Whats worse than a crawling termite? A FLYING one!

TERMITES cause billions of dollars in damage each year. This is achieved by their sneaky tactics of hiding away and wreaking havoc from the inside out resulting in them not being found until significant damage has already been done. This is why preventative measures are vital in securing your home from these destructive pests.

So even though you might feel a sense of certainty that termites are not a current issue for you, please keep in mind that as we approach summer, termite swarming season begins and these destructive pests will start to pop-up all around the country. No house is safe.

So what is swarming season? Termites use the swarming season to go in search of a new location to establish a fresh colony. But this isn’t a job for any ordinary termite, this is the role for termites known as Alates. Alates have the ability to fly and also reproduce in mass, making them a scary proposition for property owners.

Signs to look out for;

Floor or ceiling damage
Deformed walls
Stuck doors and windows
Power issues and short circuiting
Mud tubes

Where termites can be located;

Wood or cellulose-based including lumber, firewood and more.
Roof cavities and crawl spaces
Flooring and substructures
Warm, dark places that are undisturbed
They also thrive in moist soil, especially around plumbing works

We recommend not leaving it to chance as a termite infestation can lead to catastrophic consequences. House Inspect Australia’s team of experienced technicians know all the termite hunting and prevention tricks, so you can rest assured that if you have them, we will find them.

Our Pest Inspections
Pest Inspect Australia works closely alongside House Inspect Australia who are all licensed professionals in the business. Our pest professionals will complete a visual pest inspection which determines any areas on the property that are accessible for pests, and then provide a report detailing any findings.

5 warning signs of termites

As we launch into winter it’s a great time to check for termites and avoid any unwanted surprises develop. So to help out we wanted to share 5 ways you can identify termite damage before it’s too late. Don’t let a termites size fool you, if left unchecked these pests could wreak havoc on the structural integrity of your home resulting in catastrophic consequences!

1. FLOOR OR CEILING DAMAGE

The most obvious sign of a termite infestation is cracks, blisters or sags in wooden material such as timber flooring, ceiling beams, and skirting boards.

2. DEFORMED WALLS

Look out for cracks, bubbles, and markings similar to water damage on your walls. If any of these indicators are present it could mean termites are eating away your buildings internal timber structure!

3. STUCK DOORS AND WINDOWS

Window and door frames are commonly built from wood, and are therefore a common target for termites. Whilst natural swelling could occur from heat and age, if there are signs of small holes, mud tubing, or hollowness you could be facing an infestation.

4. POWER ISSUES AND SHORT CIRCUITING

If you are experiencing interruptions with your power like short circuiting, these pests could be the culprit! Termites enjoy the warmth that electricity provides, so watch out for evidence of mud tubes or insect droppings near power outlets and electrical fittings.

5. MUD TUBES

Mud tubes are a distinctive warning sign of termites and unfortunately, indicate a large termite presence. Mud tubes have a miniature tube like appearance and are commonly formed with dirt or termite droppings, so be sure to keep a look out!

WHAT TO DO?

If you discover any termite activity, it is vital that you act fast to reduce the damage termites can cause to your property.

As termites tend to avoid open and bright spaces, their colonies are typically underground, out of sight or within wooden materials making it difficult for the untrained eye to spot them.

House Inspect Australia’s team of experienced technicians know all the termite hunting tricks, so you can rest assured that if you have them, we will find them.

OUR PEST AND TERMITE INSPECTIONS

Pest Inspect Australia works closely alongside House Inspect Australia with licensed professionals in the business. These professionals will complete a visual pest and termite inspection which determines any areas on the property that are accessible for pests, and then provide a report detailing any findings.

Termites cause a lot of damage on properties, sometimes causing irreversible structural damage that doesn’t get noticed until it’s too late. We greatly recommend getting a pest and termite inspection done to inspect if any damage has already been done to the property. It is best to get this inspection done ASAP, before the damage has the chance to cause issues.

