PRE-PURCHASE BUILDING & PEST INSPECTION:

Do you need a pre-purchase building and pest inspection? Book one of our qualified inspectors to undertake a comprehensive visual inspection of your property. You will receive a detailed report to have peace of mind when purchasing your new home. Our inspectors use non-invasive technology explicitly designed to detect timber pests without damaging the property or even leaving a mark.

We’ll use the latest thermal equipment to check inside the walls, ceilings, and floors for leaks, moisture, and pests. We’ll inspect visible and accessible areas of the property for places where possible pests have been or are nesting. All of our inspectors are qualified building and pest inspectors and are highly trained according to Australian inspection standards. You’ll have your report in your hands within 24 hours or your money back. 

WHY IS IT ESSENTIAL TO CARRY OUT A BUILDING & PEST INSPECTION?

  1. Without expert knowledge of construction methods and materials, many defects are concealed and difficult to detect.
  2. Most people won’t get onto the roof, into the roof, and under the floor of a home during their own inspections of a property which may mean potentially significant and costly defects would be missed.
  3. Many individuals don’t have the expertise or time to assess the potential cost and work implications of the defects that are easily identified or obvious.
  4. Interstate investors may buy property ‘online’ and a building inspection allows them to get independent advice and information about a property rather than relying on the advice of agents who have a vested interest in the sale proceeding.
  5. You can rely on the findings of a building inspection as they are backed by Professional Indemnity insurance provisions, the advice of a ‘mate’ or ‘friend’ in the building trade doesn’t have the same assurances.
  6. Prevent financial loss which may occur if you find major defects and safety hazards.
  7. Assist you to plan for repairs and renovation and their likely cost.
  8. Determine the rate of return on potential investments given the likely maintenance requirements.
  9. Aid in negotiations for the sale or purchase of a property.
  10. Document the condition of an adjoining property prior to major works which may create unintended damage.

NEW CON STAGE INSPECTION

New home inspection comprises 4-5 separate inspections conducted throughout the major stages of construction. By covering all of these major stages, we ensure that nothing goes unnoticed, and at every stage, it is built to standards; assured by the result, you will have a safe, sound quality-built home. At every stage of your new home inspection, you will receive a written report with photographs informing you of our inspector’s observations including suspected non-compliance issues & substandard workmanships. 

The 4 main stages of new construction includes: 

1. SLAB STAGE (PRE POUR OR POST POUR)

The slab stage or the base stage inspection is essential in the inspection process. This is an important stage in new home inspection, as alarming errors in floor slabs can cause a disastrous outcome, which sometimes may not come to light until a few years later. We strongly recommend having this inspection carried out prior to the pouring of concrete, it will give you great peace of mind.

Some of the items checked during this inspection are:

  • Levels are checked to confirm the slab has been installed within allowable deviation in the over level across the room or the entire build.
  • Steel reinforcement is secured and tied at lap and splices.
  • The edge rebate is checked to ensure it is not “honeycombed” and there is no evidence of steel reinforcement protruding as it must have at least 40 mm concrete coverage.
  • The vapour barrier must extend past the poured concrete slab with adequate overlap left so that it extends up the side wall of the slab past the final finished ground level once the construction is completed.
  • Termite protection barrier installation, where needed.
  • We will inspect and report on issues surrounding Poor building practices or incorrectly placed materials.

2. FRAME STAGE

Frame stage inspection is carried out after the main frame has been completed.

Frame stage inspections are conducted providing an independent assessment of the works to confirm they have been completed and ready for stage payment. Our review monitors the frame with respect to the approved construction methods stipulated in Australian Standard 1684.2 and the Engineers’ design requirements as detailed in the Approved Plans.

Some of the items checked during this inspection are:

  • The installation of windows and door frames is checked at this stage.
  • Frame positioning in relation to the supporting slab is checked with any overhanging tolerances along with load-bearing timbers, lintels, and orientation of Jack Studs above openings.
  • Items such as the correct number of timber blocks and their securing method are checked along with all bracing, mechanical fasteners, tie downs, and anchors.
  • The correct location of plumbing waste outlets.

