A building and pest inspector is a professional who carries out a visual inspection of a property to identify any defects, safety hazards or damage that may affect the structural integrity of the building or the safety of the occupants.
During our visual inspection, we will thoroughly check the property for any visible defects or damage that may need to be addressed. Defects are categorised as either a Major or a Minor. Here is a list of what we can look for:
Structural Defects: This includes any cracks, deformations or other issues that may affect the building’s structure, such as the foundation, walls, floors or roof. We particularly look for potential defects that may allow water ingress and therefore a risk of building deterioration.
Safety Hazards: We will inspect the property for any potential safety hazards that may pose a risk to the occupants, such as loose handrails or stairs, broken glass in windows or doors, missing smoke alarms, defects related to gas installation, or any other issues that may compromise the safety of the property. We also conduct drug residue testing to ensure a property does not pose a health risk to future occupants.
Moisture and Water Damage: We will check for any signs of moisture or water damage that may be present in the property, such as swelling, moisture readings, dampness, mould, or water stains on the walls, ceilings, floors or cabinetry. We also report on plumbing leaks and defects with gutters and downpipes.
Timber Pests: Our inspections include a thorough check for any signs of timber pests, such as termites, borers or other pests that may be present in the property, or any conditions that are conducive to pest attack. We check for damage to the property as a result of pests and report on previous apparent treatment.
Wood rot is caused by a type of fungi that feeds on wood, causing it to decay and become weak. If left unchecked, wood rot can compromise the structural integrity of a building, which can pose a serious safety risk to the occupants or deterioration to the building. Wood rot is also frequently detected in fences and retaining walls.
Meeting Australian Standards: We will inspect the property to ensure that it meets the necessary Australian Standards, and will note any additional trades to engage for follow up on defects or safety hazards.
General Condition: We will inspect the general condition of the property, both internally and externally in all accessible areas, including the condition of the fixtures, fittings, and any other issues that may need to be addressed.
During a comprehensive inspection we inspect all accessible areas of the property. Some defects or issues may not be visible during our inspection, especially if they are hidden behind walls or other obstructions such as furniture. To inspect inaccessible areas such as behind walls, we use a Termatrac T3i All Sensor, Tramex Moisture Meter, and a FLIR Thermal Imaging Camera. These detect everything from Termites, to high levels of moisture and the possible source of water leaks. We also conduct thorough inspections using a Tapper and high strength lighting to identify signs of moisture. This is why it is important to have a thorough inspection carried out by a qualified professional.
To sum it up, a building and pest inspector is a professional who carries out a visual inspection of a property to identify any defects, faults or damage that may affect the structural integrity of the building or the health and safety of the occupants. While we cannot deal with electricals or asbestos, we can inspect a lot of things. Our inspections cover structural defects, safety hazards, moisture and water damage, pest infestations, building to the Australian Standards, and the general condition of the property. If you are looking for a reliable and thorough building and pest inspection, look no further than Informed Building Inspections. We are here to help you make informed decisions when it comes to buying or selling a property.
After the inspection is completed, we guarantee 24-hour reporting to our clients, with most receiving their reports same day, so you have the information you need to make informed decisions as quickly as possible. Our detailed reports include the details and a summary of the inspection findings, including any defects or issues that were identified, along with recommendations for repairs or further action that may be necessary. We encourage you to attend inspections, and provide important follow-up to ensure you are confident in the property purchase. Communication is key, and at Informed Building Inspections we work hard to provide a quality Building and Pest Inspection service by a local independent company.
