Do you need a property inspection report from your trusted building inspector?
If you are planning to buy or rent a new property, obtaining a Property Inspection Report is important. This report is a written account of a property’s condition that is crucial when deciding to purchase a property.
The Property Inspection Report should make you aware if that premises has structural damage, major defects and/or safety hazards that need to be fixed. This is an inspection that could also save you from spending thousands of dollars on repair costs.
What Is in a Property Inspection Report?
In a Property Inspection Report, you’ll see the following:
1. Client and site information
This shows who the report was prepared for and the exact location where the inspection occurred. This includes specific date, time and current weather condition when the inspection was undertaken.
A description of the dwelling is included, detailing the type and style of dwelling, the construction type, flooring, wall, roof structure and roof covering. The direction the dwelling is facing is also included.
2. Description of the site
The items inspected in this category include things that are not attached to the dwelling. These items include and are not limited to: driveways, fences, letterbox, gates, ramps, steps, handrails, paving, paths, clothesline, entertainment areas, garages, carports, sheds, pergolas, retaining walls, pools, spa, ponds, flag poles, garden beds and jetty.
3. Description of the exterior
The items inspected in this category include things that are attached to the exterior of the dwelling. The major defects and safety hazards are identified, described, photographed and recommendations suggested.
These items include and are not limited to: front and back patios, stairs, balustrade, verandahs, decks, balconies, brickwork, blockwork, lintels, cladding, windows, doors, chimneys, laundry, storage rooms, sun rooms and garages.
4. Description of the interior
Furthermore, the interior of the building is inspected. This comprises the walls, windows, doors, ceilings, floors, stairs, balustrade, benchtops, cupboards, sinks, tubs, baths, spa, taps, tiles, cistern and pan, showers, vanity, washbasin, mirrors, damp problems, ventilation, and skylights.
An explanation of the observations about the types and conditions are clearly stated. The building consultant takes note of things that must be given attention. All the rooms inside the building or house are directly inspected. The building consultant sees to it that all accessible areas are fully examined. If there are sections or areas that are inaccessible, it is explained in the report.
5. Description of the roof interior
The roof interior is inspected and any major defects or safety hazards associated with the following areas will be included in the report: roof tiles, roof sheeting, sarking, roof framing, insulation, ceiling framing, ceiling lining, wall framing, flashing, moisture ingress, party walls.
6. Description of the roof exterior
The building consultant will inspect the roof exterior and any visible major defects or safety hazards associated with the following areas will be included in the report: roof tiles, roof sheeting, skylights, hot water systems, solar panels, vents, flues, valleys, gutters, downpipes, fascia, bargeboards and eaves.
Most building consultants cannot inspect the roof fully due to work health and safety legislation requirements and only using a 3.6m ladder.
We inspect the roof fully using our drone where required – giving you peace of mind.
7. Description of subfloor
Where a building has a subfloor that is accessible, the building consultant will inspect the subfloor area for any visible major defects or safety hazards associated with the following areas: footings, piers, bearers, floor joists, flooring, moisture damage, rot, drainage, ventilation, retaining walls.
8. Conclusion and Summary
Property Inspection Reports usually have a Conclusion and Summary section at the end of the report. The summary lists the incidence of major and minor defects as well as the overall condition of the building as compared to a similarly constructed building of approximately the same age that has been well maintained.
Talk to your building consultant for more details or to customise your inspection.