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.

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.

Asbestos was commonly used in residential construction in Melbourne from 1940 to the late 1980’s. Roofing and exterior cladding were the common applications. The featured photo is an asbestos roof. It is vital to understand that removal of materials containing asbestos is extremely dangerous and should only be undertaken by a licenced person. It is also important to know that standing on asbestos roofs such as the above is extremely dangerous, as often this product has become brittle and structurally inadequate. If you are considering a renovation or removing any products that may contain asbestos at your house, it is vital that you contact a suitably licenced asbestos professional to conduct a building inspection first. Contact us at Melbourne House Check here for more information on our house inspections in Melbourne or call us on 1300 729 352.

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

One of the worst cases of borer attack we have seen for a while was discovered in a recent house inspection in Melbourne. Evidence of borer attack was noted in the subfloor bearers and joists and as the attached video shows, the building inspector was able to crumble structural timbers in his hand with no effort. Borer attack in houses is rarely cause for alarm, but rather for careful consideration of three main points. Namely the identification of the particular borer responsible, whether the infestation is still active, and the extent of the damage. Full consideration should be given to each of these items before any action is taken. This particular attack was considered consistent with that caused by the type of borer `Lyctus brunneus’ (powder post beetle). Identification was possible due to the location and age of the building, the type of timbers used in the construction process, and the presence of round exit holes and the fine powdery frass below the affected timbers. The treatment of active `Lyctus’ infestation is seldom warranted, but in this case structural damage to the infested timber has occurred. Watch the video for an interesting account of our property inspection and the damage that timber pests can cause in houses. This particular house was for sale, and the vendor had no idea of the damage lurking underneath the floor, unfortunately nor did the majority of buyers. Needless to say that our client was relieved after the findings of the building inspection. For more information about timber pest attack inspection in Melbourne, contact us on 1300 729 352 or send us an email.
You can view our you tube video of this borer damage here.

Yes, they can. Termites often nest in tree roots and old stumps in gardens beds, and from these nest they seek out cellulose material, which is in timber. They travel from the nest directly to any timber in a house and often gain undetected access to the house. Houses built on concrete slabs are often more vulnerable due to the fact that termites gain complete undetected access through small cracks under the slab, or travel up the plumbing pipes within the footprint of the house. While building inspections check the perimeter of the house for any termites entering, they cannot visually check the inside walls for termite entry. A technique of sounding is performed during house inspections by knocking the timber of a house in order to establish a solid form. Radar devices and sometimes even dogs are utilised during house inspections in Melbourne in order to identify termite activity. It is vital that any conditions that are conductive to termite attack are removed. Conditions like timber littered underneath a house and old stumps and railway sleepers lying in gardens beds. Remember that these conditions will encourage termites, and once they are in the garden they will be sensing the timber elements of the house without doubt.

At Melbourne House Check we conduct building and pest inspections in Melbourne. We utilise state of the art termite detection equipment during our building inspections and offer a thorough detailed termite inspections. To contact us visit our website or call us on 1300 729 352.

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