Defect of rising damp to slab. Slab rising damp defect. QBIS. Moisture meter gauge: Although the moisture meter readings were only slightly higher than usual, this can be misleading if it has not rained for a while. There is a high probability that the readings may increase considerably in differing weather conditions. As you [...]
Concrete slab edge deterioration. Deterioration to concrete slab. QBIS. Heavy pitting has also occured to the slab surface most likely caused by type of soil in the area. The plastic membrane is not likely to have been wrapped around edge of the slab far enough, within the wall cavity. This is a problem I [...]
Damage to brick wall from salt. Salt damage to brick wall. This can occur from the type of soil in the area. Also refer to my free information downloads regarding salt attack, for more information. QBIS. Causes of deterioration to mortar between bricks: This problem can also occur from rising damp and salts in [...]
Apartment that was non-compliant for living use. Non-compliant apartment. QBIS. This unit was advertised as having a self contained unit below it. The seller and agent failed to mention the following in their advertising. Ceiling height was under the Code requirement for use as a habitable area, therefore it was not compliant. Problems associated [...]
Balcony in danger of collapsing. Balcony collapse danger. This balcony is potentially dangerous due to height of the perimeter railings being under the Building Code requirement of 1 metre. QBIS. Deteriorating rusting securings: Rusting bolts securing beams of this balcony are causing fracturing to the supporting post below the structure. Hot dip galvanised bolts must [...]
Roof leaking common locations. Common locations for roofs to leak. Paint peeling to this eave lining is caused by consistent leaking from the roof also from the gutters overflowing. QBIS. Gutter design fault: This gutter has overflowed at its back side. This is often due to the back edge being lower than the front causing [...]
Potential collapse of retaining walls. Potential collapsing of retaining walls. QBIS. The height of this retaining wall is way beyond the manufacturers recommendations. This wall is deviating from movement. Further movement is highly likely which may cause it to collapse. This type of retaining walls is not suitable for retaining large volumes of soil. [...]
New Unit and impractical design. Impractical design of a new unit. QBIS. With frequent severe weather conditions encountered in Queensland, combined with the following: Undersize surface drains. Insufficient height difference between paving levels and top of the living area slabs. Water entry is likely to occur to interior of this new unit in adverse [...]
Roof structures and old building fallacies. Building fallacies and roof structures. QBIS. The above photo shows an inadequately supported roof structure. "They don't build them like they used too" A potentially dangerous excuse for problems in old buildings. This was typical construction for tiled roof's of houses built in Brisbane around the 1940's through [...]
Insufficient ventilation causing dry-rot to sub-floor of house. Dry-rot from insufficient ventilation to sub-floor area. QBIS. Soil levels around the house were higher than the sub-floor level, allowing seepage and ponding of water. Mould is forming to the underside of flooring also to framing caused by inadequate sub-floor ventilation can cause serious health problems. [...]
Balcony exposure allowing seepage. Exposed balcony allowing seepage to interior of a house. Seepage has occurred through this exposed balcony to a living area below, causing damage and sagging to the ceiling lining. QBIS. Rectification required: Remove the floor tiles and sheeting from the balcony also any damaged timber and/or linings. Fit new sheeting suitable [...]
Water entry from balcony to an apartment. Water entry to apartment from balcony. QBIS. Inadequate relief: Reliefs fitted to brick walls of this balcony were insufficient in their size to allow water to escape in driving rain. Water entry to living areas of the apartment will occur. Inside of undersized relief hole to the [...]
Defects with balcony of an apartment. Defects with apartment balcony. QBIS. Poor design defect: The balcony slab height is higher than the apartment interior slab which will allow direct water entry to the living area, even in light rain. The slab also does not have sufficient fall away from the sliding door opening towards [...]
Footing movement with apartments. Apartments with footing movement. QBIS. Cracks to back wall of this block of units from footing movement. Other inspectors don't look at the exterior of an apartment building or common property, even where it is easily accessible. This can prove to be a costly mistake for you! The brick walls [...]
Roof access by building inspector saved a buyer from a costly defect. Roof access saved a buyer from a costly defect. Although this photo was taken 2006 in Strathpine, it has not lost its relevance. I considered it would be important to include in my Posts. QBIS. The photo shows considerable sagging to the [...]
