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One of the more difficult realities of being a home-owner is dealing with burglars. While we can cross our fingers it won’t happen to us and lock our doors, I’ve learned that locks only keep honest people out! And while a property inspector may assess the security of a property during a house inspection, security is something that you should keep on your mind long after you’ve moved in.

As we approach the busy summer season, many people are heading out of town to the beach and city homes will be left unattended. Luckily, there are a few things you can do that will not only decrease your chance of being robbed, but also make the whole insurance process easier if it does happen to you. 

That pesky but important word – insurance

While we like to hope it won’t happen, if you are burgled you’ll want to make the insurance process as easy as possible. Insurers don’t go handing out their money willy nilly, so they’ll need proof for the value of everything that’s been stolen. 

The easiest way to deal with this is to take note of the serial numbers of your belongings before they get stolen. Not every item will have a serial number, but big things like kitchen appliances and any bits of technology will. I tell my clients to take some time after they’ve unpacked their belongings in their new home to go round with their phone and take photos of any serial numbers. It’s a good idea to take a photo of any new appliances you get after you’ve moved in as well (particularly after Christmas!). 

Doing this makes it easier for your insurance provider to pay out. Knowing the exact model of an appliance in particular means you’re more likely to get paid the exact value of your stolen item – and not some cheaper alternative. And while taking note of an item’s serial number doesn’t make it less likely to be stolen, it does mean police might be able to identify stolen goods and get them returned to you!

Securing your home while you’re away

The leadup to Christmas and summer is the perfect time to double check your home security. To make your home off-putting for burglars while you’re away, you should:

• Ensure your locks are all working correctly. Secure locks can definitely stop the opportunist burglar. 
• Double check your security alarms are working correctly. Alarms stop burglars being inside for a long time – the quicker your alarm goes off the less time they have to rifle through your stuff!
• Consider security cameras in high risk parts of your property. While they won’t stop burglars, they can give the police helpful leads or a place to start.  
• Download helpful tracker apps. If you’re an Apple owner, using FindMyiPhone or FindMyiPad might come in very handy (that’s how I ended up finding the guys who broke into my house!)
• Don’t advertise your absence. Think about how your home looks from the outside – closed curtains during the day are a sure sign for a burglar that people are away!
• Call on a neighbour or friend you trust to come round every now and again while you’re away and give the house some life – another way to deter burglars. 
• For other security tips, have a look at one of my previous blogs.

Keeping security in mind long after your house inspection 

There are some aspects of security a property inspector can pick up on in a house inspection – like locks and windows. But security is something you need to consider all the time, particularly when you’re away from your home on holiday. Taking the steps to make your home off-putting for burglars and preparing for if it does happen will save you a lot of hassle in the long run, as well as ensuring you can relax properly on any summer holidays!

Speaking of holidays, I’ll be enjoying my Christmas break and will be unavailable until the 4th January. I hope you have a happy holiday with family and friends, and look forward to seeing you all in 2021. 

Older homes are certainly charming on the eye – but looks can sometimes be deceiving. Before diving in and purchasing your dream villa or retro bungalow, there are some things you should take into consideration. Some of them you’ll be able to spot yourself, while others you might need the help of a pre purchase building inspection to find. 

A safe roof above your head

The condition of the house’s roof should be one of the first things you check when seriously considering a home – particularly an older house. Roofs have a lifespan (if you get 50 years out of an iron roof, you’ve done well!), so the roof of an older house may well be approaching the end of its run. With roofs costing anywhere between $10-20k for an average sized house, you’ll want to check the condition of the house’s roof so you’re fully prepared for any costs that might come later! If you’re wanting to find out more about what to look out for with a roof, have a read of one of my older blogs here.

Keeping warm

A common problem with older homes is a lack of insulation and proper joinery, so you might have a chilly home in winter. Older homes generally have single glazed windows, meaning you’ll be losing a lot of the warmth your heater is generating. 

Similarly, older homes might not have been updated with new insulation – as insulation has changed a lot over the years. If you’re wanting to purchase the home and rent it out, then there are extensive insulation regulations you’ll need to consider. You’ll also want to be sure the venting is sufficient so you’re getting old air out and new air in. 

Water and piping

When it comes to older homes, the tapware, hot water cylinder, and pipes should all be checked thoroughly as they can quickly deteriorate unnoticed. Tapware and even a water cylinder won’t last forever, and hot water cylinders generally last around 20 years before needing a replacement. Sometimes they can fail earlier than that. 

