We all like to think we are savvy enough to pick up obvious problems in a property but unfortunately, many problems aren’t obvious and can only be identified by an experienced building inspector. If someone asked you, ‘What does asbestos look like?’ would you be able to answer accurately? It’s unlikely. Leave it up to the professionals. Here’s what you should ask them and why.
Note that Action Property Inspections is a specialist service for pre-purchase property inspections in Brisbane. We do not offer asbestos inspections as a stand-alone service.
What does asbestos look like?
Asbestos can take on many forms and can be difficult to see. Just a few of the 3000+ building materials made with asbestos include corrugated cement sheeting, flat cement sheeting or ‘fibro’, the backing of tiles, asbestos sprayed around pipes and used for insulation. Often, products containing asbestos have been painted to look like non-asbestos products such as plasterboard. When asbestos is in loose form, it can also look very inconspicuous. Click here for more asbestos facts.
Before you look to do any renovations on a property, it’s essential the building is inspected for asbestos by a qualified and experienced asbestos inspector. If asbestos is discovered, you can consider your options including the costs involved with professional asbestos removal. Asbestos removal or dealing with asbestos during renovations is definitely not a DIY job.
How can I tell if there are structural issues in a property?
There are a number of defects that can point to structural problems including cracked walls, cracked ceilings, uneven floors, and windows and doors that don’t close properly but in many cases, these defects are well hidden. This is where an experienced building inspector can save you a lot of heartache – and money.
Qualified and with years of experience – and the proper equipment – a building inspector like Action Property Inspections know what to look for. They can see when a wall has been puttied up and painted over to hide a cracking wall, they’ll pick up the tell-tale signs of an uneven floor, even if it’s covered with carpet, and they’ll be able to tell if stumps are sinking – even when to you, they look completely normal.
How can I tell if the property is affected by termites?
Termites are one of the biggest concerns of property buyers and owners, particularly in Brisbane. This temperate capital city provides the perfect climate for termites; they love the damp created by our humid and sometimes wet weather.
Climate aside, termites are also drawn to things like leaking and dripping pipes, garden beds and piles of timber. Look out for these signs your property has termites, – and if you do, call Action Property Inspections immediately.
From, ‘What does asbestos look like?’ to ‘How do I know if I have rats in my property?’ Action Property Inspections are always happy to answer your questions to help you make the best decisions and ultimately, a property purchase you won’t live to regret.
Go into your house inspection knowing everything you need to, learn about interior house issues.