New build = No worries right?

🚨 Why You Should Always Get a Comprehensive Builders Report – Even on a Brand New Home

At Book a Builder, we recently encountered a case that perfectly illustrates why a comprehensive builders report is crucial—even on homes that are freshly built and have just been issued a Code Compliance

Certificate (CCC).

🏡 The Situation: Mold in a New Build

During a routine renovation on what appeared to be a pristine, newly built home, we discovered something unexpected—and deeply concerning.

Inside the roof cavity, we found visible mold growth on the building paper. This was not something anyone would expect in a new home. To investigate further, we carried out an invasive moisture test, which revealed moisture levels of 24.5%—well above the safe threshold.

Let that sink in. A brand-new house, built to modern standards, with CCC in hand—was already compromised by excess moisture and mold.

🚨 Moisture at 24.5% – Why It Matters

Timber in residential construction should ideally have a moisture content below 18%. Anything over 20% is a red flag, and at 24.5%, you’re entering the danger zone where timber becomes susceptible to:

• Mold and fungal growth

• Decay and rot

• Structural weakening

• Health risks for occupants

Had this issue gone unnoticed, it could have led to serious long-term structural damage and costly repairs—not to mention potential health hazards for the new homeowners.

🧐 But the House Had a CCC—Isn’t That Enough?

This is where many people get caught out. A Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) simply means the building work was completed in line with the approved building consent. It does not guarantee that:

• The home is free from defects

• The workmanship is high quality

• There are no hidden moisture or weathertightness issues

In short: a CCC is not a warranty. It’s just a sign-off that the builder followed the consented plans.

🛠 Why a Builders Report Is Essential—Even for New Homes

A comprehensive builders report goes beyond what the council checks during inspections. Here’s what you can expect from a professional builders report:

• Thorough visual inspection inside and out

• Moisture testing (non-invasive and invasive if needed)

• Assessment of workmanship and materials

• Identification of early signs of mold, leaks, or movement

• Objective, third-party documentation for peace of mind

In our case, if the owners had commissioned a pre-purchase builders report, the mold issue could have been identified before settlement—potentially saving tens of thousands in future remediation.

💡 Key Takeaway

Don’t assume a new build is problem-free just because it looks good and has passed council inspections. Hidden issues like moisture ingress can be silent and serious, and they may not become obvious until it’s too late.

Whether you’re buying, building, or just renovating, always consider a comprehensive builders report from a qualified professional. It’s a small investment that can save you from massive headaches down the line.

Need Help?

At Book a Builder, we connect you with experienced, trusted building professionals across New Zealand. If you’re buying or working on a property—new or old—don’t skip the builders report.

👉 Visit www.bookabuilder.co.nz and book your inspection today.

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You said:

The mold was discovered during a building report that I was completing for the client. The mold was found on multiple timber perlins (the timbers that the roof is screwed to)

ChatGPT said:

Thanks, Alex — that's a key detail. Here's the updated blog post, reflecting that the mold was discovered during a building report you were conducting for a client, and that the mold was on multiple timber purlins (not just the building paper). I've also clarified the role you played, to emphasize the value of your service.

🛠️ Why You Need a Comprehensive Builders Report – Even on a Brand-New Home

At Book a Builder, we recently uncovered a serious issue during a building inspection that perfectly highlights why a comprehensive builders report is essential—even for newly built homes that have received their Code Compliance Certificate (CCC).

⚠️ The Shocking Discovery in a New Build

While carrying out a builders report for a client on a home that had only just been completed and issued its CCC, we made a discovery that surprised even us.

Upon entering the roof cavity, we found visible mold growth on multiple timber purlins—the structural timbers that the roofing material is fixed to. This was not just a cosmetic issue—it was a red flag indicating potential moisture ingress or poor drying of materials during the construction process.

To confirm our suspicions, we conducted an invasive moisture test, which returned a reading of 24.5%.

That is well above the safe moisture threshold, especially for internal timber framing.

📉 Why 24.5% Moisture Is a Big Deal

For context, timber in residential buildings should ideally be below 18% moisture content. When moisture levels exceed 20%, you run into serious risks, including:

• ✅ Mold and fungal growth

• ✅ Decay and rot

• ✅ Structural weakening over time

• ✅ Potential health risks to occupants from airborne spores

These issues are especially concerning in new builds, where owners rightly expect a clean slate—not latent defects.

🏗️ But It Had a CCC – Isn’t That Enough?

Not quite.

A Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) means the local council has confirmed the building work was completed according to the approved consent. However, a CCC does not guarantee:

• That the building is defect-free

• That workmanship was consistently high quality

• That moisture or weathertightness issues don’t exist

In other words, a CCC is a compliance check, not a quality assurance guarantee.

🔎 Why a Builders Report Still Matters on New Builds

This case perfectly illustrates the value of an independent builders report—even on homes that are brand new. Had our client relied solely on the CCC, the mold and excess moisture could have gone undetected until the damage was far worse.

A comprehensive builders report provides:

• 🧰 A detailed inspection of internal and external areas

• 💧 Moisture testing, including invasive testing where needed

• 👷 Objective reporting from a qualified professional

• 🛡️ A safety net for buyers, homeowners, and investors

💬 What This Means for Buyers and Owners

If you’re buying or taking possession of a new home, don’t skip the building report just because the property is newly built. Construction defects, trapped moisture, and poor workmanship can exist even in brand-new homes—and they’re not always visible at a glance.

In this case, the early discovery of mold saved the client from inheriting a hidden—and potentially expensive—problem.

✅ Final Thoughts

At Book a Builder, we’ve seen firsthand how important it is to get independent eyes on any property—whether it’s 50 years old or fresh off the building site.

If you’re considering a property or just want peace of mind, book a comprehensive building inspection. It's a small upfront cost that can protect your health, your investment, and your future.

👉 Book now at www.bookabuilder.co.nz