Here’s why buyers must consider getting a pre-purchase home inspection.
Due diligence is crucial when buying a home, especially if the house is not brand new. This means looking beyond the beautiful facade to unearth problems that can potentially cause a lot of headaches and money in the future. This is where home inspections come in and why it is essential to search for an inspection company that is experienced and reliable. They can identify the problems that potential house buyers will face and advise them on who can help them fix these problems.
What are the most common issues found on home inspections?
Houses that are for sale need to be checked for any issues. An efficient inspection company can help identify these issues and assess whether they are major structural defects or merely cosmetic ones. Here are the nine most common issues found on home inspections.
1. Water damage.
Water damage can have a significant effect on structural integrity. It can cause wood to rot, damaging the walls and even the foundation. Meanwhile, rusted gutters and downpipes can cause water damage, leading to timber rot, mould and other structural damage. Therefore, it is crucial to look at all the spots where water gathers and other wet areas across the property carefully during a home inspection.
2. Bad ventilation.
Poor ventilation can not only cause damage to the house structure; it is also potentially toxic. It can likewise affect the air quality inside the house, which can lead to health problems for residents.
Houses need free-flowing and sufficient ventilation, especially if they are on stumps. Without adequate ventilation, stumps risk developing dampness. This can lead to termites, mould and timber rot. This could cause the house to crack, sink or even collapse in affected areas.
3. Sloping grounds around the property.
People looking to buy a new house should also thoroughly inspect the areas around the property, as they can cause damage to the home itself. For one, they should ensure that the surrounding property of the house slopes away from the building structure. This allows water drainage to flow away from the building, thus, minimising the risk of flooding and water damage.
If the slope trends towards the structure, it could cause dampness in the foundation or settlement cracks. This could make the foundation move and cause damage to the entire structure of the house. If the foundation of the house absorbs too much water, it could also cause mould to develop and wood to rot. Any of these can trigger various other problems for the house.
4. Issues with the roof.
It is not uncommon for Australia to experience some wild weather. Storms often make it to the list of common causes of problems listed in a home inspection report. Unfortunately, many failed home inspections are due to strong winds, as buyers seldom see the damage that’s been done to the roof tiles and shingles.
Roof problems can lead to other issues, such as clogged or blocked gutters and damage to the roof insulation. All of these can lead to other graver problems for the house owners.
5. Termite infestation.
Damage caused by termites is a dangerous and often expensive infestation to a property. Damp areas attract termites, which appear almost anywhere in the house. Termites are often found underneath the timber structure of the house as well as stumps. They are also prevalent throughout the roofing and flooring structures.
It is also fundamental to check the surrounding property for termite infestations. Most of the time, termites will infest a tree or other wooden structure and then look for new nest areas in the house.
A qualified house inspector can quite easily spot the signs of termite infestation. However, it can also be easily overlooked if those looking do not have the expertise and experience.
6. Not enough clearance around downlights.
There was a time when nearly every house in Australia had halogen downlights. But according to Fire and Rescue NSW, a significant number of fires in New South Wales over the last five years have been related to halogen downlights. That’s because they can generate very high temperatures of up to 370 degrees Celsius.
A good house inspection team looks for recessed halogen downlights and make sure that they have a 200mm clearance from both thermal insulation and structural timbers. Other recessed downlights should have a minimum clearance of 100mm.
7. The shower leaks moisture into other walls.
Another common issue found during home inspections is a leaking shower. Inspectors usually look for plasterwork and paintwork on the other side of shower cubicle walls that are bubbling or starting to peel off. Often, these areas will appear rough and may have been painted or patched in the past. It may only be just a sloppy paint job, or it could be caused by the shower cubicle allowing moisture to seep into surrounding walls. An experienced building inspector will be able to identify the cause and advise homeowners on how to proceed and where to seek help.
8. Minor cracks on wall junctions and ceiling cornices.
Home inspectors often include cracks in areas where the ceiling meets the wall, as well as below the cornice in their reports. In most cases, these do not pertain to a structural problem. However, they are unsightly and might give the impression of an underlying problem.
Inspectors always look for these cracks and evaluate them to determine whether they pose a serious problem or just something that requires maintenance.
9. Cracked roof tiles.
Finding cracked roof tiles is typical during home inspections. This is true whether the house is close to being brand new or has already been occupied. Aside from identifying cracked tiles, inspectors will also evaluate the entire state of the roof, check the condition of gutters and identify any other issues relating to the roof.
Vital Building & Pest Inspection will give you peace of mind.
When it comes to home inspections in Sydney, Vital Building & Pest Inspection will make sure that you have nothing to worry about. We have over 18 years in the building industry and have provided numerous clients with sound advice on the state of the property that they are planning to buy.
Let us help you, too. Call us on 0401 012 074 to know more about our services, or request a quote today.