Hi, I’m Nick Marer from the Little Pig Building Company.
If you’ve landed here, chances are you’re on the exciting journey of purchasing a home. One of the smartest steps you can take in this process is arranging a pre-purchase building inspection. But when’s the best time to book one?
Let’s break it down.
Two Ways to Approach a Pre-Purchase Inspection
Option One – After You’ve Signed the Sale & Purchase Agreement (most common)
You work with the agent, agree on a price, and sign a Sale & Purchase Agreement. From there, you book us in for an inspection as part of your conditions. This way, you get a detailed understanding of the property’s condition before going unconditional.
Option Two – Before You Make an Offer
If you’d like to put in a ‘clean’ offer with fewer conditions, you can arrange the inspection beforehand. The benefit is a more competitive offer — but there’s a catch: if your price isn’t accepted, you’ve already spent money on the inspection.
Why Standards Matter
At the Little Pig Building Company, all of our inspections are carried out in accordance with NZS 4306:2005 – Residential Property Inspection. This Standard sets the benchmark in New Zealand for how pre-purchase inspections should be conducted:
- Scope and clarity – ensuring the inspection is systematic, documented, and easy to understand.
- Independence – inspectors must remain impartial and act only in the client’s best interests.
- Limitations clearly defined – inspections are visual, non-invasive, and focus on identifying significant defects, hazards, or maintenance issues.
Following NZS 4306 means you can be confident that our reports meet industry best practice and comply with the accepted national framework — something not every inspector in the market can guarantee.
What Happens Once You Book?
Once you hit the button and book with us, we’ll take care of the rest:
- We’ll contact the real estate agent directly to arrange access.
- You’ll get a confirmation text with your booking details and next steps.
What Does It Cost?
As a guide:
- Single-storey homes: $860 (including GST)
- Two-storey homes: $960 (including GST)
Final pricing can vary depending on the property’s size and location, so it’s always best to check with us first.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re buying subject to conditions or want to get in early with fewer strings attached, our team is here to make the process clear, smooth, and stress-free.
By choosing an inspection carried out to NZS 4306:2005, you’re not just ticking a box — you’re protecting your investment with a professional, compliant, and thorough assessment.
Why Choose The Little Pig Building Company?
- 40+ years in the building industry – deep experience you can trust.
- BOINZ-accredited inspectors – recognised for meeting professional standards.
- Over 1,500 inspections completed – with a proven track record of accuracy.
- Independent and impartial – we work for you, not the agent.
- Comprehensive, easy-to-read reports – giving you the clarity you need to make confident decisions.
With us, you’ll get more than a report — you’ll get peace of mind.
