What We Inspect

Roof In General

• Uneven roofline - a possible indicator of a structural issue

Metal Roofing

• Corrosion
• Loose roof sheets
• Hail damage

Roof Tiles

• Cracked, loose or broken tiles
• Cracked or loose bedding & pointing

Gutters & Downpipes

• Corrosion
• Leaks
• Loose or damaged gutter guard

Roof Flashings

• Cracking
• Movement

Skylights

• Corrosion
• Sun and/or hail damage

Fascia & Barges

• Weathering & timber decay
• Deteriorated coatings

Eaves

• Cracked or loose eave linings
• Water staining - a possible indicator of a leaking roof, excessive condensation, or gutters overflowing

Roof Void In General

• Inappropriate modification of roof trusses
• Sagging roof timbers
• Delignification of roof timbers - loss of natural glue causing weakness in the timber
• Water leaks

Insulation & Sarking

• Presence & condition of insulation
• Presence & condition of roof sarking

Party Wall

• Presence & condition of party wall

Cladding

• Weathering & timber decay
• Deteriorated coatings
• Cladding in ground contact – this can allow concealed termite activity and/or timber decay

Brickwork

• Cracking
• Crumbling bricks and/or mortar joints
• Obstructed subfloor vents & weep holes

Steelwork

• Corrosion
• Deteriorated coatings

Timberwork

• Weathering & timber decay
• Deteriorated coatings
• Timber in ground contact – this can allow concealed termite activity and/or timber decay

Doors & Windows

• Weathering & timber decay
• Deteriorated coatings
• Corrosion of metal door frames
• Cracked/missing glazing putty
• Cracked/broken glass
• Loose or damaged insect screens

Walls & Ceilings

• Rising damp
• Cracking
• Marked surfaces
• Rough patching
• Bulging or loose linings
• Drummy render

Doors

• Handles, latches & locks not operating correctly
• Doors binding or not square to the door frame - a possible indicator of movement in the building

Windows

• Windows & locks not operating correctly
• Cracked/broken glass
• Deteriorated glazing seals
• Water stains – a possible indicator that the windows are leaking

Timber Floors

• Marked surfaces
• Creaking
• Excessive bounce
• Warped floorboards - a possible indicator of a moisture problem
• Uneven/sagging floors - a possible indicator that the floor supports have sunk

Floor Tiles

• Cracked, loose or drummy tiles
• Cracked or loose grout

Kitchen

• Doors & drawers not operating correctly
• General wear & tear
• Taps not operating correctly
• Water leaks & damage

Bathrooms & Toilets

• Moisture issues around wet areas
• Shower screens not operating correctly
• Cracked/broken glass - mirrors & shower screens
• Overall condition of vanity unit
• Cracked, loose or drummy tiles
• Cracked or loose grout
• Toilet not operating correctly
• Cracked or loose toilet pan & cistern
• Water leaks
• Loose or damaged towel rails, shower shelf, etc.

Laundry

• Overall condition of laundry cabinet
• Taps not operating correctly
• Water leaks & damage

Stairs, Balustrades & Handrails

• Creaking
• Low balustrading & large open spaces - safety hazard
• Balustrades & handrails securely attached

Built-In Cupboards

• General wear & tear
• Fittings securely attached

Masonry Piers

• Cracking
• Crumbling bricks and/or mortar joints
• Leaning
• Subsidence

Timber Posts/Stumps

• Timber decay
• Leaning
• Subsidence

Termite Barriers

• Incorrect installation
• Corroding ant capping

Ventilation

• Inadequate air-flow
• Obstructed vent holes
• Musty odours

Subfloor Soil

• Damp/wet areas
• Erosion

Floor Timbers

• Timber decay
• Inappropriate modification of floor timbers

Tie-Downs & Bracing

• Corrosion
• Correct tension

Decks, Verandahs, Balconies, Patios, Stairs, Etc.

• Weathering & timber decay
• Corrosion
• Inadequate tie-downs and bracing
• Balustrading - loose, low or large openings
• Cracked, loose or drummy floor tiles
• Loose decking boards
• Timber in ground contact – this can allow concealed termite activity and/or timber decay

Electrical

• Presence of smoke alarms
• Installation of safety switches (RCDs)
• Old style wiring

Gas Service

• Compliance plate present
• Gas cylinders secured with a safety chain

Plumbing & Drainage

• Leaking taps
• Low water pressure
• Slow draining sinks & basins
• Galvanised water pipes still in use - very prone to corrosion and will likely need replacing

Driveway, Paths & Paved Areas

• Cracking
• Subsidence
• Loose or uneven pavers

Fencing & Gates

• Weathering & timber decay
• Corrosion
• Loose or leaning fences
• Gates & latches not operating correctly

Retaining Walls

• Weathering & timber decay
• Cracking
• Movement

Trees

• Trees overhanging the roof or close to power lines
• Large trees near buildings or structures - potential to cause structural damage

Site Drainage

• Inadequate drainage around the site
• Ground water entering under the building
• Soil Erosion

General

• Restricted or inaccessable areas
• Timber pest activity
• Swimming pools/spas and associated equipment
• Paint coatings, except external protective coatings
• Insulation
• Timber and metal framing sizes and adequacy
• Concealed framing-timbers or any areas concealed by wall linings/sidings
• Concealed tie-downs and bracing
• Health hazards - e.g., mould, allergies, soil toxicity, lead content, radon, presence of asbestos or urea formaldehyde

Services

• Heating & cooling equipment
• Gas fittings & fixtures
• Lights, power points & electrical equipment
• Electrical appliances - e.g., dishwasher, insinkerator, rangehood, cooking equipment, ducted vacuum system
• Alarm systems
• Automatic opening/closing mechanisms - e.g., gates, garage doors
• Mechanical or electrical equipment - e.g., garage door openers, gates, inclinators.
• Plumbing & drainage

Site

• Soil conditions
• The property beyond 30m of the building subject to inspection