FAQs for Home Buyers & Sellers
What is an Accredited Surveyor?
- A building inspection is a visual, non-invasive inspection of a property. Where there is reasonable access, as determined by the standards, the Surveyor will inspect visually all areas that are accessible.
- The purpose of the inspection is to identify those areas which may require future or urgent maintenance, or which may require further investigation.
- A thorough and systematic inspection by a properly qualified and trained Surveyor should provide as many facts as possible about the current condition of the property, which is then detailed in an easy to understand report.
- It is important to realise a building Surveyor can only report about what can be seen. A good inspection by a well trained inspector should pick up evident clues that can identify significant defects as well as deferred maintenance and gradual deterioration.
- The inspection and report reflect the condition of the property on the day of the inspection.
What is the procedure if I have an issue?
- The Institute has a process for addressing issues in relation to service provision by accredited building surveyors.
- Concerns must be in writing and addressed to the Chief Executive of the Building Officials Institute of New Zealand.
- The Chief Executive will determine whether the information provided can be immediately addressed or be required to go through a formal process.
- In the case of a formal process, further information may be sought prior to the information being sent to the accredited building surveyor for their written response.
- The Board has discretion to expel a member of the Institute for a good and sufficient reason.
- Should a complaint already reside within a legal jurisdiction, the Institute will not investigate until such time a judicial decision has been reached.
Can we get any money back from BOINZ or the Property Inspector we used if we are not happy with the outcome?
- The Institute operates an Accreditation programme. If you have an issue with a surveying outcome, the relationship is with the surveyor, not the Institute.
- You are entitled however to raise any concerns to member's activity with the Institute.