2020 House Inspection Policy

SCOPE OF WORK and TERMS of TRADE

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

The 20/20 House Inspection Services inspection is a current condition, visual inspection of the conditions of the elements inspected on that particular day only. It is no guarantee against failure of any component or system inspected. The report should be seen as a reasonable attempt to identify any Significant Fault or Defect visible at the time of the visual inspection rather than an all-encompassing report dealing with the home from every aspect. Reporting any fault or defect is on an exceptional basis, rather than reporting on items that are in acceptable condition for their age. Only areas and elements listed in the report were inspected.

Our responsibility in this report is limited to the client to whom it is addressed and to that client only. We disclaim all responsibility and accept no liability to any other party.

SCOPE OF INSPECTION.

Visual Inspections Only

The scope of the inspections is limited to a visual inspection of the components of a building, to which the inspector has reasonable access and is in their clear line of sight.

If not otherwise stated, the external inspection performed by an inspector to determine deficiencies of the following elements:

Site (Fencing, Retaining Walls, Decks, Surface Drainage, Grading);
Roof Elements (Roof Cover, Gutters, Downpipes, Fascia, and Soffits);
External (Walls Cladding, Windows, Doors, Stairs, Balconies and enclosed areas, Attachments and Penetrations);
Internal (Ceiling, Walls, Flooring, Joinery operations)
Crawl Space/Basement (Soil Condition; Waste pipe support and Plumbing Leaks, Posts, Insulation, Pests, Debris, Signs of floor damage under wet areas, Signs of foundation failure, Visual Inspection on borer presence).
Services (visual inspection only - visual appearance of Electrical, Plumbing, Gas, and Smoke Alarms elements readily open for inspection)

A non-invasive moisture meter will be used around accessible joinery or accessible identified risk areas. However, due to instruments' limits, their results are inconclusive and can only be used as an aid. This scan/test in itself cannot be used to confirm nor eliminate the possibility of deterioration in the framing or cladding systems. Therefore, no representations of the relative timber treatments and the presence of any mould or fungi such as Stachybotrys or mycotoxins in concealed walls, floor spaces, Gib and the like are given.

The moisture inspection includes only:

General rooms: Around window and external door openings; Adjacent walls to bathrooms; Areas which inspector considers as suspicious; Any other areas with visual signs of mould or/and moisture signs/damage.
Bathrooms: Areas around shower and bath – especially bottom corners; Areas around wall penetrations such as mixers, shower heads, tabs and fixtures; Look for water damage signs and marks & water test shower screens.

Because this is a limited inspection, we can make no guarantee, expressed or implied, that our observations and random moisture readings offer conclusive evidence that no installation or moisture problems exist or that problems found are all-inclusive and is not a guarantee that no moisture issues exist or that issues will not develop in future. Therefore, no thermal imaging, probing, or destructive testing is conducted if not explicitly ordered.

