your appliances, and most importantly, the people using them.

Call Savvy Houz on +64211432995

If there’s one housing crisis in New Zealand that continues to haunt buyers, it’s the leaky homes saga. Tens of thousands of homes—many still standing and still for sale—were built during what is now known as the “leaky building era” (roughly 1987 to 2005). These homes look great on the surface, but beneath the plaster can lie devastating structural damage, hidden mould, or rotting timber that could cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars to fix.
In this chapter, we’ll explain what leaky homes are, how to identify one, what to watch out for, and whether it’s ever worth buying one.
What Is a Leaky Home?

A leaky home is a residential property that fails to keep water out—usually due to poor construction methods, bad design, and problematic materials. Many of these homes were built with monolithic (plaster-style) cladding, and no cavity system between the outer wall and the framing timber. That means when moisture gets behind the cladding, it has nowhere to escape—and the damage begins.

The result?

Moisture builds up in the framing
Timber rots
Mould and fungi grow
Structural elements weaken
Air quality becomes unsafe
These homes can become unsafe, uninsurable, and in severe cases, unliveable.

What Caused the Leaky Building Crisis?

The leaky homes disaster wasn’t caused by just one issue—it was a perfect storm of design trends, deregulation, and bad building practices. Here’s how it happened:

1. Monolithic Cladding

Plaster cladding gave homes a trendy, seamless Mediterranean look. But it wasn’t suited to New Zealand’s wet climate. Over time, cracks would form in the plaster, allowing water to seep in behind the walls.

2. No Cavity System

Homes were often built with the plaster fixed directly to timber framing—without a ventilation cavity. Water that got behind the cladding couldn’t escape, turning walls into soggy, decaying traps.

3. Untreated Timber

From the mid-90s, the building code allowed the use of kiln-dried, untreated timber in exterior walls. This timber had zero resistance to moisture, so once it got wet, it rotted rapidly.

4. Poor Design Choices

Architectural trends of the time made things worse. Risky design features included:
Flat roofs and parapets
Complex roof junctions
No eaves (leaving walls exposed to rain)
Decks built over living spaces
Window joinery without proper flashings

5. Shoddy Workmanship and Loose Regulation

Builders didn’t always follow best practices—and many were simply unaware of the long-term risks. Councils signed off builds under relaxed building codes. The result? Tens of thousands of compromised homes.

When Were Leaky Homes Built?

While any home can potentially have water-tightness issues, homes built between 1987 and 2005 are considered the highest risk. Here’s a rough breakdown:
Year Built
Risk Level
Pre-1987 - Low
1987–1996 - High
1996–2005 - Very High
2005–Present
Low (if built to code with cavity system)
Even homes built outside of this timeframe can leak, so building reports are always essential.

How Can I Spot a Leaky Home?

You won’t always see visible signs of a leaky home—but some red flags can raise suspicion:
Visual Clues:
Cracking in plaster wall
Bulging or stained interior walls
Musty smells
Mould or mildew around windows or ceilings
Sagging ceilings
Warped skirting boards or floor coverings
Damp carpet (especially near external walls)
Corroded nails or fittings

Documentation Clues:
​
LIM report mentions monolithic cladding or lack of cavity
Building inspection notes moisture issues or visible decay
No records of re-cladding or repairs
Even if the home seems fine, always request a moisture scan or specialist leak inspection for homes with plaster cladding.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Leaky Home?

Fixing a leaky home isn’t like patching a small leak. It often means stripping the entire exterior, removing and replacing rotted timber, installing a cavity system, and re-cladding with new materials.

Average Repair Costs:

$330,000 to $500,000+, depending on severity
Up to 12 months or more of disruptive work
Banks may not finance the full repair cost
Insurance and resale value can be affected
This is why leaky homes, even if discounted, should only be bought by experienced investors who know exactly what they’re getting into.

Should I Buy a Plaster or Monolithic-Clad Home?

Not all plaster homes leak—but many are high risk. The key factor is whether they were built with a cavity system and to post-2005 building standards.

Safer Scenarios:

Plaster home built after 2005
Has a cavity system between cladding and framing
Has passed a recent, moisture-focused building report
Re-clad with modern materials by certified professionals

Proceed with Caution If:

Built between 1987 and 2005
No cavity system or has untreated timber
Visual signs of water damage or cracking
No records of past remediation work
Avoid or Negotiate Heavily If:
Confirmed leaks or decay present
Bank won’t lend or insurance is denied
Cost of re-cladding outweighs post-repair value
If in doubt, walk away. There are safer options out there.

