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…
Structurally, sagging could indicate undersized beams, rafters or purlins, knots or weak points in timber, (sometimes caused by installers of services cutting for access), rotting or corrosion of structural members, or even wetting of timber allowing more bend, or a heavier load on the roof than it is designed for. Another possible cause is the…
Treat any existing mould in your home before taking steps to reduce condensation. You need to restrict new mould growth first before you install insulation as otherwise your mould problem could get worse. Install ceiling insulation to end simple cases of condensation dampness on ceilings and the top parts of external walls. This stops both…
LED (Light Emitting Diodes) are the newest, most energy efficient lighting source available. Because of their tremendous efficiencies, the LED lighting technology is revolutionising illumination as we know it. From the back lighting on your keyboard to the street lights outside of your home – LEDs are more and more rapidly being integrated. Different than…
What is Concrete Cancer? Concrete cancer is a serious problem that occurs within concrete and it is caused by the steel reinforcing inside the concrete rusting. As the steel reinforcing rusts, it expands, causing the concrete around the steel to be displaced. As the concrete becomes more displaced, more water gets into the steel, causing…
When you are buying or selling a home it’s highly advisable to make sure that any additions or alterations to the dwelling have been properly authorized by the local shire or council. You might be surprised how often this is not properly done and just how many homes have unauthorized structures as a part of…
Winter weather tips for your home Reverse your ceiling fans. This will create an updraft and push heated air down into the room. This is especially helpful in rooms with high ceilings, and it might even allow you to turn down your heater and save on energy bills. Check your roof. Arrange for someone to…
Final inspections are the buyer’s opportunity to look over the property (accompanied by no more than two other people) to ensure it’s in the same condition as it was when they made their offer, and that any special conditions (such as electrical, plumbing and gas warranties) are satisfied. As a highlighted during a recent settlement…