Not every house is built according to complete construction code standards in Australia. We often see issues and damages when we visit a new home. The naked eye sees these damages, but there are some hidden issues that we need to inspect, too. These issues come under building defects inspection. That’s why, today, you’ll be reading the basic building defect inspection checklist with us in this blog post!
I’ll discuss some common building defects often found and seen during handover inspections and briefly discuss how they are inspected. You’ll find out about the complete building defect inspection checklist. However, before that, let’s know some standard terms used during house and building inspections in Perth.
Read Related: Everything You Need To Know About Practical Completion Inspections
So, What Do We Call Building Defects Inspection?
The issues and damages found during building inspections are called building defects. These defects are sometimes clear while hidden at other times.
These are structural defects, plumbing, electrical, and many more to discuss for your house inspections in Harrisdale or anywhere in Perth.
What Is Handover Inspection?
A Handover Inspection is an inspection made just before the builder hands over the property to the owner. Sometimes, professional inspectors also hand over an inspection to the owner if you are inspecting your current house.
During the inspection, the inspectors write a report detailing any issues found. It’s like giving the building a health check-up!
So Exactly What Are The Most Defects Found During Building Defect Inspections?
If the owner thoroughly goes for property inspection in Perth this will protect the buyer from structural faults that are often missed by the naked eye during the buying agreement. An expert Wanneroo home inspection company will make a detailed but easy-to-understand report containing details of these defects.
An inspector checks and observes several things in the building during an inspection. The building should pass the requirements set by the Australian Standard for building and house inspection in Harrisdale. So the common defects are:
1. Incomplete Construction
This is one of the major defects during any pre-purchase building inspection in Perth. Incomplete construction means the construction company left either a minor or major part of the building incomplete.
A simple example may include the room’s radial pipe, which doesn’t connect to the ventilation system’s distribution box. Similarly, an eave doesn’t connect to the stormwater drain in the drainage system.
Every small construction detail matters because it can damage your building in the long run. If the building has not yet been handed over to the buyer, these issues should be considered so the buyer gets a wholly constructed building.
2. The Roof Defects
In handover or building defect inspection, it is important to discuss and address roof issues. If the roof has some sort of deflection, this is an alarming sign for a building. Moreover, inappropriate marks and bolts are also commonly seen on roofs, which put bad impressions on the overall look of the building.
3. External Wall Cracks
One of the most common defects in house inspection is cracks that appear on walls. These cracks vary in size and volume.
If the cracks are 2 mm in width or more than that, these are not good signs of structural integrity in your building.
4. Fine Internal Wall Plastering Cracks
Plastering cracks are often seen on internal walls due to foundation movements.
Other causes of cracks include improper construction techniques, bad construction materials, or negligence by construction workers.
5. Roof Downpipes Issues
Perth citizens face harsh weather conditions. If there are water drain blots or water overflow marks on the roof or walls, there is something wrong with the drainage system or downflow water pipes.
Downpipes blockage or improper-sized drainage gutters often cause this kind of issue.
6. Plumbing Work Defects
Plumbing and sanitary work is needed in every residential and commercial building.
These works often cause problems for homeowners during building defects inspections. Faulty water taps, inappropriate water pressure in PVC pipes, and leakage of these water pipes are some core plumbing work defects.
7. Electrical Issues
Most inspection reports also include electrical issues, such as inappropriate underground wiring. Faulty electric switches and appliances also cause homeowners pain.
There are always some electrical terms present in inspection reports that lag or lead, sometimes voltages and other times currents.
Also, overcurrent damage to your wiring and home appliances can sometimes cause firing issues. Short-circuiting is also part of electrical work drawbacks.
8. Improper Ventilation
The next thing on our building defect inspection checklist is ventilation. Proper ventilation is a major issue for comprehensive building defects. Poor ventilation in a home can lead to a range of issues, from slow air and unpleasant odours to moisture buildup and mould growth.
Improper airflow can also contribute to poor indoor air quality, causing respiratory problems and allergies.
Additionally, insufficient ventilation may cause temperature inconsistencies and discomfort throughout the home.
Likewise, addressing ventilation deficiencies is crucial for maintaining a healthy and comfortable living environment and preventing potential structural damage and health issues.
9. Cabinet Issues
Cabinets are mostly wet, especially in damp areas like baths. All wet-area cabinets contain damp, mould, or mildew.
In addition to these issues, damp smells contribute to the final inspection report. Rising water and damp areas often cause these issues.
Read Related: What To Look For At A House Inspection? – Comprehensive Guide
Call Home Inspection Perth For Proper Building Defects Inspection
In most cases, the above-mentioned issues are the culprits. A good pre-purchase building inspection company like Home Inspection Perth has staff with state-of-the-art tools and technology. We can effectively examine all the building defects of your Perth properties and provide the best building defect report in the end!
We have tools such as cameras to look into water pipes, Pressure Gauges to measure water pressure, and many more on the list. Also, We at Home Inspection Perth have qualified staff for all kinds of inspections and pre-construction budget cost calculations. Moreover, we offer professional indemnity insurance for any unpleasant moments. So to inspect your houses and to get same-day detailed yet easy-to-understand reports, call us or send us an email. Our customer-friendly staff will address your queries and be there for you on time!
