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Showing posts with the label building condition report

Pre-purchase building and pest inspection

Pre-Purchase Building and Pest Inspection Getting a pre-purchase building and pest inspection is a vital step when purchasing an existing home.  A pre-purchase building and pest inspection is a visual inspection of the property, that reports on major issues, minor issues and termite/borer activity or evidence. It is recommended that your purchase contract is reliant on your satisfaction with the outcome of your building and pest inspection. What is a Pre-Purchase Building Inspection? When you have found the perfect home or investment property, you generally love the location, nearby amenities and the 'look' of the property. However, it takes an industry expert to see the full picture. Building inspectors are highly experienced professionals with extensive experience in the construction industry and have further training to become an inspector. There are two parts to the pre-purchase inspection: The building inspection looks at structural issues, hazards and maintenance concerns...

The types of inspection reports

People can have many different reasons for wanting an inspection report. They may be buying, selling, renovating or concerned about an infestation or potential building fault. You should know exactly what inspection reports are available to you and what these reports mean. When you know how to properly interpret the findings, you can make the best possible choice moving forward. Standard Building and Inspection Report Standard Building and Pest Inspections are conducted when you are selling your house, purchasing a new property, prior to renovation or for other reasons. These inspections look for faults that are listed in reports as either "major" or "minor". Major structural defects are issues that require immediate attention. These include termite damage, water leakage and a lack of handrails of stairs. Conversely, Minor structural issues include cosmetic or slight defects that do not threaten your safety or require immediate action. For example, minor issues inc...

Safety hazards from around the home

Our inspectors at Dedant have seen all manner of houses. There are several common safety hazards that we have found through the years that you should watch out for. These various defects range from minor to potentially life-threatening. We'll go over some of the more prominent safety hazards with you in this blog. No railing on stairs In accordance with safety standards , every set of stairs is required to have at least one hand railing. This is because even a small staircase is considered a major tripping hazard. Serious trips can cause broken bones, sprains, cuts or potentially even death if you strike your head. With a handrail to hold onto, you can save yourself from minor and major injuries or worse, death. If you are lacking handrails on any set of stairs, seek to rectify this immediately. Loose railings One of the more common safety hazards is loose railings. Loose railings on stairs or balconies are another safety issue that is all too common in houses. They can potential...

Things We Do Not Inspect During A Building and Pest Inspection

Before you get your Building and Pest Inspection , it is important to know the areas that are not inspected in a building and pest inspection. Our qualified building and pest inspectors have extensive experience in the building industry and are very knowledgeable about building, structure, building hazards and identifying maintenance issues. They have also experienced pest controllers specialising in termite inspections and management. Other specialists that you may consider asking for advice before purchasing your new home are plumbers, electricians, swimming pool technicians, air conditioning technicians and smoke alarm technicians. By knowing what we don't inspect beforehand, you are able to make the necessary arrangements with other inspectors and tradespeople so that every aspect of your home can be examined. 1)     Electrical wiring Inspectors at Dedant Building and Pest Inspectors are not electricians. As such, we are not qualified to assess the safety or cond...

5 Common Causes of Household Water Leakage

Moisture and water leakages are the reason behind many issues around the home. For this reason, you should know the most common causes of household water leakage. Water leakage causes rust on metal, creates mould and it causes wood to decay. At Dedant, we have over a decade of experience conducting building inspections.  As such, we know where most water leakages tend to originate from. By knowing the common causes of household water leakages, you can protect your home from these issues. 1)     Air conditioners Air conditions are one of the most common causes of water leakage. Your air conditioner produces water as part of the cooling process , some of which is used to cool the air and some of which is sent out the back of the unit. As such, there will inevitably be leakages. It is recommended you have a way to divert water away from your home and into the garden, such as a pipe or hose. If you don't, this can cause puddles to form which cause rust and decay ...

Steel Corrosion

Steel corrosion is a common household problem and is particularly evident in steel columns. In this blog, we examine the corrosion of structural steel, what problems can result and how to prevent it. But first, it is important to understand what is structural steel. Structural steel Structural steel is a type of steel that is used in construction. In households, structural steel can be used in frames, beams to support and hold up decks, columns that make up deck railings and more. Steel has many benefits. Firstly, it is very durable and resistant to damage. Compared to wood, steel is more resistant to the effects of weather, fires, termites, splitting, creeping and rotting. As such, this means that steel lasts longer before requiring repairs. This in turn makes steel more effective in the long-term, as the cost of repairs can quickly add up. Steel is also 100% recyclable, making it more beneficial for the environment. Steel also gives homes a straighter finish along rooflines, ceilings...

How to hire a carpenter

Choosing the right tradesperson can be a complex decision. That's why we've created a blog to teach you how to hire a carpenter. Getting an underqualified or unskilled carpenter can cost you time and money. As such, you want to make sure to make the right decision. Have a plan ready You should have a good idea of what carpentry work you want completed prior to contacting a tradesperson. Have your plan set out so you know exactly what you want and within the time frame. Even a rough sketch can be something to work off. Consider giving examples of similar carpentry work that you like. This ensures you will like what you get. Know what type of carpenter you need Knowing how to hire a carpenter is important but you must also know what types of carpenters are out there. There are different carpenters who carry out different roles. Knowing what carpenter you need will allow you to focus your search. Rough carpenters Rough carpenters, also called framing carpenters or framers. They mo...

Is Now A Good Time to Buy in Brisbane?

