1. Background We have previously written about the WA love affair with patios and carports. For a refresh see here. While the patio is now being phased out in new homes by much more elaborate outdoor alfresco areas, the humble patio is still a feature in many of our existing homes. Carports are generally giving…
Major Structural Defects – What to do when the REIWA Pre Purchase Building Inspection Annexure has been used 1. Background In WA Pre Purchase Building Inspections on residential properties are generally undertaken as a result of a REIWA Purchase Contract where the Standard REIWA Pre Purchase Building Inspection Annexure has been included. Every week we…
1. Background Houspect WA conducts a large number of pre purchase building inspections every year across WA. The question is often raised, how soon can I conduct my pre purchase building inspection once we have an agreed Offer to Purchase Contract? The simple answer is immediately, which explodes the commonly held myth that Buyers have…
Impacts on those Buying, Building or Renovating Residential Properties in WA? Residential building work contracts in Western Australia are governed by the Home Building Contracts Act 1991 (the Act). If residential building work valued over $20,000 is to be undertaken (a WA Registered Builder is required) the Act requires that a builder take out home…
1. Background We have previously written about the importance of weepholes. In our view, these are an integral part of WA homes, especially double brick homes. Need a refresher on the importance of weep holes see here. These innocuous little vents enable moisture to escape the wall cavity but most importantly allow air to vent…
1. Background We have previously written about the importance of termite inspections when buying a property in WA. So hopefully we have clearly established the need to obtain a termite inspection when purchasing a property in WA. 2. Is a Termite Inspection an automatic right when you purchase a property when using the standard REIWA…
1. Background Often much is said about the need for pre-settlement inspections. However, there is often considerable confusion and occasionally disappointment when these inspections are conducted by Buyers, their representatives or Building Inspectors. For this reason, it is timely to explore exactly what these inspections are or potentially more important what they are not. 2.…
It is generally accepted that termite and wood boring pests are a part of living in in WA. The soil conditions are conducive to these pests. Termites can do an enormous amount of damage to a property, to the extent that a property can be made structurally unsound. For this reason, most WA residential property…
Most houses have at least three of them, most of us ignore them, but they can be a source of significant challenge for some property owners in WA. Dividing fences! An understanding of the key rules can be important. 1 What is a Dividing Fence? A dividing fence separates the land of different owners whether…
Unlike other parts of the world, most of us in WA basically live on sand hills, so dealing with stormwater in strata properties is relatively straight forward. We simply direct the water into carpark soakwells so that it can eventually drain away, thus meeting our obligation to manage and retain stormwater within the boundaries of…