Most fine cracks in plaster are cosmetic and can be filled in. However, a crack is worth investigating when it is wide, growing or recurring, or when it runs diagonally or steps through brickwork. The same goes for any crack that appears alongside sticking doors, noticeable floor changes or new gaps between walls and ceilings.
Continue reading “Cracks in Plaster Walls: When Are They a Structural Concern?”
Many buyers assume an apartment doesn’t need the same scrutiny as a house. It’s smaller, often newer, and the common areas are generally managed through the strata scheme. But apartments can still have defects and other issues, making a building and pest inspection worthwhile. It also differs from an inspection of a freestanding house and doesn’t replace checking the wider strata scheme.
Continue reading “Building & Pest Inspection for Apartments and Units: Do You Need One?”
Termites are one of the most misunderstood pests in Australia, and that misunderstanding costs homeowners dearly. The truth is that no home is automatically safe, and the consequences of getting it wrong can run into the tens of thousands of dollars.
This article busts the most common termite myths, starting with the biggest one of all: that building on a concrete slab protects you from termites.
Soft or uneven floors, squeaking boards, or a musty smell can all point to problems beneath your home. The subfloor plays a critical role in supporting the structure above it, and when defects develop, they can lead to safety risks, costly repairs and long-term damage.
Common subfloor defects include termites, moisture issues, poor ventilation, movement and structural deterioration. Because this area is hidden from view, problems often go unnoticed until they become severe.
In this guide, we explain what the subfloor and subfloor void are, why inspectors need access to this area, and the most common subfloor defects — including how to identify, fix and prevent them.
Continue reading “Common Defects Found in Subfloors (and how to fix them)”
If a major construction project is happening near your property, you might be wondering how it could affect your home. Heavy machinery, excavation, or demolition work can cause vibration, ground movement, or accidental damage to surrounding buildings. Without proper documentation, it can be difficult to prove whether damage was pre-existing or caused by nearby works, and this can quickly lead to costly disputes.
That’s where a dilapidation report (also known as a condition report) comes in. It records the state of a property before and after neighbouring construction, providing protection for both homeowners and builders.
Continue reading “What is a Dilapidation Report and What’s Included?”
Chemical delignification is a form of timber deterioration that affects roof structures, particularly timber battens supporting terracotta or metal roof tiles. Often referred to as “hairy timber”, this process weakens the timber over time and can eventually compromise the structural safety of the roof — in some cases making it unsafe to walk on.
In this guide, we explain what chemical delignification is, where it occurs, what causes it, when it becomes a structural defect, how to spot it, and what can be done to manage it. Understanding the issue early can help property owners avoid costly repairs and serious safety risks.
The gutters on a house manage the flow of water from the roof down to the drainage system and away from the property foundation. Though it plays a vital role, the gutter is often overlooked when it comes to cleaning.
If you haven’t been paying enough attention to your gutters, you should know that neglecting them can lead to many problems in the future which all could have been easily avoided by a thorough clean.
Continue reading “How Cleaning Your Gutters Can Save You Money”
Between 1940 and the mid-1980s, Asbestos-containing material (ACM) was widely used in the construction industry. In fact, Asbestos was used in some form or manner in over 3,000 products throughout Australia. For properties built during this timeframe, it’s crucial to obtain an Asbestos audit. Continue reading “Why Get An Asbestos Audit?”
When buying or selling a house, the goal is always to get your money’s worth, or more. For this to happen you must first determine the overall condition of the property you’re intending to buy or sell. Undertaking a professional pre-purchase building and pest inspection can help you get a better understanding of the property’s worth, and make sure you don’t end up with a complete dud.
Timber pests like termites, bores, and decay fungi attack timbers and other wooden parts of your house, feeding off them from within and leaving no surface signs. When left untreated, the attacks can greatly affect the structural soundness of your property.
If you want to keep your property in top shape and highly valuable for resale, it’s important to learn to read the signs of early infestation, and how to prevent it altogether.
