Actual rodent sightings in the home are a good indicator that a severe infestation may be in progress. Mild cases of infestation might not result in actual rodent sightings. Indicators of an infestation are: chewing or clawing sounds that come from inside or outside a home. Noises may even come from the roof, as tree-dwelling…
Q&A with Houspect Building Inspections WA Director Chris Walsh What is a building inspection report? A report is a visual assessment by an inspector to identify any structural and/or significant defects of the major building components of a property that are visible at the time of the property inspection. It should be completed by a…
Overhead power service lines carry enough energy to power your home. That’s why they need to be respected and safety clearances followed. What you see in the photo is clearly a safety hazard. The weight of the tree limb is pushing down on the service wire. The breeze easily moves the limb and the wire…
TIMBER PEST INSPECTIONS All property owners should be encouraged to recognise the necessity for having regular Timber Pest Inspections. The Australian Standards recommend inspections at least on an annual basis. The majority of people today have a desire to lessen the chemical impact especially on the home environment and people who once had annual treatments…
Buying a property is a big decision and it shouldn’t be left to chance. Pre-purchase building inspection reports provide valuable and detailed information designed to give you improved confidence and peace of mind in making your property decision. The investment to purchase a report is very small compared to the property investment you will make.…
Here are a few of the terms you may come across when building or reading building inspection reports COMMON BUILDING TERMS AG LINE- A perforated pipe (usually covered with a geo-textile fabric) laid behind retaining walls and other areas to catch seeping stormwater. ARCHITRAVE – moulding surrounding a door or window opening to cover the…
First home buyers and those more experienced buyers can often forget to check whether all the mechanical equipment on a property works properly before they buy it. Buyers must remember that it is a term of every contract that the property, at settlement, will be in the same state and condition it was in immediately…
How do I choose a tradesperson? Hiring a home improvement professional is an important, if not the most important, aspect of undertaking a project around the home. There are many factors to consider, such as qualifications, experience, reputation and your confidence in their abilities. When making the decision to hire a professional, it is important…
For smoke alarms to remain in working order they should be tested and maintained regularly. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services recommends the following maintenance routine: Testing once per month to ensure the battery and the alarm sounder are operating. Replacing batteries annually, (mains powered smoke alarms have back-up batteries). Check your smoke alarm…
Unsafe balconies and decks are a hazard and can place your family,friends, employees and visitors at risk of suffering serious injury or death. There are many things that can affect the safety of a balcony or deck over its lifetime. Insects Timber strength and condition can be affected by insect attack, such as termites and…