Jul 23 2018

Early warning signs that the property you’re investing in needs an inspection

Building inspections: early warning signs

You spent weeks, months or years searching for your dream property. It’s in the perfect location, the price is great, and it looks just like you imagined it. You’re so excited that during the viewing you don’t even pay attention to some of the details which could mean your property needs a professional house inspection before you invest in it. It is important to know what to look for when viewing a property you’re intending to buy to help you avoid losing your money, time and health. Consumer Affairs Victoria advises that all potential buyers should consider organising professional building inspections before purchasing any property. In this post, we round up the most important early warning signs that mean you need a building inspection before you make an offer.

Early warning signs of roof problems

One of the most common defects found in properties are roof damages. When you’re inspecting a property, look out for things such as cracks or any leak marks in the ceiling. Sometimes property owners try to cover up these small defects and they might not be visible straight away. However, if you notice parts of the ceiling where paint is newer or has a slightly different colour, it might be a sign that the property is having roof issues.

If the property you’re interested in has an attic, always make sure you go up to look around. Check the quality and state of the wooden structures holding the roof and see if they have any visible signs of leakage. These might include rotting wood, marks and/or mould. If you can’t spot any, pay attention to the smell and air quality in the attic – humid and damp air might mean that if there aren’t any visible roof problems yet, they might soon appear.

During the viewing you probably won’t be able to climb onto the roof and check its condition. However, sometimes issues can be spotted even from afar. Look out for things such as moss growth, rusty gutters and holes in tiling. These are definite signs that you need a professional building inspection to assess the property before you buy.

Early warning signs of termite infestation

Timber pests, also known as termites, can damage any beautiful property. They can be hard to detect, especially during a property viewing for potential buyers, however there are a few things you should be looking out for. One of those is the flooring within the property. If you notice any sagging parts of the floor, it could mean that termites are eating the wood which supports the floor structure. Moreover, look out for floors which are covered with rugs or carpets. They could be hiding rotten or termite-infested flooring.

Another thing to be cautious of is doors and windows which don’t work correctly. You should always try to open and close at least some of the doors and windows within the property you’re viewing. If you notice that you find it hard to close or open any of them, it could be a sign that the building is infested by pests. This is because termites can weaken the wooden structure throughout the property, causing parts of the building to sink. This often results in issues with closing and opening the doors and windows.

Sometimes you can also notice warning signs of a termite infestation from outside of the property. These include damaged foundations of the building, rotting wooden fixtures such as stairs and window frames, and visible damp areas around the house. Pests love moist environments, therefore if you notice areas where wood is exposed to dampness, you should definitely consider a building and pest inspection before purchase.

Early warning signs of floor problems

When you’re viewing a property, look out for things such as sinking, uneven or squeaky floors. Sinking and uneven floors sometimes can be hard to spot as they might be covered up with small rugs or carpets. Squeaky floors can also be covered up with rugs, however it is fairly easy to spot thi particular issue. Even though it might seem futile, squeaky floors can indicate serious damage within the property that needs to be assessed.

Moreover, if you notice that any of the rooms within the property are carpeted throughout, it could mean that the wooden floor underneath can be in a poor condition. This is especially applicable in older properties, as their floors are likely to deteriorate with time. You also most probably won’t be able to know whether the floors in carpeted rooms are in a good condition even in new properties.

If you notice any of these common floor issues or issue indicators, it is an important sign that you should organise a professional building inspection before buying the property. This is because floor problems can indicate serious problems, such as design and structural faults, poor workmanship and pest infestation. These are often really hard and costly to fix, and might mean that investing in the property will correlate with significant additional costs.

What to do if you notice any of these early warning signs?

We would recommend organising a pre purchase building inspection to help you assess the property and its value before you buy it. Often, building inspections find issues that are hard to find during a prospective buyer viewing. The results of a professional inspection can help you make a decision whether you want to purchase the property, as well as potentially help you negotiate the price with the agent. If you’d like to organise a building inspection for your dream property, contact us now.

