April 7, 2019
You may have heard the term before or possibly confused them with regular building inspections, but dilapidation reports vary from those pre-purchase inspections you hear so much about. So what are dilapidation reports? What details does it include and when exactly should you get one?
Think of it like a before and after
Dilapidation reports are a record of the condition of the property at time of the inspection. The current condition is recorded after a site visit, which takes a look at current damage and any aspects of the property that may be affected by nearby construction or demolition projects.
A report includes a written assessment along with photographs and will look at a range of areas, including:
These inspections are carried out by experienced building consultants who have a great understanding of the type of damage that may occur during large projects. Essentially, the aim is to give you a before and after view to see if damage has occurred.
When you should get one
To put simply, this type of inspection is important for anyone looking for further peace of mind. There are two instances where you may enquire about dilapidation reports.
You are aware of demolition or construction projects that are taking place near your property and need evidence if any future damage occurs to your home as a result.
Your property is likely the biggest investment you have ever made, so you’ll want to do all you can to protect it. If the council or a neighbour is planning a construction project, it’s a good idea to get a dilapidation report before they commence. If their work impacts your property in any way, such as damage to fences or cracks in walls, you’ll be able to make a claim to be reimbursed. The dilapidation report will provide clear evidence for you to plead your case.
You are about to start major construction work on your own property and need to assess nearby properties.
Conversely, if you are planning a construction, excavation or demolition, it is a good idea to get a dilapidation report on the properties around you. The small cost for these inspections will be well worth it in order to avoid costly disputes in future from neighbours claiming your work has caused significant damage to their property. The report is usually signed by the owner and by yourself to show both parties agree to the accuracy and the undertaking of the report.
During the project or upon completion, it’s a good idea to get a second report to show the changes, (if any) that have occurred as a result. Keeping clear and consistent records will help you protect your investment or business from exorbitant costs.
For more information about Building Inspections Adelaide you can call us at 1300 155 688.
April 1, 2019
So you may have seen it on a building report, or heard about it in property buying horror stories, but what exactly is rising dampness? Here, we’ll tell you what it is, what to look for and the consequences rising dampness can have on a property.
The definition
Rising dampness – sometimes referred to as rising damp or structural dampness – is the presence of unwanted moisture that rises through the floors and walls of a property.
Bricks and mortar can be quite porous, so they can soak up groundwater and cause it to travel upwards throughout the home. Often, this dampness doesn’t reach the full height of the building as gravity does its work. However, some moisture will also be evaporated into the property, which causes a whole new array of problems for owners.
What causes it?
This is commonly a fault in the structural integrity of the home where waterproofing has not been carried out properly. However, damage to gutters and piping may also be contributing factors to unwanted dampness. When assessing the cause, you may also need to consider changing environmental factors where your structure is struggling to cope with these new conditions.
What symptoms should I be looking for?
There are number of warning signs you should look for when assessing whether water is an issue at your home.
Smells – damp, musty smells are a sign there may be issues lurking somewhere in your space.
Touch – feel the wall, you may feel a drop in temperature as you move your hand closer to the floor.
Rot – rotting timber is a bad sign and should lead you to inspect further.
Plaster damage – if the plaster is crumbling or blistering it may be due to the salt deposits.
Walls – you may notice tide marks where the moisture stops on the walls.
Skirting boards – check for boards that are obviously damaged.
Mould
The damage to your home could be devastating
By the warning signs alone, you could imagine the type of destruction this problem can have on your home. Floors may rot, wallpaper and plaster will be damaged. It can also cause issues with decorations and furniture. So, the sooner you recognise and address the issue, the less likely it is you will need to undergo significant repairs and replacements throughout your home.
If left for extended periods of time, the salt deposits can cause significant damage. Simply replacing the plaster at this point may not be enough to reverse the negative effects. So, quick action is essential.
If you’re unsure if rising dampness is an issue for your property, or a property you are thinking of purchasing, it’s always a good idea to get a professional opinion. Getting the experts in will ensure the problem is correctly identified and the right course of action is taken to rectify any issues.
For more information about Building Inspections