building inspections

A building inspection in Sydney and surrounding areas covers the condition of the building and lists the major defects or problems with the property, including identification of asbestos materials. This assists purchasers in knowing the overall condition prior to purchasing a property.  We also undertake inspections for defects and problems with new and older buildings.

Identifying Problems

All homes have strong and weak points, and they are not always what they seem. Gain the expertise and sound information you need to make better decisions with a DAVID HALL BUILDING APPRAISAL REPORT. We work with a long checklist of potential concerns to identify the major and minor deficiencies and good and positive areas in each home. Your report defines the problem areas, indicates how soon works need to be undertaken and usually provides an estimate for costs of major repairs within the next 1-3 years.

Inspections are undertaken, visually, to all of the accessible areas using our professional knowledge to locate potential problems. This result is a detailed, typed report that not only lists the current condition of the building, but is also a manual for repairs required over the next 5 years. The identification of possible problems and any necessary repairs are listed at the end of the Report so home owners may realistically budget for these repairs to the building in addition to mortgage repayments and general living expenses.

The Major Components of the Building We Cover Are:

Structural

Classic Australiana Circa 1950-60 The home handyman addition will only last so long! In some instances they can also be dangerous and/or illegal.

Sub-floor/ventilation and raft slabs

Make sure access is available to the sub-floor for an inspection.

Make sure floor timbers are adequately supported

Leaking shower problems as can be seen in the sub-floor area.

Penicillin? No therapeutic powers in the severe fungal growth found in such poorly ventilated areas

The Turkish bath. Lack of ventilation under flooring causes condensation and subsequent decay and fungal growth

Restricted access to the sub-floor can include sewerage discharge.

Roof Construction

Did the roof move for you? Without appropriate repairs or reconstruction it soon will

Turn thy eyes towards the heavens, but it is from David Hall Building Appraisals from which help cometh when ascertaining any roof sag or structural problems

Splitting Timbers

 

Termite damage found in roof timbers

 

 

 

 

DOES YOUR ROOF HAVE ANY SURPRISES?

 

Roof timber delignification.

Roof Covering

Roof deflection and movement

Old Age. Ravages of time and elements necessitate the need for inspections and maintenance of roofing of all types.

 Painting roof tiles can be a problem -

 

 

Brickwork/external walls That sinking feeling! These brick foundations are dissolving and therefore are ineffective in supporting the building above>

 

Exterior Outbuildings

Interior

And you think your kitchen and bathroom require renovating?

Do you feel safe walking up your stairs?

Accurate Documentation

In addition to any problems, the standard of workmanship and significant good qualities of each home are highlighted. The results of the inspection are recorded in your report providing an accurate and concise record of the condition of the property. Your report provides corrective advice, remaining life expectancies and repair or replacement costs. It identifies problems, aiding home buyers to confidently direct tradesmen to carry out the appropriate repairs. Your report therefore provides invaluable assistance and can save you thousands of dollars. It should be kept at hand for regular reference.

Fast and efficient service

You will receive your complete Report in 2-3 days after ordering. However, if you find that special home or unit the day before the auction, we can provide a special, express service to help you make the right decision in time.

David Hall Building Appraisals was founded in 1988 and our complete inspection service is available throughout the Sydney metropolitan area, lower Blue Mountains and the Campbelltown area. We also cover the Central Coast, upper Blue Mountains and Wollongong, however these do incur a travelling charge.

Improving older homes

Professionals familiar with all older home styles are available to help you budget, plan and co-ordinate your renovation/extension or refurbishment.

Advice of identifying the age and style of the home you wish to renovate, along with a good understanding of the mode of construction, products available and problems you may encounter, will be invaluable in achieving the right result.

Please note that, when offering this service, there is no particular product bias, nor do we sell products.

Services available

 

Pre-purchase home inspections on houses, units, villas, townhouses and multi-storey buildings

• Commercial and industrial buildings
• General building consultancy advice
• Inspection on new houses or extensions under construction
• Problem solving/defects
• Advice on building or extending

Industry Experts

David Hall Building Appraisals have the advantage of being industry experts and provide :

• Prompt professional service
• A quick reference summary at the beginning of each report
• Three to five year maintenance plan and repair estimates
• Requests for information on specific concerns accommodated
• Detailed information sheets on particular issues provided
• We measure the overall building, unit, villa, townhouse size as this facilitates conveyancing and insurance replacement estimates
• Unit, villa, townhouse inspections include both the inside and all external common areas. Additionally, we list areas where Body Corporate may impose levies for major works or upgrading.

Copyright © 2004 David Hall Building Appraisals. All rights reserved.