Question 1

What happens during a Building Inspection?

Accepted Answer

The inspection looks for major building defects such as Leaking roofs, Structural inadequacies, Leaking showers, damp issues, poor external drainage, water hammer and potential safety hazards. During a building inspection the following areas are fully explored: The Roof exterior – The roof coverings such as tiles, corrugated metal and membranes, valleys, flashings, cappings, penetrations and skylights, gutters and downpipes etc – Essentially we look for evidence the roof is not water tight or adequately plumbed. The Roof interior – The roof framing members and connections are checked for defects, the roof covering (from the inside) is checked for evidence of leaks, sisalation, insulation and electrical installations are assessed for potential safety hazards. The Building exterior – The building elevations are checked for cracks and other defects, windows and doors are assessed, balconies / verandahs deck and other timber structures are checked for structural adequacy, wood rot and other defects. The Building interior – Bedrooms, hallways and living areas and checked for defects including the floors, walls and ceilings, timber trims, windows and doors as well as joinery and cupboards. Wet areas such as Kitchens, Bathrooms and laundries are assessed for a number of things including water operation, evidence of water hammer, age and condition of hot water service, evidence of leaking shower recess / wet areas, defects to sanitary fixture and fittings, toilets are flushed, moisture readings are taken. The grounds – Paths and steps, retaining walls, driveways and external surface drainage are inspected for defects or inadequacies up to 30 meters from the main building. Large trees and other potential problems are assessed including the boundary fences. Up to one Outbuilding is inspected, such as a garage, granny flat or shed.

Question 2

What is a Pest Inspection?

Accepted Answer

A Pest Inspection, officially known as a Timber Pest Inspection is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED and looks for four very important things: 1) Subterranean Termites or evidence of termite activity and damage as well as any previous Termite treatment. 2) Timber borers or evidence of timber borers and damage. 3) Wood rot (wood decay fungi) damage and potential safety hazards in timber structures such as rotten timber steps, handrails and balconies. 4) As well as any conditions that may be conducive to Termite attack or wood rot.

Question 3

I have a new house on a concrete slab. Is my house at risk of termite attack?

Accepted Answer

Many home owners assume that a concrete slab and external brick walls prevents termites from accessing their home. This is untrue. Termites can gain access over the slab edge and can travel through brick mortar joints and weep holes in external brickwork. They also gain access through cracks in the slab and slab penetrations such as plumbing and electrical wiring. Often homes built on concrete slabs (slab on ground construction) are brick veneer with soft-wood timber wall frames. This timber is located close to ground level and is easily accessed and readily consumed by termites. If the concrete slab edge of the slab is concealed by concrete paths, patios, pavers, garden beds, lawns, foliage, etc then it is possible for termites to gain concealed access into wall frames. They can then cause extensive damage to concealed framing timbers. With a concrete slab home it is imperative that you expose the edge of the slab and ensure that foliage and garden beds do not cover the slab edge. Weep holes (gaps in brickwork designed to drain water from the wall frames) must be kept free of obstructions.

Question 4

Why Should I use Sydney Pre-Purchase?

Accepted Answer

Our Inspectors are accredited Building Consultants and Licensed Builders. Our Building and Pest Inspectors have undergone a rigorous qualification process and specialised timber pest accreditation. We consistently stay up to date with industry trends and legal requirements through continued professional development. We are fully insured for Public Liability and Professional Indemnity through Pacific International Insurance. We believe our Building and Pest Reports are the best in the industry and our prices are very competitive. We can provide reports within 24hrs of the inspection, or same-day when required. Full telephone support is provided directly from our Inspectors, and we can also arrange for a site consultation to fully explore any issues a property may have. Our expertise is based on decades of experience in all facets of the building and timber pest industry. Sydney PrePurchase is an ethical company who serves our customers as we would like to be served. Our professional staff are friendly, helpful and responsive.

Building & Pest with Thermal Camera

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A Thermal Camera is a powerful diagnostic tool

Structural assessment using a thermal camera

Termite activity detected with a thermal camera

Thermal camera detects a leaking roof

Why should I get a Thermal Inspection?

The Truth about Thermal Imaging in Building Inspections

What are the Minimum Ceiling Heights in a Room?…Check the National Construction Code. NCC.

Wood Decay Fungi & Wood rot, its a Big Problem…

Timber Borers – What are they and Should I be Worried about my House?

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Why should I get a Building & Pest Inspection? Because Knowledge is Power.

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