SR62 New Zealand House Condition Survey 1994 (2007)

This report summarises the results of on-site inspections of the physical condition of over 400 houses in 1993/94. The houses were chosen at random in the three main centres, and the inspections were carried out by BRANZ staff.

A total of 26 components in each house were assessed on a 5-point condition scale. The nature of any defect and the material types were recorded. A further 14 attributes were recorded including subfloor moisture content, types of space heating devices and types of thermal insulation.

Analyses included the ranking of defects, costs of repairing the defects, defects by house age group and comparisons with the English House Condition Survey.

The study concludes that the worst defects relate to inadequate subfloor vents, non-restraint of header tanks against earthquakes, foundations, claddings, linings and windows.

The average costs of outstanding maintenance, requiring attention within 3 months, is calculated to be approximately $3,200. In recent years, the actual expenditure on maintenance by households is approximately $900 per annum and is insufficient to adequately repair the housing stock.