Buying guide
Should I buy a monolithic cladding house? Understanding NZ leaky homes
Properties with plaster or monolithic cladding can be risky purchases, but they're not all leaky.
AI summary
Buying a home with monolithic cladding is risky due to the NZ leaky homes crisis, but not all plaster homes leak. Issues stemmed from poor design and construction between 1987-2005, trapping moisture and causing rot.
Be vigilant for warning signs:
- Mould or fungi
- Sagging ceilings
- Swollen materials
Repairs are costly, often exceeding $330,000, and can affect insurance. Before buying, a specialised building inspection focusing on moisture is essential to assess the risk and potential costs involved.
What exactly is a leaky home?
What caused the NZ leaky homes crisis?
Monolithic cladding — the main culprit?
Not all plaster homes leak, but they may be at a higher risk.
How can I spot a leaky home?
If you keep your eyes open during a property inspection you may be able to spot signs that a home is leaky.
Not all plaster homes are leaky but they should be approached with caution.
The cost of fixing a leaky home
Should I buy a monolithic cladding house?
FAQs — Navigating leaky homes in NZ
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