Are new builds the way to go?
🏠 ONLY 3 YEARS OLD… AND THE CEILINGS WERE COVERED IN MOULD
This is a good example of why new doesn’t necessarily mean problem-free.
I recently inspected a townhouse that was only around 3 years old. Upstairs, extensive mould was visible across the bathroom ceilings, with areas of the ceiling lining deteriorating from moisture.
The roof space was extremely restricted — so low that it could only be viewed from the access hatch and by feeding a camera through downlight openings.
What we found above the ceiling was concerning:
💧 The underside of the roof underlay was covered in condensation and dripping wet⚫ Roof framing was beginning to show black mould growth/staining📈 Invasive moisture readings to timber framing reached approximately 35%🚿 The bathrooms had no opening windows, making mechanical extraction particularly important🌬️ The roof cavity was so shallow that the bathroom extractor ducting was hard against the underside of the roof, severely restricting the available space for an effective duct installation🍄 Extensive mould growth and moisture damage had developed to the ceilings below
This wasn’t simply a matter of wiping some mould off and repainting.
The amount of moisture present within the roof space indicates a significant condensation/ventilation issue that needs to be properly identified and rectified. The source and contributing factors need to be addressed before replacing damaged ceiling linings, otherwise the problem is likely to return.
A house can look modern, tidy and almost brand new from the outside while significant problems are developing in areas most buyers will never see.
That’s why we inspect more than what’s visible at eye level.
🔍 Roof cavities💧 Moisture testing🌡️ Thermal imaging📷 Inspection cameras where access is restricted🚁 Drone roof inspections where appropriate
Book a Builder Property InspectionsQualified builders inspecting Auckland homes.
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