Jul 04 2018

Building inspection myths – What are these 5 myths that you should know? | Building Inspections Melbourne

5 Building Inspection Myths That You Should Know

When you are an interested buyer or seller during building inspections, you may think building inspectors’ job is to simply inspect the house, right? However, have you considered building inspection myths that you should know before purchasing or selling a property? Read on as we uncover some of these myths.

Myth 1: Everything you need to know is in the inspection report.

Fact: After inspecting the property, you will be sent a detailed report. It will include photos of the internal areas, roof cavity, roof coverings and subfloor. Yes, it will tell you the weaknesses in the property but it does not mean it will tell you everything you need to know. You will only get more out of a building inspection if you cooperate with the building inspector and attend it. This will reduce misunderstandings and it will be a great learning curve for you.

Myth 2: A building inspector can tell you the property’s future issues that you should be concerned about.

Fact: According to PayScale, a building inspector’s job is to ensure the property’s structures will be safe for an occupant. This includes conducting an inspection, examining hard-to-reach areas, reporting areas of concern, checking your builder’s work and advising you recommendations for any repairs. However, a building inspector does not have the accuracy to predict the things that will go wrong in the future as they can only tell you the present conditions of the house. A building inspection left Sydney couple James Couche and Sarah McGilvray horrified after discovering an interested buyer left faeces in their bathroom. Note that although building inspection companies have the latest technology such as T3i TERMATRAC and Moisture Sensor to uncover defects, they still cannot take apart your walls for inspection. An inspection is a professional observing the existing conditions of the property.

Myth 3: A building inspection is the same thing as a home appraisal.

Fact: Many people have this misconception that a home appraisal covers a building inspection or that they are simply the same thing. A home appraisal does not guarantee the safety of the property. It is an unbiased professional opinion of what the property is worth. Building inspectors are just interested in the safety of the property, not its value. So, the next time your property receives a high appraisal, it does not mean it is free from any defects.

Myth 4: New houses do not have to be inspected as they were built recently.

Fact: Are you thinking that you may not need a building inspection because your property is brand new? Wrong! Older properties have been lived in and it is not as difficult to notice any signs of leakage, termite infestation or defects that occur over a period of time. However, in the case of a new property, no one has occupied it so it should be inspected under scrutiny.

Myth 5: A renovated property does not need to be inspected as everything was already redone.

Fact: If you got a property renovated by professionals, you may think that every area was inspected. Wrong! It also does not mean the professionals will adhere to the safety guidelines. Some may be cutting corners to reduce costs and earn a higher profit. Renovation television show ‘Fixer Upper’ hosts Chip and Joanna Gaines were fined $40 000 after violating rules on toxic substances and lead paint.

Now that you know these building inspection myths, you will be more aware as a buyer or seller during building inspections. If you require a professional to conduct a detailed house inspection for your property, please do not hesitate to contact us to book a building or house inspection. Building Inspections Melbourne offers services such as timber pest inspections, pre purchase building inspections and special purpose defect inspection.

Jun 15 2018

Termite infestation – What does it actually mean? | House Inspections Melbourne

Termite infestation – What does it actually mean?

Every homeowner or potential homeowner is scared of a termite infestation. We’ve all heard of them and how much they can damage a house, but do you know what termites actually do?

Here is the facts: Termites are small insects that feed on wood, they live in colonies, and Australia is home to the most invasive of the 3,106 known species. For prospective homeowners this means they are a big risk to your new home. Termites need to be considered when getting building inspections done, and we at House Inspections Melbourne are aware of that.

For the untrained eye, signs of termite infestation are only obvious once large amounts of damage is caused. This often costs thousands to repair. Without a proper timber pest inspection, you could move in and find your house being eaten apart only a few months in. Below are the biggest risks of a termite infestation, and what you need to be aware of to stop these pests!

Termites Eat Your House From Inside Out

Termites eat away at the wood in your house, often from the inside out. This means that signs of damage are hard to find. Damage can cause hollow and weakened wood and even sagging floors. They often start by drilling in a honeycomb pattern, and making tunnels across an entire house. They are able to crawl up walls and travel quite a distance from their nest. By the time wood damage is clearly visible this normally means that a significant amount of wood has already been eaten through and the damage is major.

