What exactly happens during the process of a Sydney Building Inspection?

We seek defects in the building. Leaking roofs, problems with structure, leaking baths, moisture issues, bad drainage and safety issues. We explore the following areas: exterior of roof; tiles, gutters, skylights, pipes etc, basically we are making sure the roof is water tight and plumbed properly. We look at the interior of the roof: framing, connections, seeking defects, roof coverings, we check the electrical installations as well, and of course safety hazards. Building exteriors are checked; checking for cracks, all doors and windows analysed, verandahs, patios, balconies and any timber structures, rotting wood. Interior of building; rooms, corridoors, living spaces, walls, floors, ceilings, all timber, joinery and all cupboards. Potential wet areas like kitchens and laundries are assessed, operation of water is checked, the water hammer, the condition and wear and tear of hot water device, we check for any leakage in showers or defects to fittings. Toilets are checked, flushed, and readings for moisture are noted. All grounds, pathways, walls, steps, car parking areas, driveways, external drainage on surfaces, we check up to 30 metres from the origin of building. We also check the surrounding environment such as trees, fences. Granny flats or sheds also checked.

 

 

What is a Pest Inspection?

A Pest Inspection looks for 4 critical things: 1) Subterranean Termites or signs of previous termite activity and previous Termite treatment. 2) Timber borers or signs of timber borer damage inflicted in the past. 3) Wood decay fungi damage, potential risks in wooden structures, for example - stairs, handrails, patios. 4) Any other conditions related to termite damage and prevention.

 

 

Will a Building and Pest Inspection reveal if a house has asbestos?

We will inform you if any materials contain asbestos. This can be determied by age of property, property type also other indicators. We do not carry out asbestos inspections per se, because proper asbestos inspections process requires removal of asbestos and any suspected items and also laboratory testing is necessary.

 

 

How are the reports sent?

The report is emailed to you. Printed, colour hard copies with binding are available $20 per report.

 

 

Do you have a cancellation policy?

24 hours notice is required before the inspection if you want to cancel the inspection, otherwise the full amount of the fee will apply. Please call (02) 9126 8990 to cancel. If you want to cancel an inspection on a Monday, please cancel it before noon the Friday before to avoid any fees. The fee is $30 for administration of a cancellation outside of 24 hours.

 

 

Do you carry out Building and Pest Inspections in Sydney 7 days a week?

Building inspections can be carried out on a Saturday. Inspections required on Sundays may require an extra fee.

 

 

My home is built on a concrete slab. Am I at risk of termite attack?

Concrete does not prevent termites from penetrating your home. Termites travel through slab edges and can through brick mortar joints and weep holes in bricks. Termites also travel through slab penetrations such as pipes and wires. Most homes built on concrete consist of brick veneer with timber wall frames. Termites can access any timber close to ground level. If the concrete slab edge of the slab is concealed by garden beds, concrete paths, foliage,  lawns, patios, pavers, etc then termites can penetrate wall frames. Termites cause damage to framing timbers that are concealed. With a concrete slab home it is important to have the edge of the slab exposed and make sure that garden beds and foliage do not cover the edge of the slab. Weep holes (gaps in bricks madefor water drainage from the frames of the walls) must be also kept free of any obstructions.

 

 

What is a Timber Pest?

Termites are timber pests, Timber Borers and Wood Decay Fungi (wood rot). These pests destroy timber from the inside out, such as wall floor boards, frames, handrails and roof, floor frames etc. After attacks the timber becomes weak, creating dangerous problems in structer and potential risks to safety. Termite damage is usually not visible, especially to the untrained eye. If you do not detect and take measures early, large costs and hassles may happen.

 

 

What Qualifications does Arm Property Inspections Building & Pest Inspectors have?

We are building consultants which are accredited and have experience in specialised inspection training and we hold current Builder’s Licenses and have decades of experience in the building industry. We have undertaken specialised training and accreditation via a meticulous qualification process. Arm Property Inspections' Building and Pest Inspectors’ skillset is based on decades of experience. We are fully covered for Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance. Compliant with the current relevant Australian Standards AS 4349.1 – 2007 & AS 4349.3 – 2010.

 

 

Is payment required before the report is sent?

We require payment when you order your inspection. If you want to cancel the inspection, we need 24 hours notice, or the fee will apply. A solicitor or conveyancer can be arranged to order the report for you and we can settle the account with them.

 

 

How do you accept payment?

MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club. We also accept payments via Electronic Bank Transfer.

 

 

Does Arm Property Inspections offer wholesale rates and credit term accounts for Conveyancers, Solicitors or other related professionals?

Yes we do. Please phone us or email info@armpropertyinspections.com.au

 

 

Can special attention be requested to a specific area or issue during inspection?

Yes we will include details about the specific area for no extra charge.

 

 

What if I do not understand something in the report?

We are here for you any time, please contact us and we can explain.

 

 

Do you reports include photographs?

Yes, we like to include photographs and infographs to make reading the information easier and to point out specific details of your building inspection or pest inspection Sydney.

 

 

What kind of properties or buildings need an Inspection?

All homes in Sydney should have a building and/or pest inspection. Any building can contain termite damage, even the most modern structures. There can be defects; leaking showers or baths, structural faults and lack of proper workmanship.

 

 

When will the report be available?

The report will be available approximately 24 hours after inspection. It can be available on the same day as the inspection if required.

 

 

How long does the Inspection take?

1-2 hours to inspect is an average time for a 3 bedroom house.

 

 

When Should I get an Inspection?

If the property will be in an auction, the Inspection should be done asap, so you have time to read the report and understand any issues and adjust your bidding and opinion of the property. An inspection is recommended even if the home is sold via a private treaty. Usually the inspection is done when your offer has been accepted, but prior to the contract exchange, or after exchange of contracts but only during the 5 day 'cooling off' time. However this way of handling it may not give  a chance for the buyer to properly negotiate. Sydney property market moves at a rapid pace, you must be prepared.

 

 

Do I need a Pest Inspection as well as a Building Inspection?

A est Inspection looks for damage from termites and Wood Rot (wood Decay Fungi) causes risks and safety issues. Sydney has quite a termite problem in relation to other cities. Approximately 30% of Sydney homes have had some form of Termite activity in an area of the home.

 

 

Why should I use Arm Property Inspection?

• Professional Indemnity Insurance

• Accredited building consultants

• Comprehensive reports with photos

• Report turn around 24 hours (same day if urgent)

• 100% independent building inspection company with no other affiliation with any other company or builders

 

 

What is included in the Report?

Our Sydney building reports are around 20-30 pages and include: descriptions of the property, photographic summaries of major issues and defects, detailed “section by section” description of all major problems. We also put in our recommendations on further actions you may take on these issues. A conclusive summary on the general property condition. We compare the building with a similar property. Our Timber Pest Reports are about 15 pages and consist of: Were termites currently active? Signs and evidence of activity from termites. Evidence of prior  termite treatment (critical). Wood borer damage analysis. We look for presence of Wood decay fungi (rotting wood), in external structures especially where it can be a safety issue and risk, such as handrail, steps or decks.