Why an Experienced Independent Building Inspector Makes all the Difference
At Home building Assist, we know there are horror stories out there for those people buying homes in Melbourne and Geelong. That’s why an experienced independent building inspector makes all the difference.
A recent news article in 2023 identified how a home buyer ended up being duped and it’s not the first time that so called ‘building inspectors’ have not performed the task well.
But you may be wondering, ‘how does this happen’? If a home buyer has hired a building inspector for a pre-purchase building inspection or pre-auction home inspection, how would a buyer end up with a home riddled with major defects?
Let’s unpack that question.
Industry Regulations for Building Inspectors in Victoria
As you can imagine, if you hire someone that does not have to have the qualifications to conduct building inspections, you may end up with an inexperienced inspector and a condition report to mirror that experience.
“Queensland is the only state or territory in Australia where building inspections must be undertaken by a licensed builder who also holds a building inspection licence. The building inspection industry is not regulated in the other states and territories, so you do not have to be a builder to undertake inspections for clients.”
(source: https://www.australianinspectortraining.com.au/how-to-become-a-building-inspector/ )
Having said that, there are standards that a building inspector must adhere to when assessing the condition of a property.
What a Building Inspection Covers:
A pre-purchase building inspection is to be conducted according to a code of conduct:
Australian Standard AS 4349.1—2007, Inspection of buildings,
Part 1: Pre-purchase inspections—
Residential buildings.
This inspection focus on 6 key parts of an existing home to bring to a prospective purchaser
any concerns found during the inspection.
(a) The interior of the building.
(b) The roof space.
(c) The exterior of the building.
(d) The sub-floor space.
(e) The roof exterior.
(f) The property within 30 m of the building subject to inspection.
What a Building Inspection Does Not Cover
Australian Standard 4349.1—2007 clearly defines what the inspection does not cover. These are:
The inspector need not inspect or report on the following:
(a) Footings below ground.
(b) Concealed damp-proof course.
(c) Electrical installations, operation of smoke detectors, light switches and
fittings, TV, sound and communications and security systems.
(d) Concealed plumbing.
(e) Adequacy of roof drainage as installed.
(f) Gas fittings and fixtures.
(g) Airconditioning.
(h) Automatic garage door mechanisms.
(i) Swimming pools and associated filtration and similar equipment.
(j) The operation of fireplaces and solid fuel heaters, including chimneys and flues.
(k) Alarm systems.
(l) Intercom systems.
(m) Soft floor coverings.
(n) Electrical appliances including dishwashers, incinerators, ovens, ducted
vacuum systems.
(o) Paint coatings, except external protective coatings.
(p) Health hazards (e.g., allergies, soil toxicity, lead content, radon, presence of
asbestos or urea formaldehyde).
(q) Timber and metal framing sizes and adequacy.
(r) Concealed tie-downs and bracing.
(s) Timber pest activity.
(t) Other mechanical or electrical equipment (such as gates, inclinators).
(u) Soil conditions.
(v) Control joints.
(w) Sustainable development provisions.
(x) Concealed framing-timbers or any areas concealed by wall linings/sidings.
(y) Landscaping.
(z) Rubbish.
(aa) Floor cover.
(bb) Furniture and accessories.
(cc) Stored items.
(dd) Insulation.
(ee) Environmental matters (e.g.water tanks, BCA Environmental Provisions).
(ff) Energy efficiency.
(gg) Lighting efficiency.
What Else Should I know About How the Building is Inspected by Home Building Assist?
Minor defects are listed as general observations. Major defects are itemized and categorised as required by the standard.
Other things to be aware of is whether a specialist is required.
An item of concern may require specialist advice from an expert in the field for the item you want reported on.
For example, mould present in the home, may require an opinion from a company that specialises in mould.
Why Home Building Assist is Your Perfect Choice for a Building Inspection
Home Building Assist provides you with a Melbourne building inspector that is a registered builder with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), has 30+ years building residential homes and specific experience building complex homes. This includes basements and sloping block homes. With this level of experience in Melbourne, we know what to look for, what is considered a major defect according to the code of conduct and to provide a detailed condition report.
Ready to request a Building Inspection Quote?
It’s important to be organised when it comes to the home buying process. Request a building inspection quote today or call us on 0412 584 345 and book a time so you can make an informed choice about the property you are looking to purchase.