They Cause Noise

In heavily termite infested areas, termites can be heard, particularly at night. Termites communicate with others in the colony by tapping on wood to warn of danger, with the signal being passed along the infected areas. This is something that can be hard to detect without special equipment designed to do so.

They Leave Droppings

Termite droppings are small and dry, easily mistaken for sawdust or sand. Termite droppings can be a good warning sign of a termite infestation, because they are not necessarily distinctive they can be missed when not looking for them. This isn’t limited to just feces droppings. Flying termites lose their wings when finding a mate, dropping them into your home. The good part about this is that this is often the beginning signs of an infected area. If picked up on, it can be addressed before major damage is caused.

They Cause Moisture Damage

Termites produce moisture when eating. This moisture damage combined with the weaker wood and can easily appear to be unrelated water damage, if not treated correctly. Signs of this can be can be buckling wood and swollen roofs, as well as tight fitting windows and doors.

They Cost Money

The cost of a pre-purchase building inspection is nothing compared to the cost of a full termite eradication. For 1 in 5 termite infestations this can mean full evacuation of the home. This leaves the homeowners needing to find alternate accommodation, often an extra expense. Even once termites are believed to be gone from the home, most experts suggest installing further preventive measures. It’s also important to have frequent checkups to ensure the infestation doesn’t come back.

On top of the cost of eradication, is the cost of repairs to the home. Home Inspectors Melbourne has covered customers tens of thousands of dollars in repair costs with our Timber Pest Inspections. Unlike some other potential dangers of owning a home, termite infestations are not covered by most insurance companies. This unfortunately leaves you responsible for the full cost.

Next steps

We know this sounds like a nightmare for homeowners, but our building inspections, including timber pest inspections will leave you with all the information needed to move forward. We can also suggest routine termite inspections for peace of mind in the future of your home! Contact us today to set up your inspection.

May 23 2018

Make an offer before or after an inspection? A homebuyer’s guide | House Inspections Melbourne

Building inspection – make an offer before or after your house inspection?

We all know how important a building inspection is. Before settling in at a new home you want to make sure that there are no issues regarding the integrity of the building. So the question is: do you make an offer before or after completing a building inspection?

There has been great debate surrounding this question. This is due to many who have been burned by taking this decision too lightly. So let’s weigh the options now so you can decide for yourself when the inspection should occur!

Inspecting before

Pros:

You may come across issues that will stop you from moving forward with purchasing that particular property before investing a large sum of money.
Not all offers have to contain a contingency agreement in respect to the inspection. By doing a building inspection beforehand you ensure that you won’t end up in a house with multiple and costly issues.
You’ll have all the facts before placing an offer on the property. While the seller may have conducted a house inspection previously, it never hurts to have your own inspection done. This ensures you have the correct information before making a big decision. Having a second opinion can be the make or break in your decision making process.
If you choose to forego making an offer, you may avoid other costs elicited in the contract. Shelling out a few extra hundred dollars is a valuable investment and as my mum has taught me, it’s better to be be safe than sorry!

Cons:

With no contract in place, there is a chance the seller may go with another buyer while you are in the process of the inspection. Of course this depends upon whether or not the house is in high demand or if it’s in a popular location.
After placing an offer you still may not be able to come to terms with the seller. This means if there are possible issues, they may choose not to do anything about it. In turn, this will result in another expense for you as the buyer.

Inspecting after

Pros:

Oftentimes when purchasing a house, you’re able to make an offer contingent upon a house inspection. In this case you won’t be losing any money upfront.
If there is a contingency agreement regarding the inspection, then you’re able to negotiate the terms of the contract or back out of the house altogether – depending on the agreement of course.

Cons:

With no contingency agreement in place you may be stuck with the house you purchase! This is inclusive of roofing issues, mold, termites and any other problems you may have not been aware of at the time of purchase.
If the issues found within the property are outrageous and you decide to terminate the purchasing contract you will have to pay your way out. In Victoria you have a three business day ‘cooling off period’ from the date of the signed contract to back out at 0.2% of the purchasing price. This could be quite a hefty fee to pay for simply foregoing a house inspection prior to placing an offer!

