New retaining wall built with faults. This faulty new retaining wall was identified in a building inspection report by QBIS. The home owner saved money from the purchase price being reduced considerably. This saved them far more than the report cost. New retaining block wall without reinforcing. Close-up showing lack of concrete core [...]
Learn about leaking roofs and damage they cause. Roof gutter overflowing damage. QBIS. Facts: Every type of roof will leak at some stages over its life. Leaking often occurs in differing weather conditions. Consistent leaking from a roof is what causes problems and must be addressed ASAP. In most cases, water evaporates before it [...]
Potential dangers of electricians not replacing perished electrical cables. Dangerous perished electrical cables. QBIS. Newer cable fitted to old fuse box with perished and potentially dangerous electrical cables still in use. Perished cables must also be replaced when having new cables installed. Power boards should be upgraded, with safety switches, fitted on both the [...]
Learn about causes of dry rot and damage it can cause to sub-floor timber. Dry rot damage to sub-floor timber. QBIS. Condensation is occuring to the underside of this timber floor from evaporation of water that has ponded on the soil below. This is causing the timber to decay. Dry-rot causing destruction of [...]
Learn how impractical house design trends can cause short and long term problems Impractical house design trends to relatively new house causing problems early in its life. QBIS. Unfortunately too many designers and builders put design before practical construction. Hopefully this post will open your eyes to some problems I have encountered from poor [...]
Poor method of construction causing rusting of columns. Rusting columns within slab edges from design and construction fault. Learn why this method of construction should be outlawed and how to avoid. QBIS. This method of construction is impractical and must be avoided at any cost to avoid serious faults it causes. Rusting columns [...]
Learn how some "buyers agents" scam unsuspecting internet property buyers and how to avoid becoming a victim. Beware of internet property buying scams. QBIS. Example of faults not mentioned in building inspection report that was presented to a potential internet buyer from a "buyers agent". This could have been a costly mistake if the [...]
Location and names of sub-floor components. Sub-floor components. Helping non-builders gain a better understanding of how timber framed houses are supported and structured. QBIS. These are photos are typically constructed high-set or two storey houses. The only differences being is that sub-floor structures of purpose built two storey houses are usually covered with sheeting [...]
How hail damage can potentially affect home owners and buyers. Learn about a hail damaged roof and how it can affect you. QBIS. Above photo is of hail damaged roof that was checked by an insurance assessor also roofing contractor that both missed damage and therefore initially denied an insurance claim. Their decision was [...]
Examples of vermin damage to electrical fittings within a roof. Dangers of vermin damage to electrical fittings. These photos show vermin damage from to down-lights and wiring in the roof of a relatively new house. QBIS. In most cases this potentially dangerous problem can be rectified by a qualified electrician for a reasonable outlay. [...]
Learn about flooding around Brisbane and how it may affect buildings. Flooding effects around Brisbane. QBIS. Some periods of flooding around Brisbane. Predominantly, severe flooding has occurred in 1887-1893, 1908, 1931, 1974 and more recently in 2011 & 2013. Another type is localized flooding that occurs much more often and possibly on a number [...]
Learn why conversion of a garage into a habitable area can cause serious problems. Converted garage and problems. QBIS. Many builders do not realise that certain types of garages of existing homes cannot be effectively converted to living areas without creating serious problems. This post is to help home buyers/owners have a better understanding [...]
Learn how to avoid potential electrical cable dangers occurring within a roof. Electrical cable danger in a roof, what to do and how to avoid hazards caused by it.QBIS. Although this fault should never occur, this is a very common potentially dangerous problem that I often encounter, when inspecting new houses. Potential damage [...]
Learn about causes of overloaded stormwater systems and what to avoid. Overloaded stormwater system. The following photos show too many down-pipes from the roof gutters connected to one storm-water pipe. This most commonly occurs when fall of the land is down from the street towards rear of the property. QBIS. Too many downpipes [...]
Non-disclosure of termite damage. How non-disclosure of termite damage can affect a the sale of a house and how to potentially help achieve a sale. QBIS. Also learn why it is so important for sellers and agents being upfront with prospective buyers regarding major problems. In the majority of cases this is likely to [...]
