PROPERTY INSPECTION REPORT TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. Acceptance of Terms
Upon receiving this report, the purchaser acknowledges and agrees to all the terms and conditions specified herein. The use of this report for the purpose of purchasing or selling the property indicates full acceptance of these terms.
2. Scope and Nature of Inspection
2.1 Inspection Service: X-ray Home Inspections provides a residential property inspection and reporting service designed to assess the condition of residential buildings. The inspection and subsequent report are based on a non-invasive visual examination, and while it aligns with the NZ Standard NZS4306:2005, it may not cover every aspect in its entirety.
2.2 Limitations of Report: This report represents a building condition assessment based on the observable conditions at the time of the inspection. It is inherently limited by the non-invasive nature of the inspection, which means that it cannot identify or assess issues hidden behind finished surfaces or within inaccessible areas. The findings are based on the inspector’s experience, the construction type, the age of the building, the visual appearance of materials and the use of some electronic equipment.
2.3 Non-Exhaustiveness: The inspection is not a comprehensive or technically exhaustive investigation. It is intended to identify significant visible defects and assess structural integrity as far as practicable. The report does not constitute a warranty against future problems and does not confirm compliance with Building Code regulations or local bylaws. The inspection does not assess compliance with the NZ Building Code including the Code's weathertightness requirements or structural aspects, nor does it verify if the building or any part thereof has been consented or has a current CCC or CoA. On request, specialist inspections can be arranged for invasive testing for weather-tightness or structure or any systems including electrical, plumbing, gas or heating.
3. Specific Limitations
3.1 Leaky Buildings: The inspection is a visual-only, non-invasive survey. There are limitations to what can be identified, particularly regarding the condition of internal framing and other materials that are not visible. Elevated moisture readings may not be detected due to seasonal weather conditions, temperature variations, or other factors. To fully determine if there are leak problems or internal wall damage, invasive testing is required, which is not included in this report. Without visible signs of water damage, the presence of leaks or water ingress cannot always be confirmed. We use high-quality moisture testing equipment and leverage our experience to identify potential problem areas, but we cannot guarantee the absence of leaks or future water ingress. Some materials especially metal products can interfere with the moisture testing equipment’s readings and return a positive high moisture reading and upon invasive investigation turn out to be dry. As we cannot determine the materials in the cavity being tested, we can only report on the readings received at the time of inspection therefore if a false positive is reported on, we cannot be held liable if this is the case.
3.2 Access Limitations:
General Access: The inspection is limited to areas that are safely visible and accessible at the time of inspection. Areas with limited or no access will be explicitly noted in the report.
Roof Access: The roof will only be accessed if it meets Health and Safety requirements. If it is deemed unsafe to access, or if it is above the reach of a 3.6m ladder, has a pitch greater than 30 degrees, or is wet, the inspection may be limited to observations from the ground or a safe working platform, affecting the accuracy of the inspection.
Sub-Floor Access: Access will not be made to sub-floor spaces with crawl heights less than 500mm, or if conditions are wet, unhygienic, or present a health and safety risk. Additionally, if silver foil presents a risk of electrocution, the subfloor will not be accessed.
Roof Space Access: Roof spaces with access hatches that are obstructed, too high, or smaller than 500x500mm will not be accessed. In such cases, visual observations will be made from accessible manholes or doors.
4. Asbestos and hazardous materials.
4.1 Asbestos Testing: X-ray Home Inspectors do not conduct asbestos testing. Asbestos may be present in building materials manufactured before the year 2000. The absence of visible asbestos or mention in the report does not preclude its presence. The Inspector or X-ray Home Inspectors are not liable for any asbestos discovered after the inspection. Some older houses also have the potential to have lead-based paints which should be tested for if you have any concerns.
5. Report Interpretation
5.1 Condition Codes:
AS (Appears Serviceable): The item appeared to be in working or usable condition at the time of the inspection with no major discrepancies noted. Minor wear and tear or defects that do not affect functionality may be marked as AS.
R (Repair): The item was found to be damaged or nearing the end of its useful lifespan. It is recommended that a certified professional be consulted for further evaluation and necessary repairs.
S (Safety Issue): The item poses a safety hazard and could potentially cause harm to people or property. Immediate repair is advised.
NI (Not Inspected): The item was not inspected due to various reasons, which will be noted in the report.
5.2 Inspection Limits: The inspection does not cover concealed or closed-in areas behind finished surfaces, including but not limited to plumbing, gas, drainage, heating, framing, ventilation, insulation, or wiring. The moving of any obstructions such as floor coverings, furniture, appliances, personal property, vehicles, vegetation, debris, or soil is beyond the scope of this inspection. Comments on the structural integrity of foundations, retaining walls, or ground stability are based on visual observations and experience. For a thorough assessment, a qualified engineer should be consulted.
6. Special Items and Systems
6.1 Chattels and Appliances: The inspection may not identify all defects or issues with chattels, systems, and appliances. Descriptions in the report are limited to the existence of these items and do not address their adequacy, life expectancy, or functionality.
6.2 Heating Systems: Heating systems are not tested. While basic observations regarding their operation may be noted, a specialist should be consulted for a complete assessment of their operation and compliance.
6.3 Electrical Systems: Lighting and visible wiring will be examined. The main switchboard will be photographed to show its condition. However, detailed circuit testing is not performed. If defects or issues are observed, they will be noted, and further inspection by a qualified electrician is recommended.
6.4 Plumbing Systems: The functionality of wet areas and visible plumbing will be tested and commented on. The plumbing conditions in sub-floor or ceiling spaces will be photographed where possible. Any issues requiring further attention will be noted, and a registered plumber should be consulted for detailed assessment and repairs.
7. Reporting Scope
The inspection includes an assessment where possible of the following areas:
The Building Site
The Subfloor Space
The Exterior of the Building
The Roof Exterior including gutters and downpipes
The Roof Space including insulation
The Interior of the Building
Exterior Windows and Doors
Services
8. Dispute Resolution
8.1 Liability Limitation: The client understands and agrees that the Inspector/Inspection Company is not an insurer. The payment made for the inspection and report is solely for the service provided. Any claims regarding the accuracy of the report must be reported within five business days of discovery. Failure to notify the Inspector/Inspection Company within this period will constitute a waiver of any and all claims.
8.2 Resolution Process: The Inspector/Inspection Company will have five business days to respond to any claims. If the response does not satisfactorily address the claim, liability will be limited to a refund of the price paid for the inspection and report.
8.3 Report Use: The report is not to be copied, sold, or relied upon by any third party. However, if required by the terms of the Agreement of Sale and Purchase of Real Estate, a copy of the report may be provided to the property owner. In such cases, the Inspector/Inspection Company assumes no responsibility to the property owner regarding any item contained in the report. The report does not constitute a recommendation regarding the advisability of purchasing the property.