Electronic real estate boards are the way of the future, according to one advertising expert. As agents thrive to stand out amongst the sea of ‘For Sale’ boards, Pierce Cody, CEO at Live Board claims the world’s first real estate digital board could be the answer. According to Mr Cody, the Live Boards are designed…
When you are buying a home, you want to make sure you’re not getting a lemon. Your Houspect Building Inspector is the one person on your Real Estate team that has the knowledge you need at a critical time. A home is comprised of many complex components and your Building Inspector is trained to look…
One of the most common ways to sink a home sale or lower the bidding price is a surprise finding in a home building inspection, and this is prompting some sellers to take the precautionary step of having an inspection before listing. A home inspection can cost as little as $430, but real estate experts…
Paint containing lead was used in many Australian houses. Houses built before 1970 are most at risk, but those built more recently may also have paint containing lead in some areas. Exposure to lead is a health hazard. Even small amounts of dust or chips of paint containing lead, generated during minor home repairs, can…
Cracking cornices and plaster cracks are a common feature that often occur naturally in a new home. Ground movement and natural settling can occur with minor cracks appearing in walls or cornices, often several years after the house has been completed. Because this cracking appears on your walls it does not mean they are necessarily…
Renovating an apartment – ask permission! There is something amazing about seeing an old neglected building brought back to life, given an injection of twenty-first century designer furniture and accessories, open plan living, and sold off to the highest bidder. Well that’s my take on Channel 9?s ‘The Block’ and the recent series didn’t disappoint.…
Shower recess issues and problems In some cases damaged shower recesses can require structural repairs to the surrounding wall and floor structures. The most common areas where showers leak apart from tiling and corners are around taps and down the walls behind the taps and sink. Sometimes the issue can be inside the walls and…
Some of Houspect’s inspectors note that nearly 50% of the homes they inspect don’t have the required gas vents in homes being sold.The WA Department of Commerce notes the following in regards to Gas Bayonets: “Keep the room well ventilated. If the room is fitted with a gas bayonet fitting to allow the connection of…
Repointing is the process of repairing damaged mortar in brick work, masonry or roof tiling. Broken, cracked or otherwise damaged mortar is the primary entry point for moisture into the home. Once inside, the moisture continues to do damage, so repointing is a necessary part of home maintenance. Ridge tiles (also called capping tiles) are…
Waterproofing is vital in the home to stop water and moisture from entering the structural areas of the home and causing damage. Common wet areas in the home include the bathroom, laundry and kitchen. However, balconies, roofs, walls, basements and garages are all susceptible to water and also need to be waterproofed. Water may also…