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 carries risks due to NZ's leaky homes crisis, but it's not an automatic dealbreaker. Issues common in homes built from 1987-2005 were caused by poor design and construction methods.
Be aware of warning signs like mould or swollen skirting boards. Repair costs can be extremely high, often exceeding $330,000.
Before purchasing, a specialised building inspection focusing on moisture is essential. Homes built post-2005 with a proper drainage cavity are generally lower risk.
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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