Being one of the foundations of a home, piping is something that is likely to be outdated in an older house. Older materials used for pipes, like lead or steel, can corrode or become dangerous for your health. Even copper, which is also used in newer homes, can’t last forever. What you don’t want is for old pipes to start leaking, which is a problem and a half to deal with later!

How a pre purchase building inspection can help

There are some things in an older home you might be able to find out yourself, like the age of the hot water cylinder or the condition of the insulation. But more hidden elements often need a trained eye to spot. A qualified property inspector will give the property you’re considering a thorough inspection, notifying you of anything that’s cause for concern and that might give you some hassle down the track. They’ll be able to give you all the information you need in a handy report, and provide you with some advice on what to do next. 

Just because a home is a bit older, doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it. It just means that you’ll need to approach it with a bit more caution, and be prepared to deal with some of the things that come with having a house with vintage charm. When buying any second hand house, no matter the age, I’d always recommend a contingency fund set aside to fix things that may pop up. Getting a building inspection is the best way to get to know the ins and outs of your home before moving in, and know what to prepare yourself for in the future. 

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When people often think of pre purchase building inspections, they think they’re only for older homes or buildings. The reality is that any home, new or old, can have problems or inaccuracies invisible from the surface that might compromise its structure or safety. But how do you ensure that your new home is in perfect condition? And what kind of problems might your property inspector be looking out for in a new home inspection? 

Why can new homes sometimes have problems?

A brand new home always looks flawless, but that might just be because no one has lived in it yet to notice any problems. New homes haven’t yet stood the test of time, so it’s impossible to judge its quality and safety without a thorough building inspection.

As New Zealand’s population grows at an overwhelming rate, it feels like new homes and builds are going up left, right, and centre. While this delivery and production speed is great for those looking for places to live, it does mean that some of the finer details of building can be overlooked under the pressure of a tight deadline. I’ve definitely seen a real variation among the quality of builds during my time doing inspections across Auckland – from some that are pretty great to some that are frankly appalling!

Sometimes things can slip through the eyes of builders, contractors, or even Council (I’ve seen properties that have been given their Code of Compliance which shouldn’t have!). These missed opportunities and small mistakes are worth picking up before you make the move to save extensive repair costs in the long run.

Addressing problems in the building report

If a problem does arise in the property inspector’s building report, then you’ll have a chance to get things sorted before signing on the dotted line and moving in. New Zealand legislation fortunately protects people if building work isn’t done according to an agreed plan.

If a warranty has been breached and work hasn’t been done to a sufficient standard, then whoever was contracted to do the work must redo it, or pay someone else to. Depending on the situation, a contractor might also have to pay you for any loss of value to your property. The finer details depend on a whole list of factors, which you can find more about here. A property inspection completed before you’re set to move in will reveal any of these problems and give you plenty of time to work through a solution. 

Preparing through a property inspection

Building your own home, or purchasing a brand new one, is a big deal. It’s a hefty investment, so you want to be sure you’re not committing to your dream home that might turn into a nightmare! Arranging a property inspection with a qualified property inspector is the only sure way to do that. 

And remember that, even if you don’t discover issues while you’re living there, whatever you buy today you’ll have to sell tomorrow. Better to know upfront that your brand new build has been done well so you don’t get any nasty surprises when it comes time to sell!

Interested in finding out more information about a property inspection on a new build? Have a read of our old blog that dives a bit deeper. Or, if you’re wanting to get your pre purchase building inspection started, get a quote below. 

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House insurance should always be at the top of your to-do list in the house buying process – but how do you go about protecting one of your biggest investments? It can be overwhelming knowing how to get the best insurance – or even understanding what goes into creating your insurance policy. 

To get a better idea of the home insurance process, I spoke to Kane Butler – Company Director and General Manager of Distribution and Partnerships at Wayne Grayson and Associates and Fire and General Specialist for Trebla. He’s been in the business for 24 years so knows the ins and outs of both sides of the process!

What factors will impact your house insurance?

Insurers will pay attention to the whole property when deciding on an insurance policy, but their criteria focuses on a few things in particular. 

“Probably the first one is the condition of the house,” says Kane. “If the house itself is rundown, or needs a lot of work, then the insurers are going to be a little apprehensive to take it on.”

An insurer will also consider whether the property is on town or tank water, its weather-tightness, the house’s location and its age. While it doesn’t mean an old house or a house on tank water is uninsurable, these factors can all have an impact on the cost of insurance. 

Unconsented works are another consideration. If a house has any unrecorded work done, then there’ll certainly be some questions about the robustness of the home. To find out more about unconsented works, have a read of our last blog on DIY jobs and building consent. 

