Buying a house without a thorough inspection can turn what should be a joyous occasion into years of regret. For instance, if you bought a house without knowing it was sinking, you, instead of the seller, will be responsible for paying for underpinning Melbourne services to fix it.
Timber is a popular building material for Melbourne houses, but wood is prone to rotting and insect damage. If termites invade a building, they can eat through essential structures, such as footings and framing, and compromise the entire building’s integrity.
Blistering or bubbling paintwork and mud mounds around the house are possible signs of termite presence. Hire a pest inspector to be 100% sure rodents, pests, and other unwanted guests are not hiding within the premises.
Leaking, sagging, or broken roofs are expensive to fix. Also, if it rains a lot in the area, a faulty roof can cause significant damage to the property. Look for signs of leakage, such as:
Old buildings typically have small harmless cracks on their walls. If the cracks are deep and visible inside and outside on the same part of the wall, it could be a sign of a bigger problem. For instance, sinking buildings are under severe strain, which causes them to develop cracks. The problem may be fixable with underpinning services, but if you notice the issue before buying the house, you can ask the seller to provide a credit or lower the price.
Sloping floors can occur for several harmless reasons, such as a building settling into softer soil. If the sloping is severe, it could mean the house is sinking. Whether you notice a slight or severe slope, contact us to inspect the property’s foundation and surrounding soil.
Water leakages, previous flooding, and other issues can cause moisture damage that affects a building’s structural integrity. It also creates a breeding ground for insects, mould, and other harmful organisms.
Some water damage signs include:
Check the building’s plumbing and electrical fixtures for faults. Your property should have modern fixtures that are safe, functional, and efficient. If the fixtures are out-of-date, negotiate with the seller to have them replaced or ask for a concession.
Do not rush a building inspection, or you will miss important details that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs or replacements. We recommend having a checklist before starting your inspection and visiting the property several times to verify its state and identify its flaws.
While performing a building inspection yourself is cheap, hiring a professional to do the job is in your best interest. Experienced inspectors know what to look for and can provide an accurate quote. At the end of the assessment, the investigator will provide you with a written report stating the property’s potential problems, helping you decide whether to move forward with purchasing the property.