Building Problem Advice
Have a building problem or concern and aren't sure what it may mean or what to investigate next? Provide the information you have and Build Advice will give you an independent practical assessment.
Current pricing
$60.00
New Zealand dollars, GST inclusive.
These are examples only. The right next step will depend on the information you provide.
Examples may include cracks in walls or ceilings, cracks around doors or windows, exterior cracking, or cracking that is new, changing or getting wider.
Examples may include leaks, damp areas, staining, mould, water around windows or doors, roof or gutter concerns, wet-area issues, or unexplained moisture.
Examples may include floors or walls that appear to have moved, doors or windows beginning to stick, gaps opening up, uneven or sloping areas, or other changes that may suggest movement.
Examples may include rot, corrosion, decay, crumbling materials, damaged finishes, or building elements that appear to be worsening.
Examples may include something that has recently changed, appeared after weather or building work, started making noise, sagged, shifted, or simply looks different from before.
Examples may include workmanship or a building detail that looks unusual, uneven, incorrectly fitted, damaged, or different from what you expected.
You know something seems wrong but are unsure what information to gather, what questions to ask, or whether another specialist may be needed.
Demonstration example — fictional customer
Example scenario: Decking boards — nails popping
To get started
- A description of the problem and what you would like help understanding.
- Whether you have an immediate safety concern.
Helpful if you have it
- Clear photos of the problem.
- Approximate property age and number of levels.
- When you first noticed it and whether it is changing.
- Details of anything already tried or repaired.
- Any relevant reports or documents.
You’ll receive practical guidance on what may be worth investigating, questions worth asking and what to do next. Where further assessment is needed, we’ll help you understand what type of builder, specialist or professional may be appropriate.
- Choose your service and save your information and files before payment.
- Review your complete submission and price, then pay securely. Only verified payment starts review.
- We review it and let you know if anything important is missing.
- Receive your written advice with practical observations, questions worth asking and suggested next steps.
- Have a question afterwards? You can send one brief follow-up question about the original advice within 7 days.
Estimated turnaround: 2 business days
This service is not a guaranteed diagnosis.
Where the main matter is defective workmanship, warranty responsibility or a builder/trade disagreement, see Defect, Warranty & Dispute Guidance.
Your service includes one brief follow-up question about the original advice within 7 days after your advice is issued. If your question raises a new issue or substantially expands the original matter, a separate Build Advice service or other assistance may be needed.