Final Advice for Buyers

Plaster-clad homes are not automatically bad—but you must do your homework. Get:
A full building inspection (ideally with moisture testing)
LIM and council records
Advice from your lawyer
Insurance pre-approval
Quotes for potential repairs, if needed
Unless you’re an experienced buyer or investor, buying a leaky home is rarely worth the risk.
​
Savvy Tip: If you’re unsure, consider taking a licensed building surveyor with you to open homes. They can often spot red flags early—before you spend money on due diligence.

​Talk to us today 021 143 2995

Loose or low-hanging blind and curtain cords can create loops that are easily accessible to infants and toddlers. These loops present a strangulation hazard, which can occur quickly and silently. Children are naturally curious and may play with cords, wrap them around their neck, or become entangled while climbing near windows.
​

Why This Matters

• Strangulation can happen in seconds and often without noise 
• Cords near cots, beds, or furniture increase the risk, as children can reach them more easily 
• Many incidents occur in everyday environments where the danger isn’t immediately obvious

How to Reduce the Risk

• Install cord safety devices such as cleats or tensioners to keep cords tight and out of reach 
• Keep cords at least 1.6 metres above floor level where possible 
• Move furniture away from windows to prevent children from climbing up to access cords 
• Avoid looped cords or secure them properly to eliminate slack 
• Consider upgrading to cordless or motorised blinds for a safer long-term solution 

​
For Homeowners and Buyers

If you’re living in or purchasing a home, take a moment to check all window coverings. Blind cord safety is a simple but critical fix that can significantly reduce risk—especially in homes with young children or visiting grandchildren.

Final Thought
​
It’s a small detail, but one that can have serious consequences.
Taking a few simple precautions can help ensure your home is not only comfortable—but safe for everyone.

Exhaust Fans Venting Into the Roof Space – A Common but Serious Issue
During building inspections, one issue we see time and time again is bathroom and laundry exhaust fans venting directly into the roof space instead of outside the home. It might seem harmless, but over time this can lead to significant—and often hidden—damage.

Why Is This a Problem?
When warm, moist air from showers or laundry is discharged into the roof cavity, it has nowhere to escape. This creates a damp environment that can quietly affect the health of your home.

Common risks include:
Moisture build-up Excess moisture creates the perfect conditions for mould growth, which can impact both the structure of the home and indoor air quality.

Condensation on framing timbers Over time, repeated exposure to moisture can lead to timber deterioration and even rot.

Warm, damp air attracting pests Roof spaces with consistent humidity can become an inviting environment for insects and rodents.

Insulation damage Damp insulation loses its effectiveness, reducing your home’s energy efficiency and increasing heating costs.

What Should Happen Instead?
Exhaust fans should be properly ducted to the outside—either through the roof or via the eaves. This allows moisture to be safely removed from the home, helping maintain a dry, healthy roof space.

What Should You Do?
If you’re unsure where your exhaust fans are venting, it’s worth checking—especially if you own an older home or rental property.

A simple fix now can prevent costly repairs later.

Bottom line:
​What you can’t see in the roof space can still cause serious problems. Proper ventilation isn’t just good practice—it’s essential for protecting your home.

Call us today 021 143 2995 

With winter just around the corner, now is the ideal time to check your heat pump is clean, serviced, and running efficiently.
Heat pumps work hard during the colder months, and without regular maintenance they can lose performance, circulate dust and allergens, and even develop moisture-related issues. A professional clean and service is recommended at least every two years to keep your system operating at its best.


Why It Matters?
Improved efficiency – A clean unit heats your home faster and uses less power
Healthier air quality – Removes built-up dust, mould, and bacteria
Longer lifespan – Regular servicing reduces wear and tear
Lower running costs – Efficient systems cost less to operate
Buying a Home? Don’t Forget to Ask
If you’re purchasing a property, it’s worth checking the condition of the heat pump before settlement.
Ask the vendor or agent for evidence of recent servicing (such as an invoice)

If it hasn’t been done, consider negotiating a service as part of the agreement before settlement day.
​
Savvy Tip:
A well-maintained heat pump isn’t just about comfort — it’s about efficiency, air quality, and protecting your investment.
A simple service now can make a big difference when winter arrives.

​Call Savvy Houz Inspections: 021 143 2995