Before jumping in and making an offer on the first house that seems to meet your needs take a really good look around your potential new home, chat to the real estate agent, and the owner if possible, and do some basic homework on the condition of the house. If the list of work required gets too long it could be too costly to repair and also service your mortgage. For peace of mind have a Registered Building Inspector undertake a thorough pre-purchase condition report.

Your checklist might look something like this:

• Condition of the roof, is It rusty?
• Are the gutters and drain pipes in good condition?
• If weatherboard check condition, any borer or soft patches?
• Check plumbing, water pressure, taps and showers.
• Do the piles appear to be in good condition? If wood check condition especially below the soil line.
• Doors/windows close properly. Any cracks?
• Are there enough power points?
• Check over the power box and ask if it’s ever been re-wired. If so when?
• Is there any insulation?
• What sort of heating is there and how efficient is it?
• Are there any signs of damp or water stains, does it smell damp?
• Is it near a river or low lying, what’s the potential for flooding?
• Check where the sun falls and will it get sun all year round?
• What’s the condition of the kitchen and bathroom?
• What chattels, such as curtains and carpets, are included In the sale and what condition are they in?
• Are fences, paving and driveways in good condition?
• Have building consents been issued with a code of compliance certificate?
• Check property zoning.

NZ Institute of Building Inspectors Certification