What is the “Conclusion” of our Building Reports? – Its an “Overall Condition” of the Property Compared with other Buildings.
The Building Report Conclusion is located on page 7 or 8, right after the Report Summary.
The reason for locating the Conclusion at the front of the report is – simplicity. It makes sense to read the Report Summary and Conclusion first, to get an ‘overall impression’ of the property, before going on to read building defects in more detail and view the related photos, then read the terms and conditions. The Conclusion “sets the tone” for the Whole Report.
The following is an example of a report Conclusion:
Conclusion – Overall condition of the Property
Occurrence of Minor Defects: The occurrence of minor defects in this building is considered to be HIGH, when compared to a building of a similar type and age, which has been reasonably well maintained.
High: The frequency and/or magnitude of minor defects are beyond the inspector’s expectations when compared to similar buildings of approximately the same age and construction that have been reasonably well maintained.
Occurrence of Major Defects: The occurrence of major defects in this building is considered to be TYPICAL, when compared to a building of a similar type and age, which has been reasonably well maintained.
Typical: The frequency and/or magnitude of major defects are consistent with the inspector’s expectations when compared to similar buildings of approximately the same age and construction that have been reasonably well maintained.
Overall Condition of the Building: Therefore the overall condition of this property is considered to be AVERAGE to BELOW AVERAGE when compared to a building of a similar type and age, which has been reasonably well maintained.
The building and/or its parts show some significant defects and/or very poor workmanship and/or long term neglect and/or defects requiring some major repairs or reconstruction of major building elements.
To summarise above – the Minor Defects are ‘High’ and the Major Defects are ‘Typical’ – making the Overall Condition a bit below Average
Important Note: The building rating noted above is only a generalisation taking into account numerous factors and should be read in conjunction with the notable items and main report.
Minor defects are common to most properties and may include minor blemishes, corrosion, cracking, weathering, general deterioration, unevenness, and physical damage to materials and finishes, such as scratches and de-silvering of mirrors. It is expected that defects of this type would be rectified as part of normal ongoing property maintenance. As such, minor defects are not detailed in this report.
Report Terminology and Definitions
LOW: The frequency or magnitude of major/minor defects is considered to be less than expected for a well-maintained building of similar type and age.
TYPICAL: The frequency or magnitude of major/minor defects is considered to be typical (as expected) for a well-maintained building of similar type and age.
HIGH: The frequency or magnitude of major/minor defects is considered to be higher than expected for a well-maintained building of similar type and age.
BELOW AVERAGE: The opinion regarding the general condition of the building when compared to a building of a similar type and age is lower than expected. A high number of significant defects are present. The property has been poorly maintained and may require significant rectification work.
AVERAGE: The opinion regarding the general condition of the building when compared to a building of a similar type and age is ‘as expected’. A typical number of significant defects are present. The property has been maintained to a reasonable level and requires rectification work in keeping with most other properties of this type.
ABOVE AVERAGE: The opinion regarding the general condition of the building when compared to a building of a similar type and age is higher than expected. A low number of significant defects are present. The property has been well maintained and may only require minimal rectification work, less than other properties of this type.
MINOR DEFECT: A defect other than a major defect – not individually reported on – Items such as minor blemishes, corrosion, cracking, weathering, general deterioration, unevenness, and physical damage to materials and finishes, such as de-silvering of mirrors.
MAJOR DEFECT: Is a Defect requiring building works to avoid unsafe conditions, loss of function or further worsening of the defect item.