A building inspection is an essential process that helps you assess the condition of a property, identifying any existing or potential issues. Whether purchasing, selling, or maintaining a property, a building inspection ensures you know exactly what you’re dealing with. It involves a thorough review of the property, and inspectors will all inspect various areas to provide an in-depth report.
In this article, we’ll discuss what to expect during a building inspection, from what’s included to common issues found and how to interpret the results.
What’s Included In A Building Inspection?
Several key areas of the property will be inspected during a building inspection to assess its overall condition. Here are the main components that a qualified inspector will evaluate:
1. Structural Integrity
The structural elements of a property are among the most essential aspects to check during a building inspection. Inspectors look for any signs of damage that may compromise the building’s safety.
- Foundation: Cracks or unevenness may indicate foundation issues.
- Roof structure: Roof trusses, beams, and supports are examined for stability.
- Load-bearing walls: These should be free of cracks or distortions that could affect the building’s support.
2. Exterior
The exterior of the property is the first line of defence against the elements. The inspection will ensure that the outer parts of the building are in good condition.
- Walls and cladding: Check for cracks, peeling paint, or water damage.
- Windows and doors: Inspect for proper sealing, functioning hardware, and any damage.
- Roof: The inspector will assess the condition of the roofing material and look for missing tiles, leaks, or signs of deterioration.
3. Plumbing Systems
Plumbing inspections are essential for identifying issues that could result in leaks, water damage, or major repairs later on.
- Pipes and fittings: Check for leaks, rust, or deterioration in the system.
- Water pressure: Ensure the water pressure is within normal levels.
- Sewerage: Inspect the condition of sewerage lines and their connection to the system.
4. Electrical Systems
A building inspection will also assess the electrical systems to ensure they are safe and comply with local regulations.
- Wiring and circuits: Inspect for outdated or exposed wiring.
- Switchboards and outlets: Check for faulty circuits or broken switches.
- Safety systems: Ensure the property has working smoke alarms and safety switches.
Common Issues Found In Building Inspections
Building inspections often uncover problems that need attention, ranging from minor repairs to major concerns. Some of the most common issues include:
1. Dampness And Mould
Dampness and mould are common problems in older properties, especially if there are issues with ventilation or water drainage.
- Signs of mould: Inspectors will look for black spots, discolouration, or an earthy smell.
- Water damage: Check walls, ceilings, and floors for any signs of moisture infiltration.
2. Pest Infestation
Pests like termites, rodents, and cockroaches can cause significant damage to a property, especially in areas with high humidity.
- Termite damage: Look for wood that has been weakened by termites or other pests.
- Signs of rodents: Droppings, gnaw marks, or holes in walls and flooring.
- Other pests: The inspector may check for issues with cockroaches, ants, or other insects.
3. Cracks And Structural Damage
Cracks in walls, floors, or ceilings are common indicators of structural issues. These can be minor or serious, depending on their size and location.
- Small cracks: These may be superficial, often caused by settling or temperature fluctuations.
- Large cracks: A more significant problem, possibly indicating structural shifts or foundation issues.
4. Roofing Problems
Roofing issues are one of the most common and potentially expensive problems uncovered during a building inspection.
- Missing tiles or shingles: These may lead to leaks or water damage inside the building.
- Leaks: Water stains, mould, or wet insulation in the attic may indicate a roofing leak.
- Deterioration: Look for rust on metal roofs or cracked tiles on tiled roofs.
How The Inspector Conducts The Building Inspection
Understanding how an inspector conducts the inspection can give you a better idea of what to expect during the process. Below is a breakdown of key steps:
1. Visual Inspection
A large part of a building inspection is visual. The inspector will assess the condition of the property by looking for obvious signs of damage or wear and tear.
- Exterior and Interior: The inspector will walk around the property’s exterior and interior to examine walls, floors, ceilings, windows, and doors.
- Roof: A visual check of the roof may include inspecting from the ground with binoculars, using a ladder, or, in some cases, accessing the roof directly.
2. Testing Systems
The inspector will often conduct various tests to ensure that the property’s systems are functioning properly.
- Water Systems: Check faucets, toilets, and water pressure to ensure everything is working correctly.
- Electrical Systems: Test switches and outlets to ensure they’re functioning safely.
3. Documenting Findings
After conducting the inspection, the inspector will document their findings. This includes taking photographs, noting measurements, and providing a comprehensive report.
- Report Structure: Expect the report to be detailed, listing any defects or concerns found, with recommendations for repairs or maintenance.
- Severity of Issues: Issues will be categorised by severity, from urgent repairs to cosmetic issues that can be addressed later.
What To Do After The Building Inspection
Once the inspection is complete and the report is in hand, there are several steps to take.
1. Review The Report
Carefully read through the inspection report. Pay special attention to any issues that could affect the value of the property or require immediate attention.
- Urgent Repairs: Major issues like structural damage or water ingress should be addressed immediately.
- Minor Defects: These are less urgent but should still be fixed to maintain the property’s condition.
2. Negotiation
If serious issues were discovered during the inspection, you may be able to negotiate the price of the property. You can request that the seller make repairs before finalising the sale or even ask for a price reduction to account for the cost of repairs.
- Price Reduction: Use the findings from the inspection to ask for a lower price.
- Repair Requests: You can ask the seller to address major issues before completing the sale.
3. Plan For Repairs Or Renovations
If the inspection uncovers any problems that require repairs, start planning for them. This might include hiring tradespeople for necessary fixes, such as plumbing repairs or structural work.
Conclusion
A building inspection is an essential part of purchasing or maintaining a property, ensuring that all key areas of the property are evaluated thoroughly. From structural integrity and plumbing systems to exterior conditions and pest infestations, inspectors will all inspect the property to give you a comprehensive understanding of its condition.
By knowing what to expect and understanding the process, you can make informed decisions about buying, selling, or maintaining your property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does A Building Inspection Take?
A typical building inspection usually takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size and condition of the property. Larger properties or those with more complex issues may take longer to inspect.
What Happens If Serious Issues Are Found?
If significant issues are found during the building inspection, you may be able to negotiate with the seller for repairs or a price reduction. In some cases, you may decide to walk away from the property if the issues are too severe or expensive to fix.
Should I Attend The Building Inspection?
It’s a good idea to attend the building inspection if possible. Being present allows you to ask questions, get a better understanding of the property’s condition, and clarify any findings directly with the inspector.