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.
Thermal imaging house inspections in Auckland
A thermal imaging inspection uses an infrared camera to show temperature differences across a home's walls, ceilings and floors, which reveal hidden moisture, insulation gaps, electrical hotspots and other problems invisible to the naked eye. Ours costs $600 + GST as a standalone report, and is included in every Premium building inspection.
What thermal imaging finds
Damp materials, missing insulation and overheating electrical components all show up as temperature differences. An infrared camera turns those into an image, so the inspector can see a damp patch behind a wall lining, a section of ceiling with no insulation, or a hot switchboard connection, none of which a visual inspection can detect.
Why it matters when buying
Hidden moisture is the defect buyers most want to know about, because it can mean rot in the framing and an expensive repair. Thermal imaging points the inspector to where a moisture meter should be used, and gives you images that show exactly where the problem is.
Standalone or part of Premium
Book it on its own for $600 + GST, or choose the Premium building inspection from $800 + GST, which includes thermal imaging of the interior and a drone roof inspection alongside the full NZS 4306 inspection.
Fixed pricing
Thermal Imaging pricing
All prices exclude GST. Available on its own or added to any building inspection.
Thermal Imaging
Infrared thermal imaging of the interior reveals hidden moisture, insulation gaps, electrical hotspots and structural issues invisible to the naked eye.
$600plus 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
Thermal Imaging questions
How much does a thermal imaging inspection cost?
A standalone thermal imaging inspection and report costs $600 + GST. It is also included in our Premium building inspection, from $800 + GST, together with a drone roof inspection and the full pre-purchase inspection.
Can thermal imaging see through walls?
No. It reads surface temperature, not what is behind the wall. But damp framing, missing insulation and hot wiring change the surface temperature of the lining in front of them, which is why they show up on the image.
Does thermal imaging find leaks?
It finds the temperature pattern that moisture creates, which points to where water may be getting in. The inspector then confirms it with a moisture meter, and invasive moisture testing can measure moisture inside the framing if needed.
Is thermal imaging part of a standard building inspection?
No. The Standard inspection includes moisture testing with a meter. Thermal imaging is included in the Premium inspection, or can be booked on its own.
Should I get thermal imaging on a monolithic-clad home?
It is a good idea. Homes with monolithic cladding carry the highest leaky-home risk, and thermal imaging helps find damp areas that are not yet visible, before you commit to buying.
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
Understanding Your Inspection Report: Key Terms Explained
Inspection reports use a lot of technical language. We break down the terms you'll see most often, so you know exactly what your report is telling you
Ready to book?
Fixed pricing, Licensed Building Practitioners, and we arrange access with the agent for you.