The verdict

Purchasing a house is a big decision. It really comes down to the conditions surrounding the contract when choosing the best time to do a house inspection. With this being said, the pros greatly outweigh the cons in most cases with a pre-purchase inspection. Making the decision to get your house inspected before making an offer will usually be your best bet!

No matter if you decide to make an offer before or after you complete a house inspection, it’s important to remember that they are a vital part of the house purchasing experience. I promise it will be of use to you in the long run! Contact us today and call Geoff on 0422228716 for FREE advice and click here to Book your Building and Pest Inspection Today.

Top rated

Genuine Google Reviews for House Inspections Melbourne4.9

Based on 633 reviews

Beenish Shahzad

11 hours ago

I was very impressed with the professionalism, thoroughness and attention to detail demonstrated during the building inspection. Geoff took the time to explain the findings clearly, highlighted important concerns and provided an honest and comprehensive assessment of the property’s condition. I would highly recommend his services to anyone considering purchasing a property.

Peter Smee

3 days ago

Geoff responded quickly to request for a building and pest inspection. He inspected the property the next day. He provided an in depth report and then provided time for us to have discussion about his findings. Would definitely recommend his services

Candice Day

1 week ago

Strongly recommend using Geoff for property inspections before buying! Exceptionally detailed reporting. Very clear communicator who saved us massively at the negotiating table, advising what exactly we were walking in to.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words Candice. I'm glad you're happy with my service and even happier that you managed to negotiate money off the purchase price after my building and pest inspection. I wish you all the best. Regards Geoff Australian Building Inspections Pty.Ltd

Ssdiffs Ssdiffs

2 weeks ago

Geoff came to do house inspection in pakenham. He was very polite, friendly and professional. He did a thorough inspection of the house. I will recommend Geoff to friends and family members.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words. It was a pleasure helping you with your building and pest inspection on the house you're buying in Pakenham. Kind regards Geoff Australian Building Inspections Pty.Ltd

Laura Bloore

2 weeks ago

We engaged Australian building inspectors to conduct our pre-purchase building and pest inspection. Geoffrey was extremely thorough and knowledgeable and was able to complete the inspection within a short time frame. Highly recommend!

Tt Dd

3 weeks ago

Very comprehensive report. Report taken out promptly. Geoff was great to deal with.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind words and I hope I fulfilled my duty to protect you. Regards Geoff

Michael Caldwell

3 weeks ago

Geoff was fantastic and thorough in his inspection. Very knowledgable and was available for a call to walk me through the report and advise on possible outcomes from this. Would highly recommend as he makes the process simple and easy.

Rey Tumang

4 weeks ago

We recently engaged Geoff for a Building & Pest Inspection as part of purchasing our first home, and the service exceeded our expectations. Buying a property is one of the biggest financial commitments you'll ever make, and Geoff made the entire process much less stressful. He was extremely thorough, professional, and took the time to explain everything in a clear and easy-to-understand manner. What stood out most was how approachable and honest he was. No question was too small, and Geoff was always willing to provide guidance, recommendations, and practical advice on any issues identified in the report. Rather than simply listing defects, he explained the level of risk, what should be monitored, and what may require attention in the future, which gave us confidence in making an informed decision. The report itself was detailed and comprehensive, and the follow-up support was outstanding. Geoff genuinely cared about ensuring we understood the findings and felt comfortable moving forward with our purchase. We are extremely grateful for his assistance and would not hesitate to recommend Geoff to anyone purchasing a property, particularly first-home buyers looking for honest advice and peace of mind before making such a significant investment. Thank you again, Geoff, for your professionalism, expertise, and exceptional customer service. We truly appreciate all your help.

