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.

The answer is no. Ant caps are simply designed to divert termites out and around the ant cap in order to make identification of the termite lead more easily visible during building inspections. Ant caps don’t actually make it harder for termites, nor do they prevent termites from entering the timber components of the house. It is a common misperception that ant caps actually prevent termite activity and often it is believed that if ant caps are installed on top of stumps, further inspections are not required. During building inspections in Melbourne we often enter sub floors where no one has inspected for years. The concern with not inspecting regularly is that if termites do become active in a house, considerable damage can be caused within only 3 – 4 months, without any obvious evidence inside the house. It is vital to conduct regular timber pest inspections. The attached photo shows a termite mud lead bypassing the ant cap. For more information on termites and ant caps  contact us here or call us on 1300 729 352.
You can view our Google+ post on this matter also.

It is a common assumption that if a structure is made from bricks and mortar, that it is strong. This is simply not true, and in particular, commonly the brickwork that sits on top of garage roller doors is a major safety concern. For some 50 years in Melbourne this brickwork above garage doors has not been designed well enough by architects and engineers. Structural adequacy has not been considered for long term movement and weather conditions, and often this brickwork displays major structural cracking at the height of the door, whether it be a roller door or a tilt up door. Thereafter the attachment of basketball rings are also common, which adds to its weakness, not to mention the risk of someone hanging off the ring. During our building inspections in Melbourne we see this defect often, and while we are diligent in our documentation of the problem, we understand that often, because it is the garage, the problem is ignored. Please be aware of the imminent risk of brickwork collapse of these defects. Consultation by a licenced builder or engineer is recommended if you suspect brickwork weaknesses. Melbourne House Check is available for free consultation regarding garage door brickwork. Alternatively if you require a building inspection in Melbourne you can contact us here or call us on 1300 729 352.
You can view our Google+ post on this matter also.

Would you even know where to look?

We recently uncounted these two houses during our pre purchase building inspections in Melbourne. Both houses look very similar and present really well both inside and out. Both have been restumped with concrete stumps and both have ant caps. While both houses have been maintained exceptionally well for nearly 100 years, one of them has recently been attacked by termites and it’s completely undetectable to the average person. What would you look for, and would you even know where to start looking. The story is, that our client nearly didn’t have a building inspection, simply because the house presented so well. If they had not had the house inspection they would have lost more than $40,000 in repair costs which would have been an unpleasant after settlement surprise. Good to remember that house insurance doesn’t cover termite damage. Call us at Melbourne House check on 1300 729 352 or contact us here.

You can also read more about our combined building and termite inspections here or you can see our Google+ post on this also.

1. The seller needs to fix all the defects documented in a house inspection report. – This is not true. In Australia there is no requirement for the seller to fix anything that is wrong with their house. In most cases the sale of the house is for offer in the condition that it is in when marketed and it is up to the buyer to identify the condition status.

2. Newly constructed houses don’t need to be inspected. – Newly constructed houses are just as prone to having defects as older houses. In so many cases builders rush the end of house construction and subsequently mistakes are made. It is common for new houses to have more defects than houses that have been lived in for years. New house inspection reports are vital.

3. Buyers need not attend the building inspection. – While it is not insisted upon it is definitely recommended that buyers attend the house inspection. Inspectors are usually generous in giving homeowners maintenance tips and advice in almost all the areas of a home, and by attending the inspection, it’s a good way to maximize the value of an inspection.

4. Only houses on stumps require pest inspections. – This is not correct, in fact in most cases houses constructed on concrete slabs offer termites complete undetected access. Houses built on stumps in most cases force termites to build mud leads to gain access and these mud leads can be much more easily identified. Pest inspections are vital for all houses.

5. Everything I need to know will be included in the house inspection report. – The report will give you excellent information and will point out all the defects but it’s important to remember that building inspections are a visual inspection only, and may not identify any hidden or concealed defects.

6. All home inspectors are licensed, experienced and insured builders, so I’m safe. – This isn’t true, so it’s important to ask questions about an inspector’s experience. Questions like whether they are a registered builder, insured, licensed and trained in house and pest inspections. Architects don’t always have the same technical experience and some don’t have pest inspection qualifications.

You can view our Google+ post on the myths also.