Inspection and Report Scope and Limitation

The inspection and report are intended only as a general guide to help you evaluate the home's overall condition and are not intended to reflect the value of the premises nor make any representation as to the advisability of sale or purchase.
The report expresses the opinions of the inspector based on his or her visual impressions of the conditions that existed at the time of the inspection only.
The inspection and report are not intended to be technically exhaustive or to imply that every component was inspected or that every possible defect was discovered.
No disassembly of equipment, intrusive or destructive inspection, moving of furniture, appliances or stored items, or excavation will be performed.
All components and conditions that, by the nature of their location, are concealed, deliberately hidden, camouflaged or difficult to inspect are excluded from the report.
Any suggestions or recommendations contained in the report are a suggestion only, and it shall be the responsibility of the person or persons carrying out the work to ensure the most appropriate remedy is carried out in conjunction with any further discoveries, warranties or manufacturers' recommendations and warranty's, and any necessary local authority consents obtained before proceeding with remedial work.
Inspections of the systems at home are outside our report's scope. The opinion of the inspector, who is not a qualified plumber, electrician or gas fitter. Your inspector will, however, conduct a cursory inspection of the hot water system, the plumbing system, and the electrical system. You should note that this will only be the should note that our inspector does not inspect the air conditioning system, dishwashers, stoves, hobs heating systems, aerials, swimming pools or spas.
It is not our policy to give verbal advice; we will provide a written report. If you do require us to give you verbal advice, we shall not be held responsible for that advice.
Matters which are not within the scope of the inspection include, but are not limited to: the existence of formaldehyde, lead paint, asbestos, toxic or flammable materials, pest infestation and other health or environmental hazards; the condition of playground equipment; the efficiency measurement of insulation or heating and cooling equipment; any internal or underground drainage or plumbing; any systems which are shut down or otherwise secured; water wells (water quality and quantity); zoning ordinances; cosmetics or building code conformity; intercoms, security systems, fire detection systems, heat sensors (any general comments about these systems and conditions are informational only and do not represent an inspection or form part of the report).
The inspection and report should not be construed as a compliance inspection of any building, legal or territorial authority standards, codes or regulations. The report is not intended to be a warranty or guarantee of the present or future weather tightness, adequacy or performance of the structure, its systems, or their parts. The report does not constitute any express or implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for use regarding the condition of the property, and it should not be relied upon as such. Any opinions expressed regarding adequacy, capacity, or expected life of components are general statements based on information about similar components, and occasional variations are to be expected between such estimates and actual experience.
This report does not cover any buildings suffering from rotting homes, leaky homes and toxic mould situations and does not determine if a home is or is not a 'leaky home'. Our reports are not a 'weather-tightness' report, as invasive testing would need to be carried through the exterior cladding into the building's framework to get conclusive results.
Moisture, Thermoimaging/ Infrared Inspections. Because any thermal imaging or non-invasive moisture reading is only a 'snapshot' at a particular point in time, all inspections and reports are valid for the day of inspection only due to various conditions outside our control after the inspection. A thermal imaging camera does not "see through" walls, and it does not detect moisture. The infrared camera detects infrared radiation only.
You accept that the inspector will not detect some faults because:

The fault only occurs intermittently.
Part of the home has not been used for a while, and the fault usually occurs after regular use (or detection of the fault would only occur after regular use).
The type of weather that would normally reveal the fault is not prevailing at, or around, the time of the inspection.
The fault has been deliberately concealed.
Furnishings are obscuring the fault (see clause 4 above).
We have been given incorrect information by you, the vendor (if any), the real estate consultant, or any other person.
The fault is/was not apparent on a visual inspection.

Inspectors have no personal interest.

We certify that we have no interest, present or contemplated, in the property or its improvement and no involvement with tradespeople or benefits derived from any sales or improvements. To the best of our knowledge and belief, all statements and information in the report are true and correct.

DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY

The client understands and agrees that any claim against the accuracy of the report, in the form of errors or omissions, is limited to the failure of the inspector to follow the 2020 House Inspection Services Standard Procedure.

It is acknowledged that the contents of the report and the recommendations contained derive from a visual inspection only, and 2020 House Inspection Services gives no warranty (implied or otherwise) as to the structural integrity of the building, its fabric and/or components.
This is a report of a visual-only, non-invasive inspection of the areas of the building which are readily visible at the time of inspection. The inspection did not include any areas or components which were concealed or closed in behind finished surfaces (such as plumbing, drainage, heating, framing, ventilation, insulation or wiring) or which required the moving of anything which impeded access or limited visibility (such as floor coverings, furniture, appliances, personal property, vehicles, vegetation, debris or soil).
The inspection did not assess compliance with the NZ Building Code, including the Code's weather tightness requirements or structural aspects. On request, separate specialist inspections must be arranged to evaluate weather tightness or structure or any systems, including electrical, plumbing, gas or heating.
As the purpose of this inspection was to assess the general condition of the building based on the limited visual inspection, this report may not identify all past, present or future defects. Descriptions in this report of systems or appliances relate to existence only and not adequacy or life expectancy. Any area or component of the building or any item or system not specifically identified in this report as having been inspected was excluded from the scope of the inspection.
We don’t provide written advice on the actual costs of rectification or repair. If the cost advice is provided verbally, it must be taken as of a general nature only and is not to be relied on. The purchasers should seek actual costs by getting a separate inspection from an appropriate trade contractor. No liability is accepted for costing advice.

