A lot of people wonder if it’s worth getting a building inspection when they know their way around a building site. But do they have the eye of a professional building inspector!
A professional building inspector will complete a comprehensive inspection on the property you wish to purchase with a fine eye for many issues that can be overlooked on the initial one or two open home visits most people make to their potential forever home.
So, what does a professional building inspector look for and what will you see in your report?
The inspector thoroughly checks the building site looking for things like drainage issues around the perimeter of a building. Drainage or lack of, can be a leading factor to major subsidence of a building putting its structural integrity at risk as well as major damp issues to the building’s exterior and interior. They will check the condition of driveways, paths, fences, stairs / steps and exterior additions like sheds, carports decks and balconies. All of which can be affected by drainage, moisture damage and possible termite infestation.
They will check the condition of the external wall materials such as brick and mortar which can show early signs of subsidence with visible cracks and mortar deterioration in areas. Timber cladding and weather board can be damaged by harsh weather conditions and show signs of timber fungal decay / rot that can lead to a domino effect of issues including providing a conducive area for possible termite infestation. All windows and window frame conditions will be reported on including external doors and door frames.
Whether it be concrete tiles or metal clad, the full exterior roof where accessible will be inspected. Looking for signs of deteriorated mortar, cracked or damaged tiles that can lead to roof leaks and serious moisture ingress. Metal roofing sheets can be dented, damaged or worst case show signs of rust penetrations that deteriorate rapidly over a short period of time and may lead to having the entire roof covering replaced. We check flashings and dektite conditions and even make sure the roof screws are in fair condition, reporting on rusting screws that need replacing.
Gutters are inspected for debris caused by possible trees and vegetation close by and any form of deterioration like leaking joins, impact damage and signs of rust. All down pipe conditions are checked to make sure they are adequately joined to storm water, once again damaged storm water connections can lead to major drainage / damp issues and can provide a conducive area to termite infestation.
These areas plus more around the exterior of a building are thoroughly inspected and reported on during the building inspection.
The interior building inspection can uncover several problems, including not only minor and major defects but many maintenance issues you may not have noticed on your initial viewings that can add up to be quite costly.
Building inspectors thoroughly go through every room in the house looking over areas like wall linings, ceiling linings and floor coverings. One of the most common problems we come across is finding damaged / drummy tiles. Drummy tiles are caused by the bonding adhesive detaching from the floor substrate thus causing a hollow sound. This can then lead to grout deterioration and cracked/ damaged tiles throughout the flooring within a dwelling. All windows and doors are operated looking for loose or damaged hardware as well as any binding components on frames / architraves.
A thorough inspection of kitchen and laundry areas can uncover many unforeseen issues like leaky pipe work and deteriorating flexi hoses under a sink. If not picked up and attended too early, can cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to a home. Some of which may not be covered by insurance policies.
Wet areas are a major contender for serious issues that have the potential for major structural damage. Inspectors thoroughly examine every inch of a bathroom / wet area, picking up problems like drummy and damaged tiles that can lead to serious moisture ingress. All utilities are operated and checked, including basins, showers, baths and toilets. Although this is not a plumbing inspection we can advise if the basic areas are functioning and if further inspections are required.
Moisture meters are used on adjoining walls to check for any possible moisture damage. A common major defect we come across can be deteriorating / damaged waterproofing membranes that allow water seepage into wall cavity’s that cause extensive damage to timber framing members. This has the potential to cause issues like timber fungal decay, mold and produce a conducive area to termite infestation, all of which can be on going issues for quite some time before being noticed without state-of-the-art technology and the eye of a professional building inspector.
These are just a few areas a professional building inspector thoroughly examines during a pre purchase / pre-sale building inspection that will be included in your building inspection report.
When it comes to purchasing your next property, whether it’s an investment or your family home remember it’s a small price to pay to have the right professional building inspector thoroughly check over it for you.
Call us on 0409 693 974 during business hours, Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm to speak to Robert.
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