Costly FREE building reports from sellers/agents can prove to be costly

Costly FREE building reports

FREE building reports that can cost you considerably with their omissions.

BE WARNED, about costly FREE building reports. Discount the following advice at YOUR PERIL or you are likely to suffer the consequences! QBIS.

Just a few photos of problems omitted from a “free” vendors (seller) report, the ones agents handout to unsuspecting buyers

Rusted columns within slabs often cause long term serious problems.

The rusted column above was only one of many that were not included in the sellers (vendor report) that were passed onto prospective buyers for “free”.

Although this fault is “standard building practice” it can be avoided using practical methods of construction. This problem will cause the slab to fracture from expansion of the rusting columns and allow potential termite access and damage.

Rising damp problem not mentioned in a “FREE” vendors building inspection report.

Much higher than usual moisture meter reading to a slab, indicating rising damp. This is most likely due to lack of a plastic moisture barrier below the slab also from seepage. Moisture readings should be around 200 or less.

Unprofessional finish to lower external of house that will cause problems.

Lower weatherboard must extend down and cover part of the slab edge to avoid seepage and rot to bottom plate of the timber wall. Seepage will occur and cause rot to the concealed lower wall frame. Rot may also occur to bottom plate of the wall if a membrane has not been correctly fitted between the slab and plate.

Dangers of rotting balcony timber.

Rotten floor joist with new flooring fitted over it, the joist should have been reinfored or replaced (recommended). The floor joist is potentially dangerous if it collapses under load which could cause serious injury to anyone on the balcony.

Not one of the above problems were not identified in the sellers vendors report issued to prospective buyers “for FREE”

Vendor reports can prove to be costly if serious faults have not been identified or are understated in a “free” report.
Don’t expect any Building or Pest report given to you by a seller or real estate agent to be accurate or unbiased.
Or be prepared to pay rectification costs of any items that were not identified in their report.

Balcony-deck PDF safety guide.

Qld Government on deck and balcony safety guidelines

Tips on how to avoid inexperienced and unqualified inspectors also costly FREE building reports.

Always employ Building or Pest Inspectors that are independent of the seller and agent.
Never accept advice from anyone that does not operate a pest control business for a living.
Employ two separate firms, independent of each other.
Check to ensure your Building Inspector personally has a builders licence, insurance and “a completed building inspection license”.
Do not accept the company only, carrying the licenses and insurance.
Make sure your pest inspector currently operates a pest control business.
Do not use a Builder with a pest control license.