Preliminary reports

Following an Inspection, the 20/20 House Inspection Services may provide a "Preliminary verbal wrapping up" of the inspection's outcome to the Client by telephone or in person. We also supply the Client with the inspector's photos taken during the inspection. A "Preliminary verbal wrapping up" is intended to advise the Client of any significant concerns and risk factors regarding a specific property to provide the Client with a basic understanding of the overall condition of the property. 20/20 House Inspection Services will also advise whether any recommended further inspections are required or recommended.
The Client accepts that a "Preliminary verbal wrapping up" is not a verbal report and is intended to provide an opportunity for the Client to decide whether they wish to proceed with the purchase of the property. However, if, after a "Preliminary verbal wrapping up", the Client still wishes to proceed with the purchase of the property and be able to rely on the findings during the inspection, then the Client must pay for the total cost of upgrading to the Written report.
The Client accepts that should the Client proceed without obtaining a full Written Report before making an unconditional offer, it will have withdrawn from 20/20 House Inspection Services services, and 20/20 House Inspection Services will not be liable for any losses suffered.

TERMS of TRADE

All commercially sensitive information obtained by either party during the report preparation shall remain confidential.

The report's contents or any other work prepared by us are confidential and have been prepared solely for you and shall not be relied upon by any third parties. We accept no responsibility for anything done or not done by any third party in reliance, whether wholly or partially, on any of the report's contents.

We have no responsibility or liability for any cost, loss or damage arising from:

any errors or omissions from information, data or documents not prepared by us, our employees, or other persons under our direct control of us;
any act or omission, lack of performance, negligent or fraudulent act by you as a client or/and homeowner;
any act or omission, lack of performance, negligence or fraud by any consultant, contractor or supplier to you or any of your employees or agents.

You shall pay all costs and expenses (including legal fees on a solicitor/Client basis) resulting from any breach of these terms of trade by you or the enforcement by us of these Terms of trade.

The parties agree that the Laws of New Zealand govern these terms and conditions, and proceedings taken by the other party shall be heard in New Zealand, regardless of the location of your business/residence.

Payment Policy

Out of consideration for us providing you with the inspection and report, you agree:

Payment is due on report delivery.
Accounts not paid by the due date shall incur a late payment interest charge of 10% of the total amount owing for each calendar month the account is overdue, with administrative costs, legal fees and all debt collection costs added.

Cancellation policy

No fee will be charged if the inspection is cancelled up to 24 hours before the inspection is due to be taken. If the Client cancels the inspection within 24 hours of the scheduled time of the inspection, a fee of $200 plus GST will be charged. If the Client cancels the inspection on the date of the inspection, a full fee for the ordered inspection will be charged.

Disputes

Should any dispute arise as a result of the inspection or report, it must be submitted to us in writing immediately.
You agree that upon raising a dispute, the contents of the report may not be used to satisfy any terms of a sale and purchase agreement until the disagreement/dispute has been resolved.
You agree that if, after raising a dispute, you use the inspection or report to make an unconditional offer or confirm a sale and purchase agreement, you waive all of your rights to continue with the dispute and/or raise any future dispute or claim against us.
In the event of a claim/dispute regarding damage to a home, you will allow us to investigate the claim prior to any repairs to the home being undertaken or completed. You agree that if you do not allow us to investigate the claims of damage before any repairs are carried out that you waive your rights to continue with and/or make any future claim against us.
In the event of any dispute, you agree not to disturb, repair, or attempt to repair anything that may constitute evidence relating to the dispute, except in the case of an emergency.
Any complaints will be subject to our internal complaints process.
No claim for damage or loss arising directly or indirectly in connection with the Services shall be brought more than two (2) months after completion of the Services. At that time, the Customer shall be deemed to have waived and abandoned any claims against us and our agents or employees and shall not be entitled to bring any claim against us and our agents or employees.

Limitation of Liability

Our responsibility in connection with this report is limited to the client to whom it is addressed and to that client only. We disclaim all responsibility and accept no liability to any other party.
Subject to any statutory provisions, if we become liable to you, for any reason, for any loss, damage, harm or injury in any way connected with the completion of the inspection and/or report, our liability shall be limited to a sum not exceeding the cost of the inspection and report. We will not be liable to you for any consequential loss of whatever nature suffered by you or any other person injured and indemnify us in respect of any claims concerning any such loss.
If the Customer intends to use the report in whole or in part for business purposes, the guarantees under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 do not apply.
Directors, shareholders, and employees of 20/20 House Inspection Services shall not be held liable to the client and /or any third party who may rely on the report wholly or partly.
20/20 House Inspection Services will not be liable to the client for any consequential or special loss of whatever nature suffered by the client or any other person injured, and the client indemnifies 20/20 House Inspection Services in respect of any claims concerning any such loss.
Subject to any statutory provisions, if we become liable to you, for any reason, for any loss, damage, harm or injury in any way connected with the completion of the inspection and/or report, our liability shall be limited to a sum not exceeding the cost of the inspection and report. We will not be liable to you for any consequential loss of whatever nature suffered by you or any other person injured and indemnify us in respect of any claims concerning any such loss.
The purchaser agrees to indemnify and keep indemnified the house inspector and /or the inspection company from any and all claims by the vendor or any third party arising from the purchaser's release of all or part of the report and/or report summary. Further, the purchaser shall pay all legal costs incurred by the inspector and/or the inspection company arising from such claims.
The client understands and agrees that any failure to notify the inspector as stated above shall constitute a waiver of any and all claims for said failure to accurately report the condition in question.