Response from the owner:Hi Rey, thank you do much for your feeback on the recent building and pest inspection I conducted for you. I've spent the best part of 20 years perfecting my inspection methods. Hearing this feeback makes it all worth it. I just Love helping home byers. I wish you all the best and please don't hesitate to call any time if you need further advice on your home. Regards Geoff - Australian Building Inspections

Nishaly Daluwakgoda

1 month ago

Geoffrey provided a very detailed building inspection report which enabled me to make a well informed decision about a property. Everything was explained clearly with lots of photographic evidence, and he was available for any questions. I also really appreciated the super quick turnaround as the report was sent on the same day as the inspection. Highly recommend Geoffrey’s service.

T V

1 month ago

Geoff was highly recommended to inspect our new place and he lived up to the recommendation. He was absolutely brilliant with his clear and concise explanation of things. We would highly recommend Geoff

Teresa and Juancho Ramirez

1 month ago

Geoff was very thorough, re-assuring, and informative. It was great that he took the time to explain what he found and provided solutions and next steps. He came recommended from a couple of friends and we'd easily recommend him again. Thanks again, Geoff!

David Lewis

1 month ago

Very professional service and very thorough in the report. I would 100% use again if needed and would highly recommend.

Hayden Raz

2 months ago

We couldn’t recommend Geoff highly enough! He completed our pre-purchase building and pest inspection and was incredibly thorough, detailed and professional throughout the entire process. His attention to detail and the findings in his report were instrumental in our negotiations. Thanks to his detailed work, we were able to negotiate $50k off the purchase price, which saved us a huge amount of money. Geoff was always happy to take the time to chat through the inspection and explain his findings, which gave us a lot of confidence in making such a significant purchase.

Leanna Wilson

2 months ago

Geoff was very thorough and provided a very comprehensive report. I'd definitely seek his services again.

Dom Lee

3 months ago

I engaged Geoff to complete a building & pest inspection as part of a pre-purchase condition. His attention to detail and detailed report was outstanding and a huge help to us, not to mention his openness to discuss the report verbally in depth post-inspection. Without his observations we would have been unaware of the short term tens of thousands dollars worth of repairs required to the property. Highly recommend!

Dilanka Fernando

3 months ago

Geoff provided prompt, professional, and exceptional service while conducting the building and pest inspection for a property I was interested in purchasing. He also took the time to answer my follow-up questions over the phone outside of his normal working hours to accommodate my schedule, which I truly appreciated. I highly recommend Geoff to anyone looking for a thorough and reliable building and pest inspector.

Alex King

3 months ago

Geoff was very thorough in his inspection. Having viewed the house previously I was immediately able to understand his concerns and issues, and then using his findings, work with my own trades people to develop remediation actions and estimate the likely costs. In Geoff's follow up conversations he suggested an alternate solution which will address most of the issues for one of the key defects on the property. Strongly recommend.

Navjot Singh

3 months ago

Had a really great experience with the building and pest inspection of our home. The report was very thorough and detailed and the whole process was hassle free. Geoff did a great job, organised the inspection with the agent and completed the report within a day. Would definitely recommend them if anyone is looking for a reliable and detailed and accurate inspections for their properties.

Tony Du

3 months ago

I can't recommend Geoff highly enough. His professionalism, honesty, and attention to detail are exceptional. I've used Geoff for pre-purchase building inspections on two properties that I was seriously considering buying. In both cases, he uncovered major hidden defects that weren't obvious during my inspections and could have cost me tens of thousands of dollars in repairs if I had gone ahead with the purchases. While the inspections cost me a few thousand dollars in total, they were some of the best money I've ever spent. Geoff's thorough assessments gave me the confidence to walk away from properties that would have become very expensive mistakes. What I appreciate most is that Geoff isn't just ticking boxes—he genuinely looks at a property from the perspective of someone who wants to protect the buyer. He explains his findings clearly, answers questions patiently, and provides practical, honest advice without any pressure. If you're buying a home and want someone who is experienced, meticulous, and genuinely looking out for your interests, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Geoff. His expertise has potentially saved me many tens of thousands of dollars and a great deal of stress. Thank you, Geoff, for your outstanding work and professionalism

Thomas Allsop

4 months ago

Geoff was detailed and professional, he brought up a lot of issues in the report that I didn't even think to look out for in our initial inspections which helped immensely in our home purchase. Thanks Geoff!