How to avoid dodgy building inspectors

The single most important thing to do when selecting a building inspector is to check for a valid builder’s license! You wouldn’t receive legal advice from someone not practicing as a lawyer, so why would you take building advise from someone who isn’t a qualified building inspector?!

What To Do
Thankfully there is an easy way to confirm whether someone has a building license. Just simply ask for their credentials, BUT, don’t stop there, ensure you investigate closely and turn their card over so you can read the conditions of the license. This is to confirm if they are indeed qualified and knowledgeable to undertake an inspection. A word of caution, don’t take their word for it as many people in this industry have deceptive tactics. Additionally, there is a Government run online database that you can utilise to double check the legitimacy of a license.

Click here and follow the prompts to submit your license search.

Why Do It
Unfortunately, this process might feel awkward or uncomfortable, however, it is crucial! As there are many building inspection operations being run with unqualified building inspectors that are giving advice and signing off on properties that could be littered with issues, missed by the untrained eye. So don’t take any chances, only rely on a qualified, experienced, and knowledgeable inspector.

Alternative Solution
The team at House Inspect Australia are licensed inspectors with the correct and up to date licensing as well as host additional and on going trainings sessions for all of our franchisees. Additionally, we hold our employees and franchisees to an incredibly high standard because we know just how important our role is in your property journey. So, rest assured, you’re getting the best service and result in Australia.

Types of building inspections and which one you should choose

Buying a house is exciting, but also often comes with a lot of stress. One big worry that buyers often have is whether they are getting a good deal and a good quality house. No one wants to buy a house just to later find out that it needs a few repairs or renovations. By getting a house inspection done on the property, this stress can be alleviated. There are several options for getting a house inspected that cover anything possibly needed. The following inspections listed come under the category of a ‘pre-purchase inspection’, and once completed, any damage on any areas of the house will be made known. If you decide to get an inspection done on the house you are considering purchasing, you are ensuring that there will be no surprises.

Interior inspection

An interior inspection covers the following;

· Walls and interior vents

· Kitchen and pantry (+ fittings)

· Doors, door frames and door fittings

· Ceilings

· Floors, skirting and floor coverings

· Bathrooms and toilets

· Laundry

· Stairs

· Paint work

Though some of these areas can be inspected by anyone who isn’t a professional, it is very common to miss spots that may cause issues in the future. By hiring a professional, you ensure that nothing on the interior of the house will be missed. Problems often missed include dampness in walls, poor drainage or leaking pipes. Problems that have been covered up are hard to spot, but that is exactly what we do.

Exterior Inspection

An exterior inspection covers the following;

· Vents

· Stairs and railings

· Balconies, verandahs and patios

· Outdoor areas

· Decking paint work

· Walls

· Brickwork and Timber cladding

An exterior inspection on a property can not only inform you of existing issues, but also tell you if you should expect there to be exterior problems in the future.

Roof Inspection

A roof inspection can cover both the interior and exterior of your roof. The roof will be inspected in the following areas:

Interior;

· Insulation

· Roof framing

Exterior;

· Chimney

· Paint

· Eave lining

· Guttering and pipes

By getting a thorough inspection done on your roof, you are ensuring to uncover any problems that are hidden within the roof. Damage to roof tiles are easily spotted, it’s the damage underneath that should be paid attention to, as this has the potential to cause significant issues. An inspector will find any of these issues, and you will not need to think twice about the stability of your roof

Sub-floor areas

Sub-floor areas are essentially the areas below your floor, often overlooked. An inspection done on these areas covers the following;

· Flooring

· Pests

· Ventilation

Depending on the house getting inspected, we will provide a personalised inspection with the house’s specific needs in mind. Below the floor may be a hiding spot for pests, or possibly contain water damage from slow leaks. It is important to get these sub-floor areas inspected to ensure the structural integrity of the house remains safe and of good quality.

