Construction projects must adhere to many codes and regulations. While some regulations are federal, many change depending on the municipality where the project is being done. Before a construction project can be completed, it must pass a building inspection.
Building inspections vary, but they’re part of the construction process for commercial, residential and industrial projects. What is a building inspection, when does it happen and what does it cover? We explain everything you need to know.
What Is a Building Inspection?
A building inspection is a review of the work done on a construction project by a building inspector, who is employed by the city, township or county in which the project is located. The building inspector will review the job site to ensure it complies with safety regulations and building codes. It’s a comprehensive assessment of the building’s structural integrity, safety and compliance with local building codes and regulations.
The building inspector is usually certified in one or more of the professional building disciplines to have the skills and knowledge needed to judge whether a building meets code requirements. There are different certifications for residential and commercial building inspectors, as well as inspectors who focus on plumbing, electrical or mechanical project aspects.
It’s crucial to pass building inspection to deliver the project successfully. General contractors must convey to their crew and subcontractors the code requirements for every aspect of the job to ensure the work passes inspection. This must be all planned. Not doing so risks having to bring the work up to code, sometimes razing structures and rebuilding them, which will delay the schedule and add costs that will negatively affect the project’s profit margin.
The building inspection examines the condition of the property and structure to determine if it’s sound and meets legal requirements. The building inspector will check on the stability and compliance with the safety regulations of the building. This includes the following.
There are many different types of building inspections. Almost every phase and feature of the building has specific requirements. From inspections of masonry pre-grout, wall drainage piping and the roof system to all frame and rough, insulation and the final inspection, the list of building inspections is long and varied. Rather than go into detail, here are some of the larger, more comprehensive types of building inspections one finds on a construction job site.
Evaluates the building and/or property used for commercial purposes and is intended to drive profit from operations or rental income. Commercial construction can include cafes, retail stores, warehouses, factories, office buildings, multi-family and single-family residential units, restaurants, etc. A commercial building inspection seeks to discover any issues with the property. They tend to occur at the start and end of a tenancy or during the buying or selling of the property.
A qualified inspector will assess the property’s condition. This pre-purchase building inspection covers a range of areas, from roofs to walls. It identifies faults and informs the potential buyer as to whether they can be repaired and, if so, what the cost for those repairs would be.
A structural engineer executes the visual inspection to confirm the structural integrity of the building’s weight-bearing elements, such as its framing, foundation, beams, columns, posts or trusses. A structural building inspection is done when a building or property owner is questioning how sound their structure is or when an element of the building requires examination.
A building safety inspection is an on-site walk-through that identifies hazards to occupants and personnel. It then offers remedial action to resolve these issues. There’s also a review of safety equipment on site, such as emergency eyewash, shower, fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, etc., to ensure it’s in proper working order.
A pre-sale home inspection is a detailed examination of a home’s condition. It is completed before the home is listed for sale on the market.
The pre-sale inspection process involves qualified home inspectors doing a walkthrough. And hands-on evaluation of the interior and exterior of the home. This way, the inspectors identify any issues, defects, or needed repairs in the home’s major systems and structure.
During the inspection, the home inspector will carefully examine different areas of your home. Including roof and attic, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, and interior. They’ll assess the elements like the basement, foundation, and structural components.
Exterior elements are also covered, such as siding, decks, porches, pools, hot tubs, and drainage. The kitchen and its appliances, bathrooms, and fixtures – nothing can go unnoticed by your inspectors’ eyes.
They will also test your home’s systems for good physical and working conditions. This may include plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. Also, check your place’s insulation, ventilation, and energy efficiency.
The Pre-Sale Inspection Checklist
When getting a home inspection before selling, there are several major areas that are considered through the pre-sale inspection checklist. Knowing what aspects of the home will be under strict examination will help sellers prepare for it. Let’s go through each element of the pre-sale inspection checklist.
Before you buy a property, it’s always a good idea to understand the condition of the building. If the building is old or there are issues that could be potentially costly, a condition report can provide an impartial, third-party view of the current state of repairs and maintenance at a property.
As a prospective owner, a property condition assessment offers benefits that can help you now and in the future. Some of these benefits include:
What is in a condition report?
The Chartered Surveyor who writes the report should have a thorough knowledge of building regulations, energy efficiency, safety issues and other property-related matters. This will enable them to write a clear, concise report on the condition of the property.
The report should include a breakdown of the state of the fixtures and fittings, such as the plumbing and electrics. This should be done by assessing the condition of the items, not by testing them. You will receive two copies of the report from the surveyor: one for you and one for the other party involved in the transaction.
To ensure that everything is running to perfection and meets the standards we demand, we make our own pre-handover inspection. This will include testing all your appliances, running the heating and hot water systems and testing the plumbing and the power. We will also check all the finishing work including paint work, doors, tiling, door handles, window latches and all those little details which will make living in your new home a pleasure.
We check inside of every kitchen unit, cupboard and wardrobe, the loft space, garage and all other areas to ensure your house is 100% clean and ready for occupation.
