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Buying a rural property can be an exciting venture, offering a peaceful lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. However, living in a rural area often means dealing with water supply and waste management systems that you may not be familiar with, particularly rainwater systems and septic tanks. At Red LBP Building…

Timber windows are a beautiful feature in many New Zealand homes, adding character, warmth, and a touch of elegance. However, they also require regular maintenance to ensure they remain in good condition. One common issue we encounter at Red LBP Building Inspections is flaky paint on timber windows, which can lead to warping and other…

At Red LBP, our pre-purchase building inspectors often come across roofs adorned with a natural but problematic growth: lichen. While it might lend a property a charming, rustic appeal, lichen can become a serious issue if left unchecked. In this blog, we’ll explore what lichen is, the potential problems it can cause for your roof,…

Once upon a time, I found myself in a unique position. I was working as a quantity surveyor (QS) in my own company and had the privilege of assisting numerous tradies and builders throughout New Zealand. My role required me to delve deep into the inner workings of each business, understanding how they operated and…

At Red LBP Building Inspections, we often come across homes that have been neglected in terms of maintenance. While it might seem like skipping a few upkeep tasks here and there is no big deal, these small oversights can lead to bigger problems down the road. Let’s chat about some common maintenance issues we find…

Methamphetamine, known by various street names like P, Ice, or Meth, is a serious concern in New Zealand. In this comprehensive 1000-word article, we’ll explore why it’s a good idea to test properties for meth, what the legal rules are, and the changing standards that help us deal with this issue. Understanding the importance of…

The Secrets of MDF Reveals and Architraves: Guarding Against Moisture Menace In our ongoing series, we’re turning our attention to a commonly used but moisture-sensitive material: MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) reveals and architraves. We’ll delve into what MDF is, where it’s often employed, and how moisture affects it. Additionally, we’ll explore the ramifications of moisture…

In our ongoing series of articles spotlighting common building material issues, we now turn our attention to concealed or “hidden” gutter systems, where aesthetics meet potential pitfalls. We will explore the various types of concealed gutters, the potential problems they present, the role of building inspectors in identifying water leaks, and the importance of using…

Let’s talk about Weatherside cladding, a building material that had its moment of fame in the 1970s and early 1980s. Made from tempered hardboard, it often resembled fibrous cement weatherboard at first glance, but it had some distinct characteristics and issues that have become more evident over time. In this blog, we’ll dive into the…

Welcome to our series on identifying common building material issues! Today, we’re exploring the ban on silver foil insulation and sisalation in New Zealand, shedding light on why this once widely-used material is now off the table. This ban isn’t just a regulation; it’s about keeping everyone safe, and it affects both property owners and…