The Property

Getting an inspection on the whole property includes areas such as;

· Retaining walls

· Driveways and paths

· Fencing surface drainage

· Pools

· Garages or sheds

· Water tanks

By inspecting the property, you can rest assured that all damage- if any- will be found. If the property has bad drainage, the foundation of your building may be damp, which results in further issues. It is best to hire a house inspector to notice any issues, big or small.

All of our pre-purchase inspections are conducted by a fully licensed, and experienced builder who has an abundance of knowledge. This knowledge ensures the inspection process goes smoothly, and allows the potential buyer of the property to feel confident in their decision.

Pest and Termite Inspections

Building Stage Inspections

We strongly recommend that you get regular inspections done on your property during construction, to ensure the building process goes ahead smoothly, and your building is getting quality construction done. Getting inspections done at certain stages of your property being built ensures that the work done on the property is not defective or compromised. The inspections we recommend are in stages, and are as follows; handover inspection, footing inspection, slab inspection, frame inspection, lock-up inspection, and then once more after completion, to determine if anything needs fixing. For more details on these stages of this inspection process, visit the ‘Building Stage Inspections’ page on our website.

Whether you are building a house, moving into a new one, or preparing to sell, it is important to get inspections done on your house. It is necessary to stay on top of potential areas for damage so that you can catch small issues before they turn into larger issues.

What should you expect from a pre-purchase building inspection

The decision to purchase a new home or office/workspace can be daunting for some. There are many aspects to consider including saving for a deposit, applying for a loan and obtaining insurance. With all these areas to consider and more, how can you determine if the building is right for you? The first area you should prioritise before signing any contract is to obtain a pre-purchase building inspection. A pre-purchase building inspection will help you evaluate the current condition of the house or building in order to determine whether it is worth the value the vendor is asking for and if there are any structural issues you should be aware of. So what should you expect from a pre-purchase building inspection?

PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION

When utilising a house inspection company to assist you in evaluating a home or building, you should always expect a professional inspection to be undertaken by fully insured and licenced inspectors. The state of the property you are looking at purchasing must be assessed by a qualified inspector in order for an accurate report to be provided. There are many underqualified inspectors in the building industry, providing poor quality reports which provide absolutely no benefit to their customer, costing them more money in the long run. You should expect a professional inspector, who is honest and willing to provide evidence of their qualifications. Always remember not all builders are qualified building inspectors and are not trained to assess aspects of the building you are looking to purchase. Do your research and ensure you are working with a reputable company to guarantee your peace of mind.

DETAILED REPORTING FOR EACH ROOM/AREA

With every pre-purchase building inspection you should obtain thorough and detailed reporting for each room and area. This will help you understand where exactly all underlying issues are located and how detrimental they are to the building overall. The report should be clear, easy to read and indicative of how significant the findings are and what should be attended to first. You should also receive an analysis of the building overall and whether or not the building you are interested in is a worthwhile investment. Without a detailed report, you may be unaware of significant damage the building may have or a potential safety risk which could cost you thousands to fix. Always expect a detailed report from your building inspector.

FAST REPORT TURN-AROUND TIME

When seeking the assistance of a pre-purchase building inspector, you should expect a fast turn-around time and a precise report. At House Inspect Australia, we will ensure to have your report back to you before the end of your cooling off period or nominated contract period. This ensures you have all the findings you need to make an informed decision and either proceed with the purchase, negotiate a more suitable price or look elsewhere. You shouldn’t have to repeatedly follow up with your building inspector to obtain the report. A good building inspector will have a thorough report sent to you when you need it. When investing time and money into a pre-purchase building inspection, always expect a suitable turn-around time.

At House Inspect Australia, it is our priority to ensure an outstanding inspection is conducted every single time. Unfortunately, within our industry, there are many other organisations who do not offer the same standard of practice and leave a burden on their clients. You should always have expectations when choosing a building inspector and never settle for less. For a reliable, honest and efficient pre-purchase building inspection, contact the team at House Inspect Australia today.

