FREE house inspection advice – Melbourne House Check

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We’re here to help you while you are looking at houses to purchase. Because there are so many elements of a house that need to be considered before you buy, it can sometimes be overwhelming. At Melbourne House Check we are making ourselves available to anyone who may have questions regarding the condition of a particular house.

It’s totally FREE, all you need to do is ask for help and we will happily and enthusiastically answer your questions. Whether it’s about the front door, or the stumps, or you have a question about the condition of the roof or the risk of termites, just call and we will chat with you about any element of the house, obligation free.

Here are some house inspection questions that you may have:

• The house we are looking at is about 40 years old we think. Will it need restumping?

• Can we do our own termite check?

• We have noticed some cracks in the brickwork. Is this a problem?

• Some of the doors in the house are sticking and hard to close. Is this anything to be concerned about?

• The house we are looking at has been freshly painted. How do we check if the vendors have covered up problems?

• Some rooms in this house are springy under foot. Does this mean the house needs restumping?

• We cannot get access to underneath the house. Is that ok?

• The house we are considering has been extended, but it isn’t shown on the contract of sale. How do we check that a building permit was issued?

• The house we are considering has been renovated. How do we check that it has been done properly?

These are the sorts of questions that you may ask yourself while looking at a house to buy. At Melbourne House Check we can answer most questions you have, and we are happy to share with you our vast knowledge and experience. Here is how you can make contact, by either phone, email, website, Facebook, twitter or Instagram. Remember it’s totally FREE with no obligation.

Brad Aylett-Sloan – Pre purchase building inspector / direct phone all hours 0449 553 545 Office – 1300 729 352

Website for Melbourne House Inspections

Email us here

You can view our Google+ post on this offer also.

building inspection checklist

FREE Building inspection checklist – Melbourne House Check

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For all those who are searching for houses, Melbourne House Check has compiled a building inspection checklist that contains procedures for you to follow when considering houses to purchase. It’s called “32 Most Important House Inspection Procedures of a Veteran Builder” 

Click here to download your free copy of our building inspection checklist

There is no such thing as a perfect property, so it’s important to know what you are buying. Inside this 9 page document you’ll discover:

• How to avoid making potentially expensive mistakes when searching for a home.

• A full procedural property inspection checklist required for all house and timber pest inspections.

• Inside secrets of how vendors may cover up problems and ways not to get caught out.

It contains unique and valuable tips that we’ve compiled over the past decade which is how we have built Melbourne House Check into one of the leading house inspection services in Victoria.

Here’s why you should read the document carefully…

1. Expensive problems exposed after buying your house are avoidable. We have focussed on Melbourne houses for over 15 years now and we’ve come to understand the top problem areas in houses that must be checked.

2. There is no such thing as a perfect property, so it’s important to know what you’re buying. Not even new houses are void of problems, which highlights the need for you to know exactly what problems a house currently has or the potential problems it may have in the future.

3. Cover-ups are common, don’t get caught out! Our entire team at Melbourne House Check are registered builders with years of experience. We know all the tricks that vendors may do to cover up problems in houses. The report will highlight some in order for you to be more aware of cover-ups.

If you have any specific questions about the house inspection checklist or if you’d like to discuss how we can help you specifically with a pre purchase house inspection, we’d be more than happy for you to contact us for a free phone conversation. We hope you enjoy reading this checklist and we wish you all the best with your house purchase.

Please feel welcome to contact us at Melbourne House Check here if you have any questions or concerns regarding a house inspection Melbourne wide.

 

You can view our Google+ post on the checklist here.

Building Dispute Resolution – Melbourne House Check

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The relationship between client and builder in most cases begins well, however no matter how diligent and respectful the process starts, disputes become almost inevitable over the life of a domestic building project. Resolving such contractual disputes through conventional means of litigation and arbitration can not only be expensive, but extremely time consuming. Mediation is an alternative form of resolution, which can considerably reduce both the time and cost, and in some cases can result in client and builder continuing to work together successfully to completion.

