Jul 24 2018

Building Inspections in Older Houses: 6 Key Things We Look For

We at House Inspections Melbourne have seen many houses in our time, new and old. We understand the appeal of older houses. Classic features, solid structures, and often located in some of Melbourne’s most popular suburbs. Whilst nothing beats the charm and character of an older house, there are some things you need to look out for before making the commitment.

Luckily, with a professional building inspection in Melbourne, you know that someone else is looking out for you. This means you can be confident with your new home, and enjoy it for years to come. And what exactly do we look for? Lots of things actually, but we know the concerns that are specific to older homes, and can help ensure yours is going to stay strong with you.

1: Asbestos

Asbestos, a word able to strike fear within anyone buying a new home. Frequently used throughout the 20th century, asbestos seemed like a miracle in its ability to fireproof and provide insulation. However, it wasn’t until the 1970s when concern about the health dangers of asbestos spread around Australia. Eventually it completely banned in 2003, when it was undeniably linked to many types of diseases. It is fibres from asbestos that cause issues, only when the material starts to break down and spread in the air. However it can be hard to track asbestos break down, meaning that any asbestos in a house is a potential health risk. These fibres lead mostly to lung issues, often potentially deadly ones.

Any houses built before the complete banning of asbestos in Australia need to be inspected to ensure they have not been built using the material. It’s most likely to be found in houses built around the 80s. However, since our discovery of its dangers, asbestos has been removed carefully by trained professionals in many houses that originally contained the material. Once removed properly, asbestos is no longer a potential health risk.

This means that even if we discover use of asbestos in your potential new home, you don’t need to automatically give up on your dream home. There are many licensed removalists operating around Melbourne. We are more than happy to offer advice on how to proceed if asbestos is found during your house inspection.

2: Insufficient Insulation

As you can tell from reading about asbestos, we were not as educated about insulation back in the days as we are now. The technology and science has come a long way, but this means that an older house may not be properly insulated. In Melbourne’s extreme weather, keeping the cool in during the summer, and the rain and wind out during the winter, is extremely important. When conducting a house inspection in Melbourne we know how to look for signs that your house is properly insulated.

The two biggest worries is insulation in the ceiling, and the windows. Ceiling insulation sometimes needs to be updated if it has been in an old home for too long, and no longer performing efficiently. This poor insulation can easily start racking up higher energy bills if not addressed. But don’t worry, if your home inspection discovers that there is poor insulation, it is a reasonably easy fix. Installing new insulation is not too difficult of a task, it can be done as a DIY or by a professional.

Why windows? It’s simple really, windows often make up the biggest source for potential weather leaks between your house and outside. One of the problems with windows in older houses is that when the wood and glass start to age they can warp a little bit. This will create gaps in the windows even when they are closed. That little bit of room can allow air to get in without you realizing what the problem even is. The actual glass on the window also changes their effectiveness. In any old house where the windows have not been updated recently we would suggest looking into installing new energy efficient windows.

3: Lead Paint and Plumbing

Another substance we only discovered was harmful once we built houses with it is lead. Lead is particularly harmful to young children or expectant mothers. Lead was commonly used in paint during and before the 1970s, meaning houses from this era might be painted using lead paint. Lead paint scrapings can become airborne and enter our system. This could lead to a variety of illnesses and should definitely be avoided. Lead paint should be removed by experts before considering moving into a home.

The other potential source of this harmful substance is in the plumbing. Lead plumbing could be installed in any house built before 1986. It is okay to have small traces of lead in pipes throughout the house, this won’t let lead enter your body. However, too much can be a danger. Thankfully this is the one problem you don’t even need us to address. Lead testing kits can be purchased to test your water quality for less than $50, and can ensure peace of mind.

4: Pests

Pests are a commonly known issue for older houses. Termites, amongst other pests can love the structure and wood found in older houses. Sometimes the damage signs are obvious, but in other situations it can be hard to pick up unless by professionals. Damage can grow over time, and in older houses with attics or more room under the house, they can cause significant damage.

Don’t worry though, we have the tools to check for termite infections, and are experts at discovering them. Although, if you have chosen an older home to purchase and move into, we do suggest being wary of possible termite infections and keeping an eye out. For more information on how and why to do these, read our post on termite infections.

5: Structural Damage

Older houses have had more time to be exposed to natural things that may start to weaken the structure of a house. What might have started out with a small level of unevenness can increase to a level where it has serious effects. The wood can slowly start to root and weaken. Moisture in the soil can start to seep up. Walls can start to crack.These are only possible occurrences, and not things that are definitely going to happen.

We are used to detecting when these issues are happening, or have potential to happen. For example, during a house inspection we conducted in Richmond recently, we found that the timber was in contact with soil. This had not yet caused damage, but was something that had the potential to be an issue over time.

