An inspection is essential if you’re building, renovating, or purchasing a home. The building inspection is the most commonly performed inspection. Here are the facts.
Information about Building Inspections
A building inspection is a check for defects in a property before you buy it after renovations have been completed, or after the construction of a new home. You can combine building inspections with pest inspections or other detailed inspections. A building inspection can be thought of as providing you with a complete overview of the property you are concerned about.
What do Building Inspections Cover
The following are the most common things that a building inspection covers:
- The property’s electrical work
- All plumbing and drainage
- The condition of the windows or doors
- All fixtures and fittings within the home
- All joinery (kitchen cabinets, cupboards, etc.)
- Walls
- Underfloor space
- Roof and roof space
- Driveways
- Retaining walls
- Outbuildings (sheds etc)
- Guttering and downpipes
A standard building inspection will not report on the condition or condition of your property. The inspection will not provide estimates for any cost to repair any issues that may be found. Standard building inspections will not include reports on minor issues (such as cosmetic problems) or termites. You may require additional information beyond the standard building inspection.
Who does building inspections?
A qualified inspector should conduct building inspections. He or she must be licensed and insured. Experience is important as an experienced inspector can find hidden things. They should also be accredited by the relevant body. When inspecting the property and writing the report, ensure that the building inspector adheres to all Australian Standards. The report should be written in plain English and include information about all areas that were inspected.
It is a good idea, before hiring a building inspector to inspect your property, to get a quote and to find out the time they will take to complete the inspection and provide you with a report. If you’re waiting for the inspection to purchase a property or fix any problems with your builder, this can make a difference.
Governments often employ building inspectors. They are often certified by the State, International Code Council (ICC) or the Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Associations (CCPIA), though they are not always required for certification. Inspections are performed to ensure compliance with any building, plumbing or electrical codes. There are many levels and categories of ICC-certified inspectors.
Strata managers and corporate bodies often contact building inspectors with questions about stormwater design, structural design proposals, or changes to the civil design. Councils often require individuals to perform dilapidation reports, building inspections, and other property inspections, before and after work is completed. This helps to ensure that there has been no damage to adjoining properties or associated properties. A Building Inspector may also be responsible for evaluating existing structures that have suffered damage from fire, earthquakes, wind events or floods.
Consulting engineers are often called upon to inspect strata properties for unsafe structural elements. Consulting engineers inspect the building and make recommendations for remedial action.
If homeowners are remodeling their homes and want to add or improve on their property or tear it down, they will need to apply to get a permit. This process will involve a building and construction inspector who will ensure that it is legal and proper at all stages.
Inspectors of construction and building tend to be very meticulous in their inspections. This is because if an inspector approves a building and then a serious problem develops, the inspector can be held responsible. This is important to remember. It can speed up inspections and approvals by allowing people to cooperate with inspectors and listen to their tips and suggestions.
Any violations can be flagged by building and construction inspectors. These violations can be corrected within a specified time or the homeowner could face legal consequences.
