Townhouses with movement of their foundations. Foundation movement in townhouses, can easily be overlooked by building inspectors, if they are not prepared to look at the building exterior. QBIS. Some examples showing the importance of building inspectors accessing exterior of a unit complex, where possible. Brick pier movement photos were taken in the same [...]
Leaking from a veranda occuring in a storm. Why leaking from a veranda is occuring and how it can be fixed. QBIS. Cause of leaking is most often from absence of flashings where the veranda is attached to a house. This is a common omission with many builders. No flashings fitted where this [...]
Seepage causing damage to concrete. Damage to concrete from seepage, how to rectify. QBIS. Seepage through paving is causing deterioration of concrete of the sub-floor area below. Although not significant at this stage it will continue and can become costly to rectify the longer it is left without being repaired. It is much better to [...]
Common termite entry points to sub-floor of houses. Some examples of potential termite entry points. QBIS. This was a large exposed deck and house without termite barriers, also insufficient clearances between the soil and timber. Because of limited access to work under, a substantial amount of money would be required to prevent termites from [...]
How a bath-shower combination were improperly installed. Problems a improper installation of bath-shower can cause. QBIS. Although not a common fault, seepage will occur from this incorrect installation that is likely to rot concealed walls if it is not removed and properly refitted. Reasons for improper installation of bath-shower. A platform shelf has [...]
Stumps leaning from retaining wall movement. Pressure from retaining wall and stump movement. QBIS. This serious problem was also causing the house to move. Access to replace the retaining wall and stumps was not possible to achieve using machinary because of limited access and no boundary clearance because of the building age. Considerable [...]
How smoke alarm-detectors may save your life. Smoke alarm-detectors. Learn about the importance of smoke detectors, also Queensland Government requirements. QBIS. What the Queensland Government require and its legislation. As of 1/01/17 Queensland Fire and Emergency service requirements for Smoke alarms in houses being sold, leased or an existing lease renewed, have been [...]
How undersized box gutters can cause damage. What you need to know about undersized Box gutters, their impact and how to overcome their problems. QBIS. Problems with undersized box gutter and this roof. Roof sheeting was too short. Gutter was secured where water travels Rotting of the ceiling linings below indicate the gutter [...]
Danger of pergola collapsing Pergola in danger of collapsing. This rotting pergola was located directly above a children's play area and could collapse at any time! QBIS. This serious was was indentified in a building inspection report, alerting the home owner to the danger then alleviated. Exposed timber pergola that is rotting. If [...]
New apartment defects. Learn about new apartment defects and why they should not happen. QBIS. No buyer expects there to be faults with a new unit. This is why it is important to employ a building inspector with an independent, unbiased and objective point of view such as Peter Weddell. New apartment balcony [...]
Some examples of an expensive roof tile coating job gone wrong. Be warned: These roof tiles were peeling not long after being painted. QBIS. These coated roof tiles were PEELING after only three months! The firm that coated this roof demanded a considerable amount of cash before coating this roof. They could not be [...]
Fracturing of new concrete stumps. Learn why these new concrete stumps are fracturing. These new concrete stumps were replaced approximately 4 years before the inspection and already fracturing. Some recommendations on alternatives that are worth considering. QBIS. Common causes of concrete stumps to fracture. Issues with surface and roof water drainage Ponding of [...]
Causes of an unwanted smell in bathrooms. Bathrooms with unwanted smell. Ever wondered why you have this lingering unwanted smell in your bathroom or ensuite that will not go away. QBIS. Look no further! Causes of smell in a bathroom: A palazzi trap is usually cause of the problem. This is a combination [...]
Room being used for other than its Council approved purpose. Non-compliant living room and affects it can have on home owners/sellers. QBIS. Area below house was non-compliant and not suitable for use as living area. In misleading advertising it was listed for use as a habitable area. This can affect your insurance and when [...]
Dangers and importance of roof structure securing. Learn how inadequate securing of a roof structure can be potentially dangerous and how to overcome this fault. QBIS. Risky & potentially dangerous securing: Rafters of this patio roof were secured to the metal fascia with pop rivets, this is a potentially dangerous situation, if it [...]