Structural damage can be a minor problem, that when addressed early can not cost very much to fix. In these cases you can still make a purchase and simply be sure to make the needed changes before settling in. However, it can also be a serious issue that could potentially cost you extra tens of thousands of dollars. On top of Melbourne housing prices, this is the last thing you want to have to deal with, so be sure to conduct a home inspection that looks for these issues.

6: Outdated Appliances and Wiring

Older mechanical equipment in a house can cause problems down the road. You need to be sure when purchasing a house that you know what appliances and equipment are already installed, so you have the information on when and how to update them. The how is important, as the older wiring in a house may be incompatible with new appliances, or can even be dangerous.

Faulty older electrical systems are known to cause fires in houses where the owners are not aware of what is going on. Our house inspection reports will be able to look into the current wiring and appliances of the home and see if they are safe or need to be replaced.

Replacement can sometimes mean replacing all the wiring and electrics to ensure safety. Whilst this may be expensive initially, it will allow for brand new appliances, which might be something you desire when setting up your dream home. It could also mean replacing just a few parts, but being aware of upkeep for everything else. We don’t just provide you with a report, we provide you with practical advice on how to proceed if your dream home does have any of these issues.

Conclusion

Yes, this may be scary hearing about the dangers of older homes. But no home is perfect, even newly built ones. Not every old house will have all of these problems, or any of them. As long as you have your home inspected, either before auction or before purchase, you will be okay. We will pick up on any potential issues of the house and offer advice as to whether they are fixable, or an issue too large to risk. Older homes can be lived in and loved without sacrificing your family’s safety. Considering an older house for your new home? Contact us today to arrange an inspection.

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 09 2018

Thermal Imaging in House Inspections

We at House Inspections Melbourne pride ourselves on our expert knowledge and top of the range tools. Combining these is what makes our inspections top quality. One of the tools we use that ensures our in-depth inspection is thermal imaging, otherwise known as thermography. We frequently get asked about what thermal imaging is and how it works. If you have ever wondered that yourself, and want more knowledge about your home inspection, keep reading below

What is it?

Thermal imaging works by using a ‘camera’ which senses heat and radiation. Instead of taking traditional images, the camera works by showing an image of the area, built from varying colours based on differing heat levels.

A thermal imaging camera can detect heat through walls and other blocks that traditionally cause difficulties in detecting an issue in a home inspection. The differences in the temperature of different objects or areas on the screen could be an indication of many things. This is why a house inspector needs to be trained in proper use of the thermal imaging camera.

A thermal imaging camera often needs to be used with other tools to accurately diagnose a problem. However they can also be the first thing to detect a problem, allowing a house inspector to know where to focus on and what problems they may be looking for.

What problems can they detect?

Moisture

Small differences in temperature in walls, ceilings, bathrooms and other areas in a house can often be due to excess moisture in the area. Water problems can cause mould, leaks, and even structural damage, something you need to look out for in your home. When damage or small leaks occur, the first signs of damage can begin within the walls. This is only able to be measured by a devices such as a thermal imaging camera, because we can not see directly inside walls, so tools help us judge what is happening inside.

The importance of having an expert conduct your thermal imaging test, is that often when moisture damage is inspected, it needs to be followed up by a moisture meter. This will confirm that moisture is causing the temperature difference, and can give indication into what the damage is and what needs to be done to fix it.

Termites

As you may know from our previous post about termite infections, they can cause massive problems to houses, and are often difficult to detect until too late. Fortunately, thermal imaging can assist in detecting termite infections.

Due to termites and other bugs often living in nests, and travelling in packs, their heat can often be picked up by thermal imaging cameras. They will show as a small but possibly significant area of difference in heat, where it would not be otherwise expected. To an experienced inspector, this small sign can be picked up on, and they can conduct a more detailed look into the area.

We also know that termites can lead to moisture from our previous post. And now we know that moisture can also be detected by thermal imaging cameras, leading to a higher chance of termites being detected if they are there.

Insulation and Air Leaks

Most homeowners or potential homeowners already know to be concerned about air leaks and having secure insulation. Minor defects in these can cause major price increases on gas and electricity bills, and it is definitely something we check for when conducting house inspections.

Thermal imaging cameras can help us with this task. The camera picking up on differences in heat in small parts of the wall, or around window sills and other areas, can often mean that they are not properly insulated, and small gaps are allowing air to travel in and out of the house.

We also investigate thoroughly around skirtings, as often these can appear to be fully sealed, but the camera can show us signs of cold air leaking in.

Switchboards

Another thing you can to be secure about in a new house is the switchboards. Switchboards allow for control of electricity supplies across the building, and therefore need to be kept in excellent condition for ensured safety in a home.