You can get an idea about your potential home and the factors that may make insurance more expensive through a property inspection. A property report will help you know even before approaching a broker if the house’s insurance is likely to be too expensive for your budget. Arranging a property inspection before committing to any policies means you can avoid the cost of signing a sale and purchase agreement and doing due diligence, only to find your insurance will be too expensive.

Some insurers are more strict on certain things than others, which is why it’s best to assess all your options and ask the experts before committing to one policy in particular. 

How do insurers assess a property?

To understand and assess a property, insurers often have systems in place to access information. Software allows insurers to easily plug in most addresses and immediately be able to see all the latest building information. Generally, they won’t go out and see a property in person unless there’s a really specific reason – they’ll get the majority of details they need from records or from the client.

Is a house ever uninsurable?

It’s very rare that a house is ever completely uninsurable. In the last 12 months, Kane can only recall two situations in which a house has been rejected from cover entirely. Often, the properties that are rejected already have existing claims on for landslides or leaky buildings. 

If a home does have a problem, the insurance premium won’t necessarily increase. Instead, the cover may be restricted. A house that’s had a previous landslip, for example, might be insured without landslip cover. Alternatively, the insurance policy might place a higher excess on the property. 

“We can generally get around problems and get the house covered,” says Kane. “If there are problems with a house, then there are normally other policies we’ve put in place where there might be a restriction, endorsements, or warranties.”

“Because of the relationships that we have with insurers, it’s easier for me to have a conversation with one of them and work out a solution. If someone was going directly to an insurer, they would have a lot more trouble than what we do.”

How do I get the best insurance policy for my home?

Put simply – talk to an expert.

“It’s a broker’s job to help get the right insurance for you,” explains Kane. “Knowing how to talk to insurers and negotiate a deal is a big thing, which is what an experienced broker is an expert at.”

Additionally, price should never be the only consideration when deciding on insurance. 

“A house is the biggest asset you’re ever going to purchase, so why would you not insure it properly? For a few hundred dollars more a year, you’re better off making sure you’ve got the best cover around. There are differences in cover out there, and they can make an even bigger difference when you have a claim.”

Never try and tackle insurance alone – it’s always best to stick with the experts! Insurance brokers like Kane can always ensure you’re getting the best coverage for your particular property. No property is stock standard, so why would you settle for stock standard insurance?

Working in the property inspection industry, I get the chance to meet and work with some great people. I’m pleased to have Simone Jonelle – Sales Manager at Bayleys Ellerslie and a longtime friend of mine – on the blog to share her expertise on the property industry.

The old saying goes that it takes a village to raise a child. Over time, I’ve learnt that it takes a village when it comes to buying or selling a home as well!

During the often stressful experience of buying or selling a property (and even more so in the current environment), it’s so important to surround yourself with experts of the industry. Working with people who have experience, knowledge, and skills will ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible. The reality is that no single person can know absolutely everything about the process, so building yourself a strong and varied network of knowledgeable people you trust is essential. 

So, which experts should be a part of your network when you next buy or sell?

A lawyer

There’s no way you should even consider purchasing a new home without a lawyer. Having a good lawyer to run you through the process, provide guidance, and check all the paperwork, ensures that you – and your investment – are protected. 

A mortgage broker

Understanding and managing a mortgage is a complicated process – especially if it’s your first home. You don’t always get the best deals from the bank, so an intelligent broker with the know-how will be able to find the best deal and mortgage structure for you. 

An insurance broker

An experienced insurance broker can ensure that both your income and mortgage are covered, and will always provide you with the best advice tailored to your situation. 

A property inspector

Purchasing or selling or home is a hefty investment, and you want to be sure you aren’t making a commitment to a home that’s going to give you any problems in the future. A qualified property inspector will be able to provide you with a comprehensive report and any advice on the state of your property, so you can be sure you’re going ahead knowing the condition of your purchase. 

A real estate agent

While some people like to go it alone, a professional and experienced real estate agent will make both the buying and selling experience so much easier. A real estate agent who understands your needs, wants, and style can take you to places you might not have even considered, or can get you into properties as soon as they’re listed. 

Why genuine relationships are so important

Relationships are at the heart of the property industry. Genuine relationships that involve the same interests, passions, and understanding can make your house selling and purchasing journeys so much more enjoyable and a lot less draining – especially when you know you are in expert hands. 

And you’ll be in much better shape for when you do next purchase or sell if you build those relationships and networks now. It’s never too early to start asking around and doing your research to figure out who your nearest experts are and who you might like to have alongside you. Building your network of knowledgeable, experienced and passionate individuals in the industry can take a little time, but it will make a whole heap of difference in the long run.