Brad Aylett-Sloan, building consultant at Melbourne House Check says that “building a house can be an emotionally charged process. When a dispute arises during the construction of a private home, it is common for people to be less flexible than if it were a commercial transaction. Often disputes arise not only about money, but other factors like choice of products, quality of workmanship and timing are all well represented issues of the building process that can be difficult to resolve. We all know someone who has a horror story about a builder that started the job wonderfully, however towards the end of the job became horrible, ran overtime, and submitted extra invoices that seemed unreasonable.”

“Good documentation and communication can be the key to a building project running smoothly”. Brad says. “I believe it is also vital to check the builder’s financial position, as the builder’s cash flow position can often determine the timing and subsequent quality of the project. There is nothing positive about a job that is rushed towards the end, because the builder needs the money, however this seems to be the common denominator of most building disputes we have been involved in recently”.

Mediation of a domestic building dispute begins with both parties agreeing to mediate, and selecting a mediator. The process then involves each side understanding what is important to the other, and thereafter clarifying what is negotiable and exploring the possible solutions. After the successful mediation, it is vital that agreements are well documented. A mediator should be a neutral person, but also should have experience in construction, inspection and dispute resolution. It is vital that your chosen mediator has the personal skills to listen to both sides respectively and is able to facilitate discussion between the parties, and identify possible solutions.

Melbourne House Check conduct building inspections and handover inspections Melbourne wide and are available to prepare property condition reports for project handovers. If you require building dispute consultation and mediation for a project you are involved in, whether you are an owner or a builder, Brad Aylett-Sloan can be contacted at Melbourne House Check here or on 1300 729 352.

You can view our Google+ post on this matter also.

The dangers of foil insulation in ceilings.

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During a recent pre purchase building inspection in Melbourne, an inspector at Melbourne House Check was confronted with foil insulation in a ceiling space. Blanket foil insulation was laid in the roof space of houses as a result of an incentive program introduced by the Federal Government back in 2009 in order to combat the global financial crisis. Unfortunately it was a fundamentally flawed program, in which an inquiry found the government acted too slowly in making crucial changes after the death of the first installer, when it appeared there was time to stop the use of this reflective insulation.

The problem, it seemed was two-fold. Aluminum blanket insulation was being rolled out in ceiling spaces, whereby coming into direct contact with light fittings and live wires, and secondly, the use of metal staples used as fixings for securing the product, whereby these staples were penetrating live wires. When the problem of the use of metal staples to attach the foil emerged in October 2009, nothing was done to stop the practice, and unfortunately two men died as a consequence of using metal staples in order to fix the foil. The featured image shows a live electrical wire only centimeters away from direct contact with the blanket aluminum foil, where by the entire roof space may have become live.

Building inspector Brad Aylett-Sloan said “that while most building consultants are aware of the acute dangers, it is apparent that not all home owners are fully informed of the danger”. He said that “it is vital that people are made aware of the dangers involved in entering roof spaces that are lined with foil insulation, and that the consequence could be fatal. He said that “reflective foil insulation is a dangerous and unsuitable product to use as ceiling insulation and should not have been used”. The correct insulation of a house is complex.

You can learn more about the right way to insulate your home here. There have so far been 224 house fires that have been attributed to blanket foil insulation. If you live in a house that has had blanket foil insulation laid in the ceiling, it is recommended to have an electrician check immediately. If you are considering purchasing a house and wish to speak with Melbourne House Check regarding a building inspection in Melbourne, you can contact us here, or call on 1300 729 352.
You can view our Google+ post on this matter also.

Illegal building work and the pitfalls.

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According to recent data, up to 25% of homes for sale have some sort of illegal building. Illegal building work is work to a house that is undertaken without the required permits or compliance certificates. Amongst the most common, is electrical wiring that has been tampered with, home-made plumbing, and internal load bearing walls that have been removed.

