How do Building Inspections Work?

The process of a building inspection involves a certified inspector visiting the dwelling and assessing internal and external damage before completing a report which is then given to the owner to address.

Building inspections are much more than a simple structural report. The full pre-purchase building report includes a wide variety of information. The complete list of inspections includes: mechanical services, asbestos, mould, drainage, geotechnical, appliance, durability of exposed surfaces, alarm, intercom, data systems, structural, air conditioning, hydraulic, council plan, swimming pool, spa, pool fencing, chimney, fire, hazards, garage door, gas fitting, and timber pest inspections. The pest inspections are an important aspect of the report, because houses may appear to be in good condition when there is actually extensive damage caused by pests.

Building inspections are an important part of the home and commercial property market. A pre-purchase building report will offer a wide variety of information about the condition of a property and estimation for the cost of repairs. The building is assigned a number after being judged against the condition of buildings of a similar size, type, and age. This provides an accurate estimation of the overall quality of the building.

The finished report will consist of an extensive list of major and minor defects, allowing the buyer and seller to establish the realistic value of a building. The report will contain specific details about the inspection, including weather information, furnishings, and details about area inspections. The inspectors will access and inspect the sub-floor, roof space, roof interior, garages, and external buildings. Photos will be included in the report that documents any notable issues. This increases the validity and value of the report.

The pre-purchase building report will include in-depth information about the condition of the internal and external features of the building. Some internal features that will be inspected include: windows, doors, walls, ceilings, kitchens, floors, the woodwork, toilets, laundry, bathrooms, and the hot water system. The report on the interior of the building will also include general comments on the plumbing and electrical systems and the smoke detectors.

The external building report also includes a very extensive inspection. The building’s external aspects that will be examined in the report include: roof framing, roof cladding, the chimney, valleys, eaves, gutters, downpipes, fascia and barge boards, external walls, lintels, damp course, footings, the sub-floor area, awnings, verandas, paving, the pool, spa, and fencing.

The full building inspection report can be up to twenty pages long and includes information about all defects inside and outside of the building. These reports are vital, because the inspectors are trained professionals that know how to look for property damage and estimate the cost for repair. A building inspection prevents buyers from purchasing a house with substantial damage that was not fully understood before purchasing. The inspection helps buyers make educated decisions and it helps sellers place a reasonable price tag on properties.