Comparing a pre purchase building inspection to a personal inspection

When purchasing a property, it can get very exciting as well as extremely overwhelming, you have inspection after inspection, meeting different agents and talking to banks. With so much to keep track of sometimes you can overlook things during inspections. This is why you will need a pre purchase building inspection, but why? What is the difference between my personal inspection and an inspection done by a qualified building inspector?

Personal Inspection

A personal inspection is when you get to have a first glance over the property during an open house viewing. Open inspections are great because potential buyers can view the property and see what they like about the home. You can see the overall quality and feel for the home. It is always best to take someone else with you during the inspection to have another set of eyes looking over the property to pick up on faults or issues you may overlook.

A personal inspection involves wondering through the property with several other potential buyers, you get to see what you do and don’t like about the property.

As you are wandering through the property you can take a closer look at these things:

Check the windows, are they in good condition, sealed properly, cracked, stuck on hinges?
Look for any signs of dampness, mould or bubbling in the ceiling and near any type of water source especially the bathroom.
Check taps, see if they run properly
Look under sinks for quality of plumbing
Look for anything rotting or buckling hidden under carpets, hallway runners and couches.
Look for sagging gutters or imperfections on the roof and ceiling.
Use all of your senses, is there a bad smell or is it noisy from roads nearby?

Pre Purchase Building Inspection

A personal inspection can tell you a lot about the property, if you are happy with what you have seen, you will now need to book in a pre purchase building inspection to assess the property in its entirety.

A professional building inspection can be completed by a licensed builder, surveyor or an architect. The building inspector will inspect the property for any structural defects or other issues such as pest and water damage that might go missed by the untrained eye. An experienced building inspector will look past the cosmetic touch ups and fixes and be able to see what the residing issue is and what needs to be done to fix it.

These inspections are carried out before any exchanging of contracts allowing you to identify any issues that need to be taken care of and if they will be expensive issues down the track.

A professional building inspection involves a visual inspection of the property checking for signs of structural damage or issues. The inspector will look over every part of the home they can get access to, including:

Building interior: Cracks in the walls and roofs to exposed wiring and faulty lights, doors that aren’t mounted or working properly and broken windows. Anything that can be seen from the indoors of the home.
Building exterior: Look over the construction of the home, is it level? Any damaged verandahs etc
Building roof: any roof repairs, tiles, guttering, downpipes that will cause water damage.
Roof and Basement: If the inspector can get access to these areas, they will be inspected for structural damage.
The whole property site: This includes, carports, sheds, lean-tos, fences driveways and paths.

There are many comparisons to a personal inspection and a building inspection. As you only get limited access and time during a personal inspection a building inspection allows your inspector to really get into the nitty gritty of the property and give you a full report of issues and potential structural problems the house may have that you couldn’t have seen from doing a personal inspection.

Get your pre purchase building inspection done today. Contact House Inspect Australia to organise an inspection on your dream property.

How pre-purchase building inspections can save you time & money

At first glance, the property you are looking at purchasing may appear in excellent condition. The truth of the matter is, there could be a number of underlying issues which you cannot see, which could impact your buying decision. When searching for a new home to buy, it’s vital to have a pre-purchase building inspection completed in order to examine the building beyond its aesthetic appearance. Having a pre-purchase building inspection conducted can save you a significant amount of money and future headaches. Here’s how.

HOMES CAN BE DECEIVING

On your initial inspection of the home or property you’re looking at purchasing, it may appear fault free. Sometimes a fresh coat of paint, or a beautifully decorated home can conceal a multitude of flaws. There may be structural defects that you cannot see which could cause significant long-term damage and cause thousands of dollars to fix. By seeking out the assistance of a building inspector, you can obtain an educated opinion and a verified report to see the true condition of the home.

