Wooly_Cow

I am starting the process of thinking about buying a house in Wellington.

I am looking for any and all advice regarding the process (what do I need to do) and some specifics like;

• Any tip for a builder to do a FULL building report
• Any tip for a lawyer / solicitor
• Tips for a local removal company (did it myself with mates last time – nearly killed me!)
• Double glazing retrofit companies in Wellington
• Central Heating too (and no comments about being a soft Pom – I know and I don’t care!)

Thanks

Browner_

For building inspections, RealSure certainly did a thorough job for me (http://www.realsure.co.nz/index.html)

The only problem I had was they point out so many issues that it is difficult to assess the importance of them.

If you are not a builder yourself , how can you assess their importance or the cost of rectifying them?

Littletoe

If you are not a builder yourself , how can you assess their importance or the cost of rectifying them?[/QUOTE]

Ah, a wise comment from the truly wise.

You should ask for some references/testimonials and get a few quotes where builders are concerned and a breakdown, then pick whom you feel most comfortable with.

Lawyers, I use Rainey Collins (for driver lience issues - long story) and Johnston Lawrence Law for business purposes but I've called on them for house stuff as well. Very knowledgeable. Most lawyers charge a flat rate consultation from around $300 - use this as a tool to decide if the lawyer suits. Hey, and good luck with it all!

Littletoe

Oh yeah, removals - you get what you pay for! We did it ourselves one time, a budget company next time - both were very crap experiences. Get someone around to give a quote - a large firm - and for christssake - be insured!

Browner_

Yeah, but you have to assess the builders report before you complete the purchase of the property.
This is quite a lot to do in what is often only a couple of days before you have to confirm the contract.

bjddavies

Take care where you buy. Some places get little sun all day. Also flooding near the Hutt river if you are looking there. Also landslips during very heavy rain.

Wooly_Cow

The one I'm looking at is on the top of a hill, so sun is OK, and the only slipping we'll be doing is downhill!!

....but I take the advice from you all....buying in haste in this market in Wellington is NOT a good idea.

Thanks for the feedabck - keep them coming please