Inspection Case Studies

Case 1: Even New Homes Can Have Defects

We inspected a brand new house recently. This home had no plumbing waste connected in the Ensuite. This was found when inspecting under the subfloor which was at a very shallow part of the house. This may have gone unnoticed for sometime as owner would not have thought to check this. Therefore the waste would have flowed into the natural earth causing all sorts of problems. Subsequently the builder was called and the waste pipes installed and connected. A mistake that could have been disastrous but fortunately picked up by Damien our Inspector. The point being made here is that even a new home can have problems.

flood damage to home

Case 2: Flooding Damage Found in 1.9 Million Dollar Home

We identified a house bought for 1.9 million. There was extensive flooding damage through a broken pipe and poor drainage. This property is extremely conducive to timber decay and termite and pest activity.

Debris under home. Breeding Ground for termites

Case 3: Is Your New Home Breeding Termites?

We are finding more and more property owners storing timber cuts and debris under their homes. Along with unseen leaking pipes this area is a haven for termites.

Coptotermes timer damage

Case 4: Are Coptotermes Living In Your Home?

Frankston/Mt Eliza area has become extremely popular for coptotermes which are a very aggressive termite and can cause a great deal of damage in a short period of time.

roof truss cut for pipe

Case 4: Is Your New Home Structurally Sound?

Whilst inspecting a roof cavity we found a truss cut out for a vent.This is just one of many examples of what appears to be a well maintained solid property. In this instance the roof is unsafe!

What Our House Inspectors Look For

Inspect Cracks in Walls
The crack on the red wall looks as if it is a major problem but in fact it is a movement tear between plaster sheets caused by re-stumping and is repairable with no structural issue.

Inspect Cracks in Plaster
Some cracks in plaster joins and walls may only be minor and should be assessed properly by our inspector as although cracks look devastating they may only be minor repairable cracks caused by settling or poor positioning of plaster sheet joins; typically around windows and doors.

Inspect for Moisture
Notice the discolouration in the skirting board hidden behind a desk. It is caused by moisture in the earth because the floor height is below ground level with no drainage in place to prevent the moisture seeping into the timber wall making it conducive for termites, and rotting of the timber frame.

Inspect Gutters & Downpipes
Blocked gutters and downpipes can create more expensive damage i.e. rotten fascias, damaged eaves etc. Although blocked gutters are a minor maintenance issue if cleaning is done periodically it will prevent more damage in the long run.

Inspect Weatherboards
Decaying weatherboards, if not repaired will eventually cause further damage to house frame.
Inspect Hard to See Areas
Inspector will look in those unforeseen places you normally would not reach.
Inspect Floor Structure
This floor has been dropping due to some footing movement. A timber joist has been wedged with a timber block making an unstable and illegal subfloor.
Highlight Issues Requiring Repair
Inappropriate downpipe causing the water to sit in pipe and leak onto timber causing it to rot. Overflow also causing quite a loud noise in heavy rains.
Identify Potential Hazards
Under the house. Faulty wiring and dangling wires criss-crossing can lead to dangers such as fire or personal injury. Major expense at a personal cost.
Inspect Plumbing Problems
Plumbing vent not connected. This was found in an unnoticeable place by our inspector. Inevitably water damage to weatherboards and mould growth on roof.

Relevant Reading

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