Brad Aylett-Sloan, pre purchase building consultant at Melbourne House Check, says that “illegal building work was a significant problem faced by our clients in 2014. The ramifications of liability are widespread. Not only are the original constructors of the works at fault and at risk, but future purchasers of the property are also exposed to the risks. We are finding that local councils are actively issuing building notices on current owners to show cause and comply with building regulations. Notices that may require home owners to demolish the works. If during our pre purchase house inspections we suspect that recent building works have been conducted, we are recommending to our clients that they check with the local council as to whether a building permit has been issued”. Brad says.

It can become an issue for vendors when the appropriate documentation and certification cannot be produced at the request of the buyer. “We are finding that buyers are often not willing to take on that liability and risk.” Brad says.

Some of the common illegal building works identified by Melbourne House Check during pre-purchase house inspections in Melbourne are as follows:

  • Internal load bearing walls removed without adequate support of the roof above.
  • Rooms being constructed in roof spaces, with floor loads directly on top of ceiling joists.
  • Excavations underneath sub floors and the removal of stumps to accommodate storage.
  • The construction of decks and pergolas.
  • Electrical and plumbing work conducted without the associated compliance and safety certificates being issued.

Brad says that “Melbourne House Check highly recommends that anyone considering purchasing a house should check the compliance of recent works of the building, to ensure that they are not buying an ongoing problem”. For information on the requirements of building and planning permits, you can visit the Victorian Building Authority website here.

Melbourne House Check conduct building inspections in Melbourne and can be contacted at https://melbournehousecheck.com.au/contact-us/ . If you have been issued with a building notice to show cause of illegal building works, you can contact our office for direction on 1300 729 352.

You can view our Google+ post on this matter also here.

Five big reasons to get a building inspection before you buy.

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There are just so many reasons why building inspections before you buy are important. So many elements of a house can be concealed by vendors, that it makes it almost impossible for a normal person to detect major defects, not to mention identifying termite activity. At Melbourne House Check we have listed the five main reasons why a pre purchase building inspection are a worthwhile investment. Our considerations are based on the consequence of missing these five elements and financial loss that could potentially be incurred.

Electrical safety – Issues relating to electrical safety are a common defect we see during house inspections in Melbourne. Often, we see light fittings covered over with insulation or dangerously close to the timber frame, whereby the timber is burnt. We often see an accumulation of dry leaves congregating around light fittings, but probably the worst is the presence of foil insulation in the ceiling that is in contact with exposed live electrical wires. These issues, if undetected, can cause a fire and possibly death.

Illegal building works – It is common now days for homeowners to attempt their own house projects after watching reality building TV shows. The problem however, is that these shows give the illusion that it is easy and quick, and that anyone can do it. The reality is that renovating a house is complex and requires tedious planning and the assistance of many well trained professionals. While conducting house inspections it is common to find walls that have been removed without the relocation of roof load. We see roof spaces that have been modified into new rooms and we see decks and pergolas that have been constructed, all without the required planning and building permits. The consequence of buying a house with illegal building works is that when the local council finds out, they may require the works to be demolished. Also, house insurance may not cover these illegal works.

Cracking – Cracking can be a common defect in houses. Plaster, brickwork, concrete slab floors, tiles and timber can all develop cracks. While some cracks are considered minor, others can be major and structural. It is vital to establish what is structural and non-structural when it comes to cracking in the house’s elements. Structural brickwork cracking for example can be extremely expensive to fix.

Termites – Termite are destructive creatures. They can do considerable damage to a house in a very short time. Most people would have no idea where to look for evidence of termite activity, nor would they be able to identify the conditions around the house that are conducive to termite activity. In most cases termites gain undetected access to the structural timber components of a house. It is vital that not only a visual inspection is undertaken, but also other inspection methods, for example sounding tests, moisture tests and computer radar testing. Currently 1 in 10 houses inspected have evidence of termite activity.

Site drainage – Site drainage may seem like one of those considerations that is not necessary when purchasing a new house, however it is an element of the house that will determine the long term stability of any house, and one that cannot be ignored. The slope of the site and the direction of water flow is important to consider. Water that pools around or underneath a house can not only affect the structural elements of the house but may also affect the occupant’s health. A thorough property inspection will consider the site.