For peace of mind, a Frame Inspection is strongly recommended and imperative for ensuring that the building frame structure is sound and meets design requirements.

3. LOCK UP STAGE/ FIXING STAGE

Lock up stage Inspections are very important. Before you hand over one of the largest stage payments to your builder. The lock up stage inspections should be carried out when a home’s external wall cladding and roof covering are fixed, the flooring is laid and the external doors and windows are fixed to the frame (even if those doors and windows are only temporary).

Some of the items checked during this inspection are:

  • We inspect the roofing that is installed to ensure it is complete and free of defects and damage, all flashings are installed.
  • Brick work is checked for correct installation.
  • There is adequate fall applied to the gutters around the house and the garage.
  • A visual inspection is carried out to check the installation of flashings.
  • All windows and doors are installed with the correct fixings using appropriate blocks and the frame is straight, plumb, and true.
  • The installed plaster to the ceilings, wall linings, and fitted cornice is checked to ensure it is installed to acceptable standards.
  • Waterproof membranes for showers & wet areas is inspected to ensure they are correctly installed and comply with the requirements of the Building Code.
  • There are no cracked, chipped, or broken bricks.

We ensure that the lock up stage has been fully and properly completed and that all building works at the lock up stage have been completed compliant with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and all relevant Australian Standards.

4. HANDOVER

New construction Inspections require an exhaustive check of the construction. At handover inspection, we check that all the work is completed “in a proper and workman-like manner” ensuring that the workmanship is at an industry standard. The construction of the dwelling needs to reflect the Approved Plans and we check that all components of the building comply with relevant Australian Standards and Building Codes.

Handover or Final stage inspections are also called Practical Completion Inspections (PCI) and Pre Handover Inspections.

Some of the key items checked during this inspection are:

  • The roof above the house and the garage to make sure there are no points where rainwater can enter the house and damage the insulation and plasterboard etc. inside the house.
  • All internal cladding, architraves, skirting, doors, built-in shelves, baths, basins, troughs, sinks, cabinets, vanity units, bench tops, and cupboards of the home are correctly fitted and fixed in position compliant with the relevant building plans and specifications, the Building Code of Australia and all relevant Australian standards and tolerances.

DILAPIDATION AND SURVEY

Dilapidation reports document the visible structural condition of a property before nearby construction or excavation works are undertaken for comparison later. Our experienced building inspectors carry out the reports. They are generally visual only, with all fixtures and finishes remaining in place. The report records the property’s current condition, including any existing damage, highlighting areas likely to be affected by nearby works.

It typically includes notes, measurements, photographs, and diagrams that give an accurate picture of the state of the building being inspected. Suppose there has been a change in the property’s condition during and after the completion of the works. In that case, you should contact rapidly to re-inspect and document the extent of change.

Why Choose Our Services?

Our dilapidation report contains each and every detail of the comprehensive inspections conducted by our team. We prepare easy-to-comprehend reports and place relevant images in addition to an independent assessment of the building. We utilise the latest tools and machinery to conduct the assessment and identify potential structural defects in and around your property.

Who Orders a Dilapidation Report?

Usually, the contractor carrying out the new construction work is the one who orders the report, for submission with their Notice of Commencement to the council. The dilapidation report is often a condition of the contract, as required by the council, Melbourne Water, or in the case of demolition, an insurance company. However, anyone can order a separate dilapidation survey for their own peace of mind.

Below-Ground Risk

If the work to be carried out involves below-ground structures – such as underground parking, or deep foundations for a multi-story building – then dilapidation works report is essential in case this work affects the foundations or structure of the existing building. In these cases, a copy of the dilapidation survey needs to be provided to the owner of the existing building.

Vibration damage risk

Similarly, with any construction work likely to produce significant vibration, such as excavation, demolition, or road building, it is important to have a dilapidation report in Melbourne as a record of the original state of an adjacent existing building in case the vibration affects either the structure or fabric of the building.

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