Dwayne Slootmans

4 months ago

Geoff was punctual, very thorough and helped us make a good decision on our home purchase. Highly recommend!

Mike Macleish

4 months ago

Very thorough and gave us all the info and more that we needed to make an informed choice. Very happy with Geoff's service.

JOSEPHINA ELSEGOOD

4 months ago

Excellent inspection. Very easy to deal with and pointed out all defects as minor, moderate and major. Showed photos of all problems and how to deal with them and rectify. Would have no hesitation in recommending him to all prospective buyers of homes. Graham and Josephina

Anna Vaux

4 months ago

Geoff is a godsend! He provided such a thorough and comprehensive pest & building inspection report, I cannot be more grateful!

Pradeesh Perera

4 months ago

Hi Geoff, Thank you so much for your thorough assessment. We really could not have asked for more. Your detailed report gave us an incredibly clear picture of the property and gave us the confidence to make our commitment. The vendor knew about the leaking bathroom and the collapsing garage ceiling, yet still tried to sell the place without disclosing any of it to us. In an environment where people actively try to pass off serious faults without regard for honesty, professionals like you truly save the day. Thank you for your transparency and integrity. Kanchana/ Pradeesh

May 14 2018

Building and Pest Inspection Richmond

Richmond Building and Pest Inspection

Take a look at the most recent Richmond building and pest inspection that our team at Housed Inspections Melbourne conducted. If you think you’ve finally found the right place, the next step will be to book your building and pest inspection.

Our team went out to assess a house in Richmond recently. Richmond is a beautiful inner suburb of Melbourne. Only 3km out of the CBD it’s the perfect area for just about anyone! The area has plenty of restaurants and bars, parks and three main commercial streets. This makes it great for young singles, as well as families and everything in between.

At House Inspections Melbourne, we pride ourselves in focusing on the details to make sure a house is safe. While assessing this house in Richmond, we came to the conclusion that many aspects of the house were unsafe. After an in depth inspection we suspected that the lining of the ceiling and walls in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room may contain asbestos. Knowing the horrible health effects asbestos can have, House Inspections Melbourne always recommends further testing.

Besides the possible asbestos, we found fungal damage and damaged glass on the windows and unlevelled floors throughout most of the residence. There were also issues regarding many heating appliances such as fireplaces, bordering combustible materials. The kitchen was in fairly good condition, as well as most of the bathroom.

When it came to the bathroom and the laundry room, the conditions were generally fair with no visible water leaks and the tiles and taps were reasonably intact. Next we took to the internal and external roof conditions. Upon inspection, we concluded that the roofing support was adequate; the insulation was quite thick, and additional sparking membrane should be added. Defects with the roofing included rust, which could lead to water penetration and loose roof sheets. This will need repairs and damage to the roof flashing will require maintenance.

When looking at the downpipes, gutters and chimney, we detected further issues. This is a concern as it could lead to water damage, as well as possibly attract termites.

After assessing the outside of the house there were many restrictions with respect to walls with too much foliage growth. We did notice that the external baseboard and weatherboard timbers were in contact with soil areas. This could lead to timber deterioration/decay, so we highly recommended that a professional come in to rectify the problem. At this time, we didn’t detect any damage caused by termites. A further inspection is required due to the limited access to certain areas of the house.

To conclude, after all details of the house were evaluated, we noticed a high number of major defects and average number of minor defects. Overall, this house was below average condition in comparison to other homes of a similar age and construction.

This Richmond building and pest inspection report found the property to have a large number of defects, but its not all bad news. If you are looking at buying a house that is in below average condition House Inspections Melbourne can put you in touch with the right tradesmen and professionals to get your dream home up to scratch. Our dedicated team are committed to aiding you in your search for a safe and healthy home! We always recommend doing a pre purchase building inspection before buying a house so there are no nasty surprises down the track. To arrange your inspection call us at 0422228716 or book online today!