Free 2-minute self-check

Is My House a Leaky Home?

New Zealand has an estimated 42,000 recognised leaky or high-risk homes. Take the 10-point check below to gauge your risk — and find out what to do next.

The 10-point leaky home check

Tick everything you've noticed. We'll score your risk instantly.

What makes a home "leaky"?

A leaky home is one where water penetrates the building envelope because of design, materials or construction faults. The well-known risk era is roughly 1994–2008 — monolithic plaster cladding, minimal eaves, untreated timber framing and enclosed decks — but leaks aren't limited to that period. Any home with failed deck membranes, poor flashings or blocked drainage can leak.

The danger is that water damage is often hidden until it's serious. Caught early, it's a waterproofing job. Left too long, it becomes structural remediation costing $30,000–$150,000+.

Higher-risk features

🏚️ Construction

Monolithic / plaster cladding, no or minimal eaves, enclosed balconies and decks over living spaces, internal gutters, parapets.

💧 Symptoms

Musty smell, mould, staining around windows/decks, swollen skirtings, springy floors, damp after rain.

What to do next

If your score is moderate or high, don't panic — but do act. A professional moisture inspection pinpoints whether water is actually getting in and how far it's gone, so you can fix the waterproofing before it becomes a structural problem. We handle homeowner and Body Corporate remediation across NZ.

Book a free moisture inspection →

Leaky home FAQs

Does a leaky home always need a full reclad?

No. Many cases are resolved with targeted waterproofing — deck re-membrane, flashing and drainage fixes. Full recladding is only for widespread envelope failure. An inspection tells you which.

Can I sell a leaky home?

Yes, but it affects value and LIM/building reports. Documented remediation with a transferable guarantee significantly helps resale.

Who pays in an apartment / Body Corporate?

Usually the Body Corporate for shared envelope elements. We routinely scope and coordinate Body Corporate remediation.

Worried? Get certainty in 48 hours.

Free moisture inspection · honest assessment · 15-year guarantee on any work

Book my inspection →
📞 CallFree inspection →