Weathertightness 101: Signs Your Home Might Be at Risk
Leaky home issues aren't always obvious. Here are the early warning signs our inspectors look for during every inspection.
Invasive moisture testing in Auckland
Invasive moisture testing measures the moisture content of a home's timber framing through small probe holes, which finds hidden water ingress and decay that surface testing and visual inspection cannot. Ours costs $300 + GST across Auckland, on its own or added to a building inspection.
Surface testing versus invasive testing
Every building inspection includes non-invasive moisture testing, where a meter on the surface of the linings picks up damp areas. Invasive testing goes further: probes placed through small holes measure the moisture content of the timber framing itself, which is where leaks cause rot. It is the test that confirms whether a suspicious reading is a real problem.
When it is worth doing
It is most useful on homes with monolithic cladding built from the 1990s to the mid-2000s, homes where the inspection found high surface readings or staining, and around known risk areas such as decks, balconies, window joinery and internal gutters. For a buyer, it turns a "possible moisture issue" in a report into a measured answer before you commit.
What you get
A report of the readings taken, where they were taken, and what they mean for the framing, from a Licensed Building Practitioner. It can be booked on its own or added to a pre-purchase or weathertightness inspection, and the reports are delivered together.
Fixed pricing
Invasive Moisture Testing pricing
All prices exclude GST. Available on its own or added to any building inspection.
Invasive Moisture Testing
Specialist invasive moisture testing using professional equipment. Identifies hidden water ingress and damp issues that visual inspection alone cannot detect.
$300plus GST
Add it to a building inspection
Book it with a Standard or Premium inspection and both reports are delivered together.
$600Standard, from
Report Delivery
Choose your delivery speed
Standard delivery is within 48 hours at no extra charge. Need it sooner? Choose an express option when you book.
48 hr
Included
24 hr
+$99 + GST
12 hr
+$199 + GST
6 hr
+$299 + GST
Common Questions
Invasive Moisture Testing questions
How much does invasive moisture testing cost?
Invasive moisture testing and report costs $300 + GST. It can be booked on its own, or added to a pre-purchase or weathertightness inspection so both are done in the same visit.
Does invasive moisture testing damage the house?
It needs small probe holes, usually in the cladding or linings at the test points. They are small and are normally sealed afterwards. Because it involves drilling, the vendor or owner has to agree to it before it can be done.
Is moisture testing included in a building inspection?
Non-invasive moisture testing, using a meter on the surface of the linings, is included in every inspection we do. Invasive testing of the framing is a separate report.
Which homes need invasive moisture testing?
Homes with monolithic cladding from the 1990s to the mid-2000s, homes with high surface moisture readings or staining, and homes with risky details like enclosed decks, balconies over living spaces or internal gutters.
Will invasive testing tell me if a house is a leaky home?
It measures moisture in the framing at the test points, which is the most direct evidence available short of removing cladding. Combined with the weathertightness inspection, it gives you a clear picture of the risk.
Further reading
Guides for this inspection
Is Monolithic Cladding a Leaky Home Risk in NZ? What Every Buyer Should Know
If you're house hunting in New Zealand and you've come across a home with smooth, plaster-like walls, you may have heard the term
Bad Building Report? Here's What Now: A Buyer's Guide to Negotiating House Price in NZ
So the building report is in, and it's not the clean bill of health you were hoping for. Maybe there's moisture in the subfloor, a roof that's due for
Ready to book?
Fixed pricing, Licensed Building Practitioners, and we arrange access with the agent for you.