BUILDING INSPECTIONS

Ken Barker Building Services have a Comprehensive Pre-purchase Property Inspection Service Report, aligning with Mid North Coast termite inspections to offer clients a complete pre-purchase report.

The 12 page report will contain information on all aspects of the property, not only commenting on noteworthy defects that may be present, but positive aspects of the property as well. Our undertaking is to have our detailed report back to you within 24 to 48 hours. The report will contain photos of the property and comments on everything from the letterbox to the clothesline.

Ken Barker Building Services has a comprehensive Pre-purchase / Building Inspection Report, aligning with Mid North Coast Termite Inspections to offer clients a complete pre-purchase Building Inspection Report.

Buying a home will probably be the biggest financial decision you will ever make so it’s
important to make a wise choice. Knowing as much as you can about the condition of the property before you buy will help you avoid problems and extra costs down the track. The best way of doing this is to get a pre-purchase property inspection report – otherwise known as a Building Inspection Report.

Be wary of any building/pest inspector that combines the building and pest inspections in the one report.

Firstly, the obvious fact is that two pairs of eyes inspecting the one house are more likely to ensure that all faults are detected. Secondly, the building and pest inspection processes are very different. A “jack of all trades” approach is inadequate. The Australian Standard stipulates that the pest report is classified as a “special purpose report” and a specialised report separate to that of the building report must be produced. Therefore, it is our opinion that two separate inspectors should always be used.

The consultant should inspect all accessible parts of the property.These include the following areas: • interior of the building

• exterior of the building

• roof space

• underfloor space

• roof exterior

• site.

You may like to ask that a particular part of the property also be inspected.

The following items would normally be included in a building inspection report:

• garage,carport and garden shed

• separate laundry or toilet

• small retaining walls (ie.non-structural) • steps • fencing

• surface water drainage

• stormwater run-off

• paths and driveways.

The consultant normally wouldn’t check things such as:

• footings

• concealed damp-proofing

• electrical wiring and smoke detectors

• plumbing

• drainage (including site drainage)

• gasfitting

• air conditioning

• garage door locks

• swimming pools and pool equipment

• watering systems

• fireplaces and chimneys

• alarm systems

• intercom systems

All our building inspectors are licenced consultants with the Department of Fair Trading and have professional indemnity insurance. Copies of the inspectors insurance policy and licence can be provided upon request.

The Building Inspection Reports comply with with Australian Standard AS 4349.1 – 2007 Inspection of Buildings Part 1 and AS 4349.0 – 2007 part O General Requirements.

The 12 to 15 page Building Inspection Report with coloured photos will contain information and comments on any minor defects, details and comments on any major defects, details and comments on any safety hazards and cracks to building elements. The Building Inspection Report also will provide a brief report on Plumbing and Electrical items.

Owner Builder Warranty Inspection

A seller who has constructed, or extended a building under an Owner Builder licence, within the last 6 years & 6 months, from the completion date (i.e. certificate of final inspection) and where the market value of the whole project (labour & materials) was more than $ 12,000 are required by law to take out Home Warranty Insurance to protect the buyer.

You will find that you will be unable to settle on your property until this insurance has been put in place. The insurance providers may require documentation in order to assess eligibility for home warranty insurance on your owner builder work such as:

• Copy of owner builder permit

• Copy of building application or development approval from council, or completion certificate

• Copy of all mandatory inspections, copy of electrical & plumbing certificates

• Copy of land title; and

• Owner Builders Defects Inspection Report

Ken Barker Building Services is licensed to provide the necessary report/information for all the major insurers, and therefore can assist you with your Owner Builders Defects Inspection Report requirements.