🏡 How Jared & Ashleigh Nearly Walked Away From Their Dream Home — And What Saved It

June 14, 2025

“We had a builder’s report we didn’t understand… and were seriously worried.”

Buying your first home is one of the most exciting moments in life — but for many Kiwis, that excitement quickly turns into confusion, stress, and second-guessing the moment the building report arrives.

You’re not alone.

We hear from first-home buyers every week who feel completely overwhelmed by what's meant to be a “green light” or “red flag” document. Reports are often full of trade language, vague risks, and no clear direction. And in a high-pressure market, there's not much time to figure it out.

That’s exactly where Jared & Ashleigh found themselves — a couple based in Tauranga trying to buy their first home.


“We had a builder’s report we didn’t understand… and were seriously worried.”


Jared & Ashleigh had an offer accepted on a Tauranga property they loved. Everything was lining up — until the building report dropped in.


“We were worried that we wouldn’t be able to purchase the house with the amount of work we thought needed doing,” they told us.
“It was full of stuff we didn’t really understand. We needed a professional opinion.”


They didn’t want to guess. They didn’t want to walk away for the wrong reasons. But they also didn’t want to get burned.

That’s when they decided to reach out.


Q&A: Jared & Ashleigh’s First-Home Journey

What made you seek outside help?

“We knew Greg personally and had heard he was starting a business to help people like us. We trusted his advice would be honest and helpful and not just about fixing things, but about what was actually important.”


What was your experience like working with Insight Estimates?

“It was easy. The quote was detailed, the communication was clear, and we felt cared for through the whole process.”


What did Insight Estimates help you do that you couldn’t have done on your own?

"We finally understood the report. What mattered. What didn’t. What things cost. What to fix now — and what could wait.”


How did that change your decision?

“Without the advice and help we received, we would’ve walked away from a house we loved.”




The Outcome?

Jared & Ashleigh bought their first home in Tauranga — not because they ignored the risks, but because they understood them. And they made a confident, informed decision.

That’s the point of Insight Estimates. We don’t tell you what to do. We help you understand what you’re looking at — and give you the numbers, priorities, and trades to back it up.



Are You a First-Home Buyer Feeling the Same?

You’re not supposed to know how to read a builder’s report.
You’re not supposed to be a cost estimator, project manager, or tradie negotiator.
You just want to know:

Can I move forward — or should I move on?

We’ll give you that clarity. Fast.

📲 Upload your building report now at www.insightestimates.co.nz
We’ll break it down, show you the real picture, and help you take the next step with confidence.



What We Typically Help First-Home Buyers Understand:

  • What issues actually matter and what’s just cosmetic
  • Rough ballpark costs for each repair
  • Who you’ll need (builder, roofer, plumber, etc.)
  • What’s urgent vs. what can wait
  • What’s common and not a dealbreaker
  • How to approach negotiations with confidence

     P.S. If you’re sitting on a building report and not sure what to do — start here.



Final Note from Jared & Ashleigh

“We really loved the service we received — genuine advice, a detailed quote, and support from start to finish. Very approachable and we felt comfortable and cared for through the process.”



About Insight Estimates

We’re a Tauranga-based team helping first-home buyers, sellers, real estate agents, property managers and others make sense of confusing building reports — no matter where you are in New Zealand.

We translate complex reports into plain English, break down the trades and costs, and give you a clear, actionable plan to move forward with confidence.

Wherever you’re based — Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, or beyond — we’ve got you covered.