The truth about Thermal Image Cameras.

What many people do not realise is that on a typical brick veneer house, the external walls do not provide structural support to your house. The brickwork could be removed and your house would remain standing. It is in fact the internal timber frame that provides the structural integrity for your house. Subsequently evaluating these walls during the course of an inspection is very important. So how do you evaluate these supporting wall structures when concealed by internal linings?

Institute of Building Consultants

Brad asks.. Is there an association of Building Inspectors in your area... that has regular meetings? Hi Brad, The Institute of Building Consultants hold regular committee meetings.  This group is part of the Queensland Master Builders Association.  You can find out more information regarding the Institute of Building Consultants by contacting Karen Haworth on (07) 3225 6421 or email karen.haworth@masterbuilders.asn.au

When signing a contract, should the Building & Pest Inspection clauses be for 7 or 14 days?

In most cases obtaining access for the Building Inspection, undertaking the Building Inspection and subsequently providing a detailed Building Inspection Report can be completed within a seven day period. It should however be noted that by the time this process has run its course it might leave you with little time to absorb the information and act upon the findings within the Building Inspection Report.

Should I trust a report supplied by the vendor?

A report supplied by a vendor is commonly known as a Pre-Sale Building Inspection report. In most cases, the vendor obviously wants a Building Inspector to provide them with a report that highlights very few if any faults of significance whilst undertaking the inspection for the least amount of cost outlay. The vendor is not acting in the purchasers best financial interests

How much will the Inspection cost?

Whilst the cost of the building inspection is to be considered, it is certainly not the most important issue. A cheap house inspection will not provide sufficient information to enable you to make an informed decision or provide you with the required documented proof allowing you to re-negotiate the purchase price. Extensive experience, qualifications and quality control have made Action Property Inspections the benchmark of the industry that others can only try to emulate. Although our standards are unsurpassable, we pride ourselves on having the most competitively priced, high quality full defect building inspection report on the market. A quick phone call to our office on 1800 642 465 will confirm the quality and cost benefits of using Action Property Inspections.

When do I pay for the report?

We do not request upfront payment before the building inspection is completed. Payment is however required on the day of the actual building inspection. If you are on site you may pay by eftpos, credit card, cheque or cash. If you cannot attend the inspection payment may be made by credit card over the phone when the inspector phones to convey the building inspection results to you.

How do you inspect within concealed areas?

A professional building inspector can often detect potential faults concealed within walls etc by being observant and looking for the tell tale signs that would only be apparent to an experienced house inspector. Where visible access is not available, specialised equipment such as moisture meters and thermal image cameras can also provide additional information, however it should be realised that even this high-tech equipment has its limitations. Unfortunately even the best building inspector does not have the ability to see within walls or behind furniture, and it is always possible that some faults may only become apparent when the furniture etc has been removed. It should be noted that at no time are we allowed to physically remove furniture or conduct an invasive inspection ...

How do you determine whether a house passes or fails a building inspection?

The purpose of a building inspection is not to pass or fail a house, but rather to undertake a detailed building inspection where all visible components of the house are evaluated to establish whether they are in a sound condition or require repair or replacement.

Can I be on site for the Building Inspection?

Yes. We encourage all our clients to be on site for the entire inspection or towards the end, whichever you prefer. Attending the building inspection provides us the opportunity to physically point out the faults to you and allows you the opportunity to measure up and visually inspect the premises yourself. In the event you are unable to attend the building inspection, we will call you that evening to convey the results of the house inspection in detail.

When do I receive the report?

The average house inspection report ranges from between 36 to 45 pages in length and is easy to understand with digital photography highlighting the most significant faults. The inspections are conducted during the day with the reports guaranteed to be completed that same evening. An email copy of the report and photos will be sent to you the same evening with the original report being posted the very next morning.