The Coronavirus has created uncertainty in the world and this is true of the property market as well. Many people are asking – is now a good time to buy in Brisbane? To find an answer to this question, we will examine past action in the market, current trends, and future projections. Furthermore, it is important you know what assistance is being offered to home buyers at this time. Government assistance to home buyers The First Home Owners’ Grant was introduced in 2000 to help people get their new first home. As of 1 July 2018, eligible home buyers can get a $15,000 grant towards buying or building a new home, unit or townhouse that is valued at less than $750,000. To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years old and an Australian citizen or permanent resident. The home you are buying, or building must be brand new. You must move in within a year of buying a home and live there for 6 months. You or your spouse must not have previously owned property in Australia that you have lived in...

How to find and fix roof leaks

No one wants a leaky roof in their home. As such, you should know how to find and fix roof leaks as early as possible. If left unchecked, roof leaks can cause mould and rot throughout your house. They can also be an invitation for pests such as termites or rats to enter your home. Thus, our blog examines the causes and signs of roof leaking, as well as how you can fix them. How to find roof leaks 1)      Know the causes of roof leakage By knowing what causes a roof to leak, you can be proactive in stopping them. Roof leaks are generally caused by some form of defect or damage around your roof. Storms and high winds can damage or dislodge the shingles on your roof, for example. Furthermore, as your roof ages, the material it is made of will deteriorate. For example, flashing can rust or slip out of place. Gutters are a major source of leaks if they become clogged. A clogged gutter causes water to pool up and eventually damage your roof. Openings in the roof such ...

Building and Pest Inspection Gold Coast

  Call Dedant building inspector Gold Coast for a free quote today. Phone 1300 022 225 Are you looking to buy a house, unit, townhouse, apartment, or commercial property on the Gold Coast?  From mega mansions to studio apartments, we do it all. Dedant Building and Pest Inspections is a local company that can provide you with the information that you need to make an informed decision on your purchase. The Gold Coast With expansive beaches that stretch forever, great restaurants, impressive skyline, surf beaches, vibrant nightlife and an inviting climate, the Gold Coast population has understandably been steadily growing over the last 20 years.  From the Northern Gold Coast to Coolangatta, the property market offers everything from beachside living to hinterland properties. As such, it is no surprise that the Gold Coast property market is one of the strongest in Queensland and is expected to boom in the coming years. Many new and existing residents are looking to make moves...

Want to book a building inspector in Caboolture?

  Call Dedant Building Inspections Caboolture for a free quote today. Phone 07 3807 0122 Are you looking to buy a house, unit, townhouse, apartment, or commercial property in Caboolture?  From mega mansions to studio apartments, we do it all. Dedant Building and Pest Inspections is a local company that can provide you with the information that you need to make an informed decision on your purchase. For a building inspector Caboolture can trust, choose Dedant. Caboolture Caboolture is a town located 50km north of the Brisbane CBD. Once home to many dairy farms and forests, it used to be semi-rural, but years of development have seen it become suburban in nature. Now, it is generally regarded as the northmost point of the greater Brisbane metropolitan area. The growth of new, affordable housing has seen Caboolture steadily grow in population. With close proximity to the Sunshine Coast, yet still close enough to Brisbane CBD, it is not surprising that the forests and dairy farms ...

A Pre-Purchase Building Inspection Protects the Buyer

 Buying a home is the biggest investment that most people will make in their lives. As such, you should protect yourself with a pre-purchase building and pest inspection. If you are the buyer it is always preferable to get a professional in to conduct a building inspection, combined with a pest inspection. The risks involved The average home in Queensland costs hundreds of thousands of dollars, at a minimum. Australian Consumer Law says that you have the right to ask for a refund, replacement or repair for any good or service that is less than $40,000 and bought for personal use. However, most properties in Australia cost much more than $40,000. As such, if you buy a home that is defective, you are unfortunately stuck with it. This can cost thousands of dollars in repair, put your health and safety at risk and ruin your dream home. This is the idea of “buyer beware”. Do not rely on vendors or real estate agents Vendors and real estate agents both want to sell you a home for the be...

A pre-purchase building inspection for an older house

 Older homes offer buyers a chance to own a piece of history. However, you should be aware that these homes often come with risks. Thankfully, these risks can be found in a pre-purchase building inspection. While you should always get a pre-purchase inspection, you should have some knowledge of the inherent problems that can exist in older homes. Weather worn appearance One of the most obvious issues with older homes can be in their weather worn appearance. Over time, various elements of a home can become damaged or fall into disrepair. This is commonly reflected in aesthetic damage. Issues like peeling paint, rusted door handles and metal fixtures, cracked walls and windows, as well as decaying wood are all common in older houses. This is particularly true if more recent owners have not been vigilant in caring for the home. Beyond just being unpleasant to look at, this dilapidated appearance can signify an unsafe structure. For example, a wooden staircase that is decaying poses a ...

How can I get termite protection?

 Many homeowners understand the dangers of termites, but few know how to get termite protection for their properties. In this blog, we will examine DIY and professional solutions that you can use to protect your home from termites. DIY Termite Protection You can use DIY termite prevention methods around your property to ensure that your home is well protected against termites. Being proactive and taking these steps yourself is a great way to prevent termite infestations before they happen. Keep wood away from the ground It is no secret that termites feed on wood. But they also eat cardboard, paper and other substances that have cellulose. If your home has wooden posts or other structures that go into the ground, termites will eat away at the inside and create tunnels into your home. When building or renovating your home, make sure no wood is touching the ground. Even wood that's not attached to your dwelling can be a hazard. For example, piles of timber laying on the ground c...