ABILITY TO NEGOTIATE PRICE

Once you have had a pre-purchase building inspection conducted on the home you are considering buying, you are then able to negotiate a better price with the vendor. Your inspection report will identify things such as any potential electrical faults, cracks, structural damage or if the home poses the risk of termites. This means you can evaluate how much all the faults will cost to fix and put it forward to the vendor for a reduced price.

AVOID SAFETY ISSUES

Without obtaining a pre-purchase inspection report prior to buying a home, you are unable to determine if the home poses the risk of potential safety hazards. In the unfortunate event that you or a family member were to fall ill as a result of a safety concern within the home, you could be faced with numerous costly medical bills. The report will provide you with peace of mind and you know you’ll be guaranteeing the safety of your family. Save yourself from not only significant financial debt, but from future health burdens.

IDENTIFY ISSUES BEFORE SIGNING CONTRACT

It’s so crucial to identify any issues the home may have before signing any contracts. Without having a pre-purchase building inspection conducted beforehand, you have a limited understanding of the true condition of the home and could find yourself locked into the contract with unwanted surprises lurking around the corner. Don’t fall into the trap of purchasing a property which could severely impact your financial situation later down the track.

HAVE AN UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT YOUR INSURANCE WILL COVER

The findings presented to you from a pre-purchase building inspection will help you to evaluate what your insurance company will cover and whether or not you need to alter your policy. Not all insurance companies will provide you with adequate cover for the issues found within your report, so the having your inspection conducted prior will truly save you from future headaches.

As exciting as it can be searching for a new home, it’s important to make well informed decisions and obtain the right advice from experts. Having a pre-purchase building inspection conducted on the home you are wanting to purchase should be a top priority and will save you from future headaches. Eliminate unnecessary costs and have a greater understanding of the true value of the property. For a pre-purchase building inspection Adelaide, speak to the expert team at House Inspect Australia today on 1800 442 878.

What is the purpose of pre-purchase building inspections?

Purchasing a new home or property is an incredibly exciting time and is a major financial commitment. It is important to have reassurance that the building you are purchasing is in fact worth the value it is listed for and won’t leave you with any future headaches or financial burdens. In order to protect yourself from buying a property which is riddled with hidden defects and safety concerns, it is crucial to have a pre-purchase building inspection conducted. A pre-purchase building inspection will assist with identifying any issues relating to the structure of the building and any repairs which need to be made. By neglecting to have an inspection conducted, you are essentially vulnerable to the potential risks which come with purchasing a new home or property. Guarantee the structural safety of the building and save yourself money in the long run by covering all bases of the building.

Before you sign any contracts, it is vital you understand exactly what the purpose of pre-purchase building inspections are and why you need them.

DETERMINE IF THE BUILDING MEETS AUSTRALIAN BUILDING STANDARDS & CODES

All buildings in Australia must be built in compliance with the Australian Building standards and codes. The standards were enforced to ensure the quality and safety of all homes and businesses, as well as those who reside within them. If there has been work conducted on a building which does not adhere to the standards, the builder or workman can be held accountable for their actions. However, once you sign the contract for a building, it is your responsibility to ensure it meets the standards. As licenced building inspectors, we are aware of all the Australian Building standards such as AS 4349-2007 which was enforced to identify any structural faults of a property. This protects buyers from purchasing a building which is structurally unsafe and beyond repair. At House Inspect Australia we can help you make informed decisions about the property you are considering purchasing.

HOW GREAT OF AN IMPACT DOES A BUILDING INSPECTION HAVE ON A SALE?

A pre-purchase inspection will identify any major structural defects, safety hazards or minor maintenance defects, informing the potential buyer where they are and what is necessary to have them fixed. Once you receive your pre-purchase building report, you can make note of the areas which may devalue the overall cost of the home. This can benefit you when making an offer to purchase the property. In some instances, the seller may be unaware of the defaults themselves so having a building inspection conducted assists both the seller and the buyer in evaluating the building and knowing its overall worth. Without having a licenced building inspector conduct a pre-purchase inspection on the property you are interested in buying, you could be outlaying more money than you should for a building which isn’t worth the asking price. You eliminate the risk of losing money in the long term and guarantee the property you are purchasing, is safe and meets all building standards and codes.