Non-Invasive Moisture Inspection (Moisture Scan/Test)

Non-Invasive Internal Moisture Scan/Test is based on non-invasive moisture measurements and performed according to our Standard Procedure.

Scan/ test results reflect the current condition of the areas/elements tested on the particular day of inspection.

The report is preliminary and superficial only, and although it is indicative of the current condition, it should not be used to base any purchase decisions. Instead, a more comprehensive house inspection and report are recommended.

Because this is a limited inspection, we can make no guarantee, expressed or implied, that our observations and random moisture readings offer conclusive evidence that no installation or moisture problems exist or that problems found are all-inclusive. It is in no way an assessment of compliance with any building codes or regulations and is not a guarantee that no moisture issues exist or that issues will not develop in future.

This inspection company, its employees, and any divisions shall not be liable for non-visual defects, unseen defects, unspecified defects or hidden damage and conditions existing on the subject property and hereby disclaims any liability or responsibility thereof. All parties concerned agree to hold harmless and indemnify this inspection company involving any liabilities that may result.

Moisture inspection limitations

Please note that dry weather can affect a moisture inspection as less moisture will remain in the structure. A wet season or after rain will produce a more accurate result. A non-invasive inspection has the limitation of only being able to read into any timber framed wall to the depth of 5-40 mm depending on the density of the material being tested, construction and the type of meter used. This means that if there is some dampness on the outside of the wall framing and it has not leaked into the wall far enough towards the above dimension, it may not be discovered.
The non-invasive moisture meters will not detect or measure moisture through any electrically conductive materials, including but not limited to metal sheeting or cladding, black EPDM roofing, butyl roofing, some rubberised waterproofing, aluminium siding or wet surfaces, and aluminium foil.
Decayed timber (dry) is not detected by a non-invasive moisture meter, visual inspection with timber strength testing, collecting "shavings", and further investigation are recommended.
Sometimes, a vendor may disguise a problem by drying affected areas before the inspection, installing new lining, painting surfaces over or placing the furniture in front of the problematic areas. As our inspection is non-invasive and visual and we can not move the vendor's furniture or belongings, we can't be held liable for concealed or disguised problems. Obtaining a vendor statement about the house's moisture condition and a final re-inspection before settlement when the house is empty is highly recommended. Immediate notification about any problems to your solicitor and inspector is strongly advised.

Testing/Scanning method

Testing Drywall, Ceramic tiles and other wall and floor covering. Using non-invasive moisture meters on materials other than exposed timber is not a reliable indication of the amount of moisture below the surface. As calibration is not practical because of the variation in the composition of these types of construction, tests are carried out on a comparative basis selecting the most appropriate scale. The information gained can only be helpful in comparative terms, not in absolute terms – when readings in known dry areas are low but are higher in a suspect location of similar construction, there may be elevated moisture levels.

COPYRIGHTS

The Inspection Company will retain the copyright of all documents prepared by the Company in performing the inspection.

REASONABLE ACCESS

You agree to ensure that Reasonable Access can be gained to the property, including but not limited to the roof cavity and foundations spaces and that any such areas, if they exist, are cleared for an inspection to be carried out.

Reasonable access means to access that is safe, unobstructed and which has the minimum clearance specified in the table below (or if the minimum clearance is not available, the area is within the inspector's clear line of vision).

Area Access manhole (mm) Crawlspace (mm) Height

Roof exterior Access from 3.6m ladder

Roof space 450 x 400 600 x 600 Access from 3.6m ladder

Subfloor 500 x 400 Vertical clearance*

Concrete floor 500

Timber floor 400

* From the underside of the bearer.