Building Inspections
Building inspections in general are an integral part of the process of putting a building or home up for sale, building a new home or putting an existing home up for sale. A building inspection provides the information people need to make property decisions with confidence and to avoid financial surprises. It also lets the home owners know exactly where they should concentrate their efforts on the next home repairs.
Home Inspection when buying a house or unit
Before your contract becomes unconditional, it is recommended that you carry out a Building and Pest Inspection.
A building and pest inspection report will highlight any areas of defect on the property. It is then up to you to decide whether to request those issues be rectified prior to settlement or negotiate a better price. Alternatively, you may be able to cancel your contract or choose to fix the defects after settlement.
If you are selling a house or unit
We recommend you undertake a Building and Pest Inspection to determine if there is anything that needs to be addressed prior to putting your house on the market. If you are auctioning your house – you will also want to provide the results of a Building and Pest Inspections to display to potential buyers.
A Pre Purchase Inspection Report involves a thorough inspection of the building and its immediate surroundings. The inspection may include a moisture measurement reading where appropriate. All readily and safely accessible areas of the property are inspected including fences, yard, building exterior, building interior, sub-floor, roof exterior, and roof voids.
The Foundation Stage Inspection
This inspection is best performed just before concrete is poured for the base slab or footing. At this stage the form work is in place as well as plumbing, termite barriers, reinforcing steel, etc.
Frame Stage Inspection
At this stage, the inspection moves to check that the framing is straight, the connection of frame members and that spacing is adequate with blocking and noggins installed for the wall and ceiling. Check the installation of termite barrier, wall frames are secured to the top and bottom plate.
The Waterproofing Stage Inspection
This is where they check the roof plumbing and whether its installation meets the required standards. That the ceilings and wall linings are fitted without defects, internal and external paint finish, that the brickwork is straight and the sill bricks are secure. Without solid waterproofing, the timber structures and finishes and the carpet will rot.
Fixing Stage Inspection
In this stage of the inspection, the inspectors will check the termite notices, check the structural adequacy as well as the materials and workmanship of the carport, verandah, pergola, shed and garage doors.
Building Handover
This report will be detailed and will include everything from the outbuildings and site improvements such as the paving surface drainage to the external such as the weep holes and letterbox. This also includes the condition of the brickwork to the balcony, patio, porch and carport.
Warranty Inspection
This inspection should be conducted at least one month before the builders warranty expires usually 11 months after the handover. This can be viewed as a follow-up inspection to detect any further defects that can be rectified within the warranty period.
