House and Building Inspection Services
Victorian House Inspections deliver fast and affordable building inspection services to all our clients. We contact you immediately after an inspection to give you an overview and then email you a full building inspection (and timber pest) report within 24 hours, with the option of a hard copy through the post if required.
Our Building Inspection Services (including New Home Inspections and Roof Cavity / Insulation Inspections) cover a wide area including Melbourne and outer suburbs including Geelong, Sunbury, Mornington Peninsula and Phillip Island.
Call us today on 1800 98 34 56 or make a Building or Timber Pest Inspection booking.
Why you need to get a Building Inspection. Here is what we've found recently...
Rotten Timber stump and clearly no ventilation in subfloor area
Broken roof tiles found in box gutter whilst inspecting the roof
of a new house.
Poor drainage construction which inevitably leads to roof
leaksTo see more reports and issues that house and building inspections can identify see our Building and Pest Inspection Case Studies Page.
Our Building Inspection Services Include:
- Inspection for structural defects taking notes on the foundations and footings. Crawling under the house if there is access and going into the roof making note of the frame, lining and checking for any leaks.
- Inspection of the Electrical Wiring, Hot water, Plumbing pipes, Smoke alarms and Security.
- Inspection of the outside of the property and garden, fences, pergolas etc., often an area where the home owner has added things themselves and has not been done by qualified tradespeople.
- Inspection of each room in the house checking for any maintenance items which may cost you money in the future.
- Combine with a Pest Inspection for a comprehensive understanding of the property. Our comprehensive Inspection Reports are forwarded to you the day after the inspection if not earlier and are guided by the Australian Standards for Building Inspections AS 4349.1-1995
Our Building Inspection Reports will provide you with:
- Comprehensive written property & maintenance report.
- Initially our building inspector will give you a verbal report immediately after the inspection.
- Followed by an emailed written report and a bound copy if requested.
Building Inspection Checklist:
- inspection of structural elements of internal/external areas.
- inspection of roof cavities.
- inspection of all internal rooms.
- inspection of leaking windows.
- inspection of retaining walls.
- inspection of subfloor areas.
- inspection of dampness and ventilation.
- inspection of outbuildings including fences, driveways & surface drainage.
We can also assist with building advice and suggested trades and services.
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 MoistureNotice 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 WeatherboardsDecaying weatherboards, if not repaired will eventually cause further damage to house frame.
Inspect Hard to See AreasInspector will look in those unforeseen places you normally would not reach.
Inspect Floor StructureThis 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 RepairInappropriate 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 HazardsUnder 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 ProblemsPlumbing vent not connected. This was found in an unnoticeable place by our inspector. Inevitably water damage to weatherboards and mould growth on roof.
Find out more:
- See some findings from previous Building Inspections, New Home Inspections Timber Pest Inspections on our Case Studies page.
- Make a booking for a Building Inspection
Relevant Reading
- Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, May 2008 Download PDF
- Sun Herald, 13 April 2008 Download PDF
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