Your Questions Answered
Q: I purchased a house at auction last week. I have been told I have the right to a final inspection. What does that mean exactly? Alison M. A: Congratulations on your purchase! You now have the right to inspect your home prior to settlement (when the exchange of funds and the title takes place). The final inspection entitles you to look through the property to ensure that it is as inspected when you last saw it before bidding at the auction. In other words the property should be in the same condition as when you viewed it at the open home. There are a few things to watch out for a do all the lights and appliances work, is everything mentioned in the chattels there and in good order? Basically it is your final opportunity to ensure that you are getting everything you bid for at the auction.
Q: II am looking at purchasing a house and have found that the property incudes unauthorised building works. I’ve been told that plenty of homes in Auckland have unconsented works and that there is a way around it if we buy. Can you explain? Bruce M.
A: You are right that there are plenty of properties around with unconsented alterations, and some of these may not be cause for any concern. We have sold properties that have had, for example, a deck added with no consent. If the work is something that concerns you then you can apply to your council for a Certificate of Acceptance (CoA). This provides a limited assurance that the council has inspected the works and is satisfied, to the best of its knowledge, that the works comply with the NZ Building Regulations (1992). You need to be aware that because they did not inspect the work during construction they will only issue the CoA if you can provide them with evidence from a qualified and independent professional that the work is compliant. Basically what this means is that you may need to get a qualified architect, engineer or building surveyor in to inspect the work and to provide detailed plans or drawings of the alterations for submission to council. Not necessarily an easy task!