Apr 8, 2016 12:59:45 PM

Meth contamination in privately owned homes

Topics: Property Management, Inspection 0

meth house inspection

According to Housing New Zealand 279 of its 68,000 properties nationwide tested positive for methamphetamine contamination in the six months up to end December 2015. And a US-based construction company has released a new range of tiny houses that sell for just $10,500 if you’re able to set it up yourself. Read on to find out more.

Drug houses not limited to poorer areas

In a crisis that could rival the leaky homes disaster, homeowners are forking out millions of dollars to decontaminate methamphetamine contaminated homes. In some cases properties are being destroyed as the cost to decontaminate is just too high. Decontamination costs anything upwards from $1,000 to a few hundred thousand, with hefty replacement costs for furnishings, curtains and wall coverings too.

But statistics suggest this issue is not restricted to state housing or poorer areas only; it’s a growing problem with privately owned homes too, and property experts believe that methamphetamine testing could become a standard condition on sale and purchase agreements.

Here’s what you need to know about methamphetamine testing when buying a property:

If you are concerned about a potential P contamination, test a property before buying. Self-screening kits cost about $150 to $200, but they only detect its presence and not the level of contamination.

  • If a property tests positive, a professional can test the house to determine the levels and mitigation needed. This typically costs about $2500, but can cost up to $10,000.
  • Depending on the level of contamination, the home may need cleaning, removal of all soft furnishings or wall linings, or complete demolition. This cost varies but can be so steep, it is cheaper to demolish!
  • Re-test to check the property is contamination-free, which costs about $2000.

Tiny homes that won’t break the bank

US based construction company 84 Lumber has designed a range of tiny houses that could become available in Australasia.

Available in various stages of construction, prices start at NZ$10,538 for the DIY package and other models include semi DIY and move-in ready. The non-DIY packages take approximately 8-10 weeks to build. The tiny houses have very small energy and resource input and measure 14.3 square metres of floor space and are four metres high. 

The DIY package includes architectural blueprints, a materials list and a trailer, while the Move-in ready houses come fully furnished with a composting toilet, cork flooring, Energy Star-certified appliances and LED lighting.

Kitchens come kitted out with walnut butcher block tops, a stainless steel sink, an electric cook-top, designer taps and a built-in kitchen table. They can be set up almost anywhere as they are built on a steel trailer.

Think big or small

Whatever your preference when it comes to a home, it pays to get advice from a specialist. Talk to a Mortgage Express adviser about your mortgage options to ensure you get the right deal for your lifestyle.