Croydon contains many established homes, and older properties can present very differently from recently constructed houses.
Depending on the age and construction of the property, particular attention may need to be given to subfloor conditions, timber components, roofing, drainage, moisture, cracking and alterations that have been undertaken during the property’s life.
A house that has stood for many decades isn’t automatically a problem.
In fact, many older homes have performed extremely well.
However, age, maintenance history, previous renovations, drainage and environmental exposure can all affect the condition of a building.
Subfloor Problems Aren’t Always Visible From Inside
Many established Melbourne houses are constructed on stumps or other suspended flooring systems.
Where safe and accessible, the subfloor is an important part of our inspection.
We may examine visible stumps, bearers, floor joists and other accessible components for signs of deterioration, moisture, inadequate support and other defects.
Subfloor ventilation is also important.
Restricted airflow combined with damp conditions can contribute to deterioration of timber components and create conditions conducive to timber pest activity.
One of the difficulties for home buyers is that significant subfloor defects may not be obvious while walking through the house.
The floors may appear reasonably normal from above while problems exist underneath.
Roof and Roof-Space Inspections
The roof is another area that most purchasers cannot properly assess during an open inspection.
Depending on safe accessibility and the type of construction, we inspect visible roof components for defects and deterioration.
Where appropriate, drone technology can assist us in viewing roof areas that would otherwise be difficult or unsafe to inspect, particularly on double-storey properties.
Drone inspections are subject to suitable weather, surrounding conditions and applicable restrictions.
Where the roof space is safely accessible, we also inspect visible roof framing and look for evidence of deterioration, defects and signs of previous or current moisture entry.
Insulation, ductwork, low clearance and other obstructions can restrict the areas that can be inspected, and these limitations should be recorded in the inspection report.
Moisture and Wet Areas
Bathrooms, showers, laundries and other wet areas deserve careful attention during a pre-purchase inspection.
Water escaping into surrounding building materials can result in deterioration that may not initially be obvious.
We look for visible signs such as deteriorated grout and sealants, swelling, staining, damaged finishes and other indications of moisture-related problems.
Where appropriate, we use moisture meters and thermal imaging equipment to assist our assessment.
These tools don’t allow an inspector to see through walls. They provide additional information that can help identify areas requiring closer investigation.
Termites and Timber Pest Risks
A timber pest inspection is an important part of assessing an established property.
Termites can cause significant damage to timber components, and activity may occur in areas that aren’t immediately visible to a purchaser.
During the timber pest component of the inspection, accessible areas are examined for visible evidence of termite activity or damage and other timber pest concerns.
We also look for conditions that may increase the risk of termite attack.
These can include excessive moisture, timber-to-soil contact, poor subfloor ventilation, leaking areas, garden conditions and other conducive factors.
It is important to understand that a timber pest inspection is a visual inspection of accessible areas. No inspector can see through walls, underneath fixed floor coverings or into other concealed spaces without invasive investigation.
Where suspicious conditions are identified, further investigation may be recommended.
Drainage Around the Property Matters
Drainage is an issue that buyers can easily overlook.
The way water moves around a property can have a substantial effect on the building over time.
Paving, garden beds, soil levels, downpipes and surface drainage should direct water appropriately rather than allowing it to accumulate around the building.
During an inspection, visible evidence of poor drainage, excessive moisture or water being directed towards the building may warrant further attention.
Renovations and Extensions
Many established Croydon homes have been altered, extended or renovated during their lifetime.
A modern kitchen or renovated bathroom can certainly improve a property’s appearance, but cosmetic renovation doesn’t necessarily tell you about the condition of the underlying building.
During an inspection, we assess the accessible and visible components as they present on the day.
Where there are concerns regarding particular alterations, further investigation or documentation may be recommended.
Not Every Defect Is a Major Problem
An important part of buying an established property is maintaining realistic expectations.
Very few homes are completely defect-free.
Minor cracking, ageing sealants, weathered finishes and general maintenance items can be expected, particularly with older properties.
A good inspection shouldn’t unnecessarily alarm a purchaser over normal maintenance.
The important issue is identifying defects, explaining their apparent significance and distinguishing routine maintenance from matters that may require more substantial attention.
Don’t Choose an Inspector on Price Alone
One of the first questions we’re often asked is:
“How much does a building and pest inspection cost?”
Price is understandably important, particularly when purchasers may have already paid for inspections on properties they ultimately didn’t buy.
But price shouldn’t be the only question.
Before engaging an inspector, consider asking:
- What building experience and qualifications do you have?
- Are you a registered building practitioner?
- How long have you been inspecting properties?
- What areas of the property will you inspect?
- Do you inspect the roof space and subfloor where accessible?
- What inspection equipment do you use?
- Will I receive photographs of the defects?
- When will I receive my report?
The quality of the information you’re receiving is particularly important when you’re considering spending hundreds of thousands of dollars—or considerably more—on a property.
Experience and Inspection Equipment
A moisture meter, thermal camera or drone doesn’t make someone an experienced building inspector.
These are tools that assist an inspection.
The person using them still needs the building knowledge and experience to recognise defects and understand their significance.
Our inspections combine extensive building-industry experience with modern inspection equipment.
We are VBA Registered Building Practitioners and use equipment including moisture meters, thermal imaging and drones where appropriate.
Our reports also include photographs to help purchasers understand the defects and conditions identified during the inspection.
What a Building Inspection Cannot Do
A professional inspection also has limitations.
A standard pre-purchase building and pest inspection is primarily a visual inspection of areas that are safely and reasonably accessible at the time.
Furniture, stored belongings, fixed floor coverings, wall linings, insulation, ductwork, vegetation and low-clearance areas can prevent defects from being seen.
Weather conditions can also restrict certain parts of an inspection.
Electrical, gas and specialist plumbing systems are outside the scope of our standard inspection and should be assessed by appropriately registered or licensed professionals where required.
Being clear about these limitations is an important part of providing a professional inspection.
Building and Pest Inspections in Croydon
Buying a property should be based on more than its appearance during an open inspection.
A pre-purchase building and pest inspection in Croydon can help identify visible building defects, moisture concerns, timber deterioration, timber pest issues and conditions that may require further investigation.
Sometimes an inspection identifies only normal maintenance.
Other times, it can reveal defects that substantially change a purchaser’s understanding of the property.
Either way, the purpose is the same:
To give you better information about the property before you make your purchasing decision.
For a professional building and pest inspection in Croydon, Victoria, contact George on 0450 632 867.
We can generally arrange inspections promptly, subject to property access and availability, with comprehensive photographic reports provided following the inspection.
