Common External Building Inspection Faults Explained
Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or you’ve had troubles with property faults in the past, understanding the areas of your intended home that could have faults is paramount. The exterior of a property often hints at the underlying health of the entire construction. Minor issues like hairline cracks or peeling paint can be indicative of more serious structural problems. When buying a new property, it pays to be wary of commonly identified inspection faults. Partnering with an independent building inspection company will help take the pressure off, helping you make a more informed decision.
Weatherboards: The external weatherboards on a property can suffer from rot, warping, and termite damage over time. What might look structurally sound could very well not be. A building inspector can identify these issues early on to save you money in the future.
Rendering: Cracks in the rendering of a property may be cosmetic, however, they can also indicate structural issues. Any noticeable discolouration could suggest water damage, which can be confirmed via a building inspection.
Weep holes: Blocked weep holes can lead to moisture build-up within walls, promoting mould growth and possibly even structural damage. Low weep holes can contribute to termite entry and rising damp.
Termite barriers: In addition to a building inspection, a pest inspection is highly recommended. Termite barriers and protection systems are essential for preventing pests from invading your property. A qualified pest inspector can check the condition of existing barriers to determine if they are working effectively.
Brick and timber: Whether your home has a brick or timber façade, you’ll typically be able to spot with ease signs of age and wear. Cracks within brickwork or rot on timber are a sure tell sign of potential issues, which can be confirmed with an inspection.
Retaining walls: Poor drainage, lack of suitable reinforcement, or inadequate construction can significantly impact retaining walls. Costly to repair, you must be aware of any underlying issues.
Slabs: Cracks or shifts in slabs can indicate serious structural problems, so you must have an inspector examine the property’s slab for any signs of damage.
Stumps: Damaged or deteriorating stumps can compromise a building’s stability. A building inspector will check the condition of these crucial supports and advise on any required maintenance or, worse still, the need to completely restump the house.
Subsidence: Subsidence can cause major damage to a property, including cracks in walls and uneven floors. An inspector will be able to identify the early signs that could save you a substantial amount of money in the future.
Drainage: Poor drainage can lead to dampness, mould, and cause further structural damage. A building inspection will check the surrounding allotment and under-house drainage to verify if it is sufficient or requires upgrading.
Project yourself against building faults and red flags
A quality building inspection is about two things: eyeballs and expertise. If your building inspector isn’t looking directly at every surface for red flags and risk factors, from the underfloor to the roof, they may be missing key problems. That’s where expertise comes in. Time, experience, and builder knowledge are the differences between a quality Brisbane property inspection and a mediocre one. And being able to determine the difference between what is insignificant and normal as opposed to significant and costly is one of the most important credentials a building inspector must possess.