The pre handover inspection report is a comprehensive and detailed report that covers the whole house, where accessible and includes items like:
The Overall Quality Of The Finishes, I.e. Paintwork, Plastering, Tiling
Examine Wet Areas For Cracks And Leaks
Fixtures And Fittings
Roof Cover (Where Possible)
Roof Frame, Insulation And Sarking
Building Work, Brickwork And Cladding
Walls, Internal And External
Switches And Power Points
Ceilings
House Flooring
Doors And Frames, Internal And External
Windows And Frames, Internal And External
Patios, Balconies And Stairs
Cabinets And Wardrobes
Fences And Out Buildings
Termite Protection Barriers
By conducting a thorough practical completion inspection during the home building process, home owners can ensure that the property is in the agreed-upon industry standards and that all necessary repairs and maintenance have been completed.
Pre-Purchase Building & Pest
If you’re buying a home, it’s vital to get a building and
pest inspection carried out by a professional building consultant who will inspect it thoroughly.
While an inspection won’t tell you whether the property is a good purchase, it will advise you of its condition.
What is a specialist pre-purchase termite inspection?
A specialist pre-purchase home inspection involves the thorough inspection of a home prior to purchase. This inspection looks specifically for evidence of existing termite damage or activity and conditions likely to attract termites in the future. We also look for signs of fungal decay, wood rot and other types of pests, such as wood borers, that may be of concern to the property.
Specialist pre-purchase termite inspections are often required as part of the pre-purchase process when buying a property and must be carried out by a licensed timber pest inspector in accordance with Australian standards AS4349.3 — 2010.
How does a specialist pre-purchase termite inspection work?
A specialist termite inspection for pre-purchase is carried out by one of our licensed, highly trained and experienced service technicians to the highest standard. They will conduct a thorough inspection of the property, inside and out, both visually and using our specialist equipment to look for any signs of termite damage or other concern.
They will then provide a comprehensive report and overall evaluation of the property so you can make a fully informed decision regarding the purchase.
When do we recommend a specialist pre-purchase termite inspection?
We recommend using our specialist pre-purchase termite inspection service when you are purchasing a property and your general pest inspector cites your property as being at high risk for attracting termites.
As we are termite specialists with immense experience and state-of-the-art equipment, we are able to conduct more thorough inspections and provide more comprehensive termite advice than general pest inspectors.
This extra thoroughness removes the risk of existing termite issues going undetected and allows you to make a fully informed decision on your purchase.
What steps are involved in a specialist termite inspection for pre-purchase?
The process for a specialist pre-purchase termite inspection is as follows:
A termite inspection (thermal) is a thorough inspection of your property that allows our expert team to gain an in-depth understanding of your home’s termite situation. During the termite inspection (thermal), our experts look for signs of current or past termite activity, as well as conditions that could make the property attractive to termites in the future. They will also look for signs of other pests, including wood borers and fungal decay.
All Termite inspections (thermal) are carried out by our licensed timber pest inspectors in accordance with Australian Standards Series AS3660.2-2017.
Post-Construction Termite and Pest Inspection:
Post-Construction: For existing homes or buildings, Homefix Group Termites Control provides Term Stop termite protective system with minimal disruption to soil and negates the need to drill through feature pavers, liquid limestone, or... The Term Stop is buried around the total perimeter of a dwelling and the unique “wrap around” nature of the piping means that vulnerable points such as downpipes can receive concentrated applications of the termiticide. Once installed, an impenetrable barrier is created for termites and future inspections and replenishment of the system is easy.
Homefix Group Termites Control technicians design and implement a plan that will adequately protect the home or building structure from termite invasion.
Note that with any termite reticulation system, it is essential to have an annual inspection done by Homefix Group Termites Control technicians as this will ensure the continuation of all warranties.
Termite Treatment in : Comprehensive Solutions for Termite Control and Protection
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Termite Inspection : Identifying and Assessing the Problem
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Termite Protection : Safeguarding Your Property
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In conclusion, Homefix r Pest Control offers comprehensive termite treatment in ensuring the highest level of protection for your property. With our expertise in termite inspection, treatment, and control, we are your go-to solution for all your termite-related needs. Contact us today to safeguard your property from the devastating effects of termite infestations.
Package Pricing offers three convenient levels of package pricing for customers looking to maximize the scope of their inspection
Homefix Group diverse range of inspection services can provide trusted support for your products, projects, and processes.
Inspections help minimize the risk of defective products by ensuring they meet both customer standards and industry and government regulations. This serves to protect your business interests; help manage your risk and ensure quality products are manufactured and delivered to their final destination at the specifications of the customer.
Providing quality Building Inspections across Australia Clear, detailed and reliable inspection reports that ensure your building is safe and up to standard, whether you’re buying, selling, or maintaining the property.
They are, by far, one of the most knowledgeable, thorough and professional inspection companies out there today. That is why I still strongly recommend them to this day. I am so confident in their work that I use Mr Homefix for any properties I buy for myself and my family
Barina
The inspector was extremely knowledgeable and gave good maintenance tips. This is the 2nd time we’ve used Mr Homefix; the 1st time you saved us from buying a piece of junk! Thank you! We would recommend you to anyone!
Eithan
Mr Homefix did a thorough inspection of my home, to make sure if there are any issues that need fixing, we repair them prior to listing the house for sale. The report was received in less than 24 hours after the inspection. I am very much impressed with his services
Khya
Inspector was knowledgeable, helpful, and professional. Would recommend.
Eren
They were very helpful on the phone when I set up the appointment and , our inspector, was kind, thorough and patient on the day of the inspection. I would use them again
Loorea
Very professional and detailed. Any questions I had were answered without confusion.
Lowan
Our professional technicians are always available to offer specialist advice and answer any questions you have.
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