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 requires caution due to its link to the NZ leaky homes crisis (1987-2005). While not all plaster homes leak, design flaws and poor building practices increase the risk of water damage, which can cause health issues.
Warning signs include:
- Sagging ceilings or mould
- Swollen skirting boards
- Rusted screws
Repairs can exceed $330,000, and securing insurance is often difficult. Always get a specialised building inspection to assess moisture levels before making an offer.
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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