Whilst some of this inspection can be done by eye, a thermal imaging camera can give an insight into other important factors of the switchboards maintenance. Often one of the largest signs of a switchboard having faults that will lead to failure if not addressed is build up of heat. This can easily be detected with thermal imaging, and then addressed by our recommended electricians.

Conclusion

For peace of mind about your inspection, you want to be assured that not only are you getting an experienced and skilled person, but also that they are using the top equipment. These factors combined lead to a job well done, and security for you and your family’s future. For more information or to book an inspection, contact us online or by calling 0422 228 716.

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.

Jun 08 2018

Common Floor Problems – Essentials for House Inspections | House Inspections Melbourne

Common Floor Problems: Essentials for House Inspections | House Inspections Melbourne

Picture this: You go to view a home and everything looks great. You’re especially impressed by the beautiful hardwood flooring throughout the interior. That is, until you’re living there and walk down the hall late at night to grab a glass of water… and hear a squeak. Squeaky floors are one of many common floor problems found in houses and now you have to deal with it. Not ideal, am I right?

A floor is the foundation of our homes, workplaces and essentially every building. They can be made out of timber, marble, cork, bamboo, carpet, tiles and more. There are many different floor types and they can definitely add atmosphere to any interior. However, even the best looking floors can be hiding faults that might not be obvious to the untrained eye. Being aware of the many faults in flooring is essential when looking to purchase a home. Without sound flooring, the integrity of the entire building could be at risk.

It’s important to realise that floor damage is not always visible. Often floors look good on the outside. Unfortunately, serious damage is often hidden underneath. Many flooring issues can be eliminated before they even start! All issues can be avoided if the building is designed and constructed by professionals.

It’s crucial to organise building inspections before buying any property as they can save you a lot of trouble and money. At House Inspections Melbourne, we provide a professional special purpose defect inspection service. This service specialises in establishing faults such as floor damage in commercial and residential buildings.

We’ve created a list of the most common floor problems we find in our day-to-day work. So without further adieu, here are the common floor problems that can be uncovered during building inspections!

Uneven Floors

Uneven floors can happen even to the best buildings out there. With time, many building foundations sink in due to the soil moisture or the terrain type that the building has been constructed on. There also could be different reasons, such as extreme environmental events like floods or heavy rainfall. Another reason for uneven flooring is a mistake made during the construction phase. This can be in the form of a foundation or a structure that didn’t settle properly.

Uneven floors in a building can point towards structural damage. If the issue is not addressed, it can lead to major structural problems and safety hazards in the future. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to check if a property you’re thinking of buying or renting is experiencing this issue. This is especially important as uneven floors can often be hidden by refurbishments. Hiring a professional building inspections service will help you with assessing the extent of the issue.

Sinking Floors

Sinking floors are a common issue in older buildings, especially in Australian homes. Some houses can be beautifully refurbished and look almost brand new. However, even if a property looks good at the first sight, its floors might be in a bad condition. Therefore, we suggest a pre purchase building inspection as a cautionary measure when looking for a house. An inspection is especially important if you suspect the property is older.

The most common cause for sagging floors is age. Over time, moisture and water weaken the main structural foundations and causes the floors to subside. It is especially concerning if the dwelling doesnt have adequate supporting stumps. This is often a case with older properties. Another cause may be an infestation of timber pests (termites), that basically eat the timber work from inside out. It’s a good idea to book a timber pest inspection if your property has sinking floors because the damage might be caused by termites. In this case, an urgent intervention and pest control measures are needed.

Squeaky Floors

Squeaky floors are a common occurrence in old properties. While they are often joked about, they are truly no joke! Squeaky floors might be a sign of property damage and therefore should not be ignored. The most common cause for squeaky floors is unsecured sub-floor structure. It can be fixed, and some people even use DIY techniques to fix squeaky floors in their homes. With that being said, we strongly recommend booking a professional house inspection to asses the damage. A professional eye will be able to help you assess just how urgent fixing the squeaking flooring in your soon-to-be property is.

Solutions

Apart from the common floor problems listed above, there are many other issues you may face with the flooring and foundations in your property. We always recommend organising building inspections whenever you’re thinking of buying a property. An inspection is also recommended if you realise that your current home is facing floor and/or other damage. This will help you establish the real extent of the problem and decide what steps you should take. If you book a professional building inspection service, you’ll also receive advice on how to prevent and/or deal with the damage in your property.

House Inspections Melbourne is a professional building inspections company in Melbourne. We specialise in services such as special purpose defect inspection. Our dedicated and experienced team will be able to help you assess the damage in your property, both residential and commercial. We are skilled in looking for floor faults, as well as other structural damage.

Contact us today for a free quote and consultation. We will help you find the best solution to your situation and discuss the ways we can help you.