These five considerations are only a few of the hundreds of things that can be defective in a house. Remember that no house is perfect, however it is vital that when you buy a house, these elements are considered by a professional and that the important and costly defects are identified.
Read more about building inspections here. If you would like to have a conversation regarding a house you are considering buying, you can contact us at Melbourne House Check here, or call us on 1300 729 352.

You can view our Google+ post on this matter also here.

Building inspections and brickwork cracking.

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The brickwork in a house can be either structural or non-structural. Sometimes the brickwork supports the load from the roof and floors, and some brickwork is simply used as external cladding. Either way, when brickwork develops cracks, it can be expensive to rectify, so it’s vital to establish whether the brickwork in a house is a structural or non-structural component. Having a building inspection will do just that, and it will also determine the current strength and integrity of the brickwork, by assessing its age, and the construction method used to build it. A building inspection may also assess the site and land of the property, by considering the area and the general sub-ground volatility, as some areas are more reactive than others. The featured images show brick cracks that we found during different building inspections in Melbourne this past week. Cracks such as these need to be investigated further to determine both the cause and the cost of rectification. To speak with us further about a pre purchase building inspection in Melbourne, or contact us at Melbourne House Check here, or call us on 1300 729 352.

Need to learn more about pre purchase inspections? Click here

You can view our Google+ post on this matter also here.

Inspection reveals termites may live here

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The combination of this timber house, a notice of a previous termite treatment and a large dead tree in the front yard was the perfect combination to raise suspicions for the presence of termite damage at this house. At a recent pre purchase house inspection in Melbourne our building inspector discovered a durable notice advertising a previous termite treatment. This, coupled with a large hollow dead tree on the property, raised the suspicion to look further. He noted that the termite treatment had been undertaken in 1999, so after looking further, he found that there had been termite damage, and that the repairs were totally inadequate and had generally been covered over. Not only had the owner not properly repaired the damage caused by termites, they had also failed to remove the conditions around the house that were conducive to termite attack, conditions that encouraged the termites to the property in the first place. The large tree was a perfect environment for termites to nest, there was littered timber in the subfloor and the gardens had many railway sleepers used in garden beds. When you’re looking at a house to buy, it is vital to consider the conditions that are conducive to timber pest attack. Pre purchase building inspections look for these conditions. You can learn more about termite habits here or contact us at Melbourne House Check to book a house inspection in Melbourne.
You can view our Google+ post on this matter also here.

Inspection identifies fungal decay.

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This photo shows an extreme case of fungal decay that we found in a recent building inspection in Melbourne. The weatherboards were completely decayed and the frame behind the weather boards had been structurally damaged. Fungal decay is often not considered to be a big problem by house buyers, however it is such a destructive timber pest, that serious structural damage can occur if fungal decay is ignored. Oxygen, moisture, a suitable temperature and timber, are the basic requirements for fungal decay to thrive. When moisture content is above 20%, fungal decay will develop, therefor controlling the moisture and water content of the timber in houses, is the key to preventing fungal growth. There are different types of fungal decay of which you can learn more about here.   When considering purchasing a house it is vital that you consider the fungal growth that is lurking and often concealed in the house. Building inspections look for this problem. You can learn more about building inspections here. To speak with us about pre purchase house inspections, call us on 1300 729 352 or send us an email here.

You can view our Google+ post on this matter also.

House subfloors – Check what’s holding the house up?

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It’s vital that before you buy a house, you establish what is holding it up. At Melbourne House Check we commonly see homes in Melbourne with inadequate subfloor structures. The featured photo shows a temporary stack of bricks holding up the timber floor bearers. Bearers are a substantial part of the floors structure and this condition is completely inadequate. During building inspections we access the subfloor in order to assess the quality of the workmanship of the building. We look for defects such as this in order for buyers to make an informed decision. We commonly find cases where the subfloor access is denied. When this is the case, be very concerned and insist that access is granted. It’s vital that you don’t assume that all is well when it comes to the condition of a house. To find out more about a pre-purchase building inspection, you can contact us at Melbourne House Check here, or call us on 1300 729 352.

You can view our Google+ post on this matter also.