Understanding the Building & Pest Inspection

When buying a property it is always a good idea to invest in a Building and Pest Inspection. This will provide you with all the information you need to be able to make an informed decision as to current or potential issues with the home.

Building and Pest Inspections are in fact two separate reports. At OneHome, our Inspector carries out both inspections simultaneously, meaning you only have to organise one inspection to obtain all the information you require.

All Building Inspections are carried out in accordance with The Australia Standards under AS4349.1-2007. The purpose of the inspection is to identify major defects, the incidence of minor defects and safety hazards associated with the property at the time of the inspection. The Pest Inspections are conducted in accordance with The Australian Standards under AS4349.3-2010 Inspection of Buildings Part 3: Timber Pest Inspections.  The purpose of the Pest Inspections are to provide advice about the condition of the property concerning timber pest activity.

But what does this mean?

Building Inspections are a visual inspection of the property to identify any issues or hazards regarding the property. The report highlights any major defects, includes photographs of these defects and provides advice on improvements required to bring the house up to the Australian Standard. Both the inspection and report compare the inspected building with a building constructed to the generally accepted practice at the time and one which has been maintained so that there has been no significant loss of strength and permanence.

Timber Pest Inspections identify the discovery, or non discovery, of infestation and/or damage caused by termites (white ants), borers and wood decay fungi (rot). Finally, our Inspector will provide an opinion on the degree of risk of possible termite infestation and a recommendation for future management.

To book your Building and Pest Inspection, please call us on 3369 5231.

What is a Moisture Metre and why is it important?

A moisture meter gives a reading of the approximate moisture content of wood. High moisture readings can be caused by any one of the following: poor ventilation, ineffective drainage, leaking pipes, leaking roofs, defective flashings or by concealed termite activity.

Wet spaces in your home are more vulnerable to water damage. Some of the common problems detected using a Moisture Metre include:

• Damage to wall sheeting and the flooring potentially caused by absent/poor waterproofing.

• Damage to cabinets and floors, caused by leaking taps, pipes, toilets and the overall plumbing

• Damage to the insides of cupboards, as was the skirting along walls, due to overflows from dishwashers, sinks as well as leaks arising from poor plumbing.

In addition, a Moisture Metre will help identify if there are any roof leaks; ensuring your home is watertight. Roofing can develop different types of problems such as: 

• Corrosion and holes in metal roofs – this is caused either due to deterioration or rusting.

• Loose or cracked roofing tiles

• Missing or cracked capping

• Lack of flashings

• Deterioration in flashings

• Damaged and corroded gutters

• Damaged and corroded downpipes

These problems can result in leakages in the roof spaces, insulation as well as the ceilings of your home. Poorly-installed and sealed skylights, air conditioners and vents often leak, allowing the rainwater to infiltrate the roof cavity.

The areas of high moisture should be investigated by way of an invasive inspection. If high moisture is reported during a Building and Pest Inspection, then you should have a building expert investigate the moisture and its cause and determine the full extent of the damage and the estimated costs of repairs. Our Inspector will provide recommendations should this occur.

If you are concerned about moisture issues in your home, call us today to book your inspection on 3369 5231.

Decks

If your home has a balcony, veranda or deck, regardless of whether it is made of timber, concrete or metal, do yourself a favour and organise a regular deck inspection. It’s awful to think about it, but checking the stability and integrity of your deck may just save a life!

A number of properties across Brisbane were built before 1946 and are particularly vulnerable to deterioration. However, structural problems can occur on decks built at any time.

Lack of maintenance is a primary cause of deck failure, however there are a number of other causes including:

• corrosion of metalwork and associated fittings and fixings in older decks

• lack of appropriate treatment to decking material, timber or steel

• use of timber that is unsuitable for exterior use

• use of untreated timber

• lack of bracing

• termite attack

• rotting timber

• water exposure

• overloading of decking areas (e.g. too many people on the deck)

• poor construction techniques used in owner/builder constructed decks

Our Australian climate is very harsh and even the most durable construction materials will eventually degrade. The defects might not be visually obvious to you – so book your inspection with us today.