One of the greatest reasons people have building inspections conducted, is to guarantee their peace of mind and ensure they aren’t spending a significant amount of money on a building which isn’t worth the value. By being aware of what lays beneath the outer layers of the home, you can make an informed decision with the guidance of an experienced building inspector. At House Inspect Australia, our expert building inspectors are certified and fully insured to provide you with the best advice possible. Book your pre-purchase property inspection today at https://houseinspectaustralia.com.au/booking

Pre-purchase building inspection & pest in Adelaide areas: what to expect from your building inspector

Whether you’re looking at buying a new home or a new office space, having a pre-purchase building inspection and pest inspection conducted is crucial. As most of us are aware, purchasing a property is one of the biggest financial commitments we can make in our lifetime and so the wisest thing you can do is to have the building inspected. A building inspector and pest inspector can help you to fully understand the condition of the property, as they often see areas you can’t. If you are hiring a building inspector to conduct a pre-purchase building inspection and pest inspection in Adelaide, here are some things you should expect.

VERIFY THE WORKMANSHIP OF BUILDERS AND TRADESMEN

By having a pre-purchase building inspection completed, you can solidify the work which has been conducted by any builders or tradesmen. This will ensure that the property is of a high standard structurally and can expose any defects made by previous builders. You can ensure if there are any defects detected that those responsible will be held accountable and you can avoid encountering any unwanted surprises. By having the guidance of a building inspector, you have a licensed, qualified and experienced professional by your side, to provide advice and save you from purchasing a building riddled with defects.

ADHERE TO STANDARDS & REGULATIONS

Your building inspector and pest inspector should be licensed and qualified to inspect commercial and domestic structures, adhering to all standards and regulations relevant to your state as well as Australia as a whole. The strict regulations enforced assist property buyers, builders and sellers to obtain the best possible outcome. By hiring a qualified building inspector and pest inspector with an in-depth knowledge of building standards and regulations, you have reassurance that the property you are purchasing coincides with all its legal obligations. Always ensure to ask your building inspector about their licensing and qualifications, as not all building inspectors are licensed and have sufficient expertise to assist you. Particularity considering you don’t need to have a license to be a building inspector.

PROVIDE ACCURATE, DETAILED REPORTS

After an inspection has been conducted, you should expect to receive a detailed report which states the condition of the building both inside and outside and the status of any pest activity. Within the report you will find information relating to any defects of the building which have been uncovered and if there are any active pests. This may include the condition of the roof, any ceiling leaks, wall cracks, mould and much more. A detailed report provides you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.. At House Inspect Australia we have licensed and qualified building inspectors and pest inspectors, so you will receive two detailed reports from subject matter experts in their field.

ENSURE YOUR BUILDING IS SAFE

Above all, the most important factor behind having a pre-purchase building inspection and pest inspection conducted is to guarantee the safety of the property. Your building inspector should be a licensed builder s who adheres to the Australian Inspection Standards. This also applies to your pest inspector. By having extensive industry experience, they can both ensure the property you are purchasing meets all the required standards and is absolutely safe to reside in. Without having an inspection conducted, you have minimal understanding of the structural safety of the home and the areas you should be concerned about. Your safety should be the number 1 priority of all building inspectors.

By acquiring the assistance of a licensed and qualified building inspector and pest inspector, you can obtain expert advice in order to move forward comfortably with your purchase. At House Inspect Australia, we have licensed and experienced building inspectors and pest inspectors and we want you to feel confident in knowing you’re making the right decision in purchasing your new home or investment. If you’re considering buying a property in Adelaide, give our team at House Inspect Australia a call today on 1800 442 878 to find out how we can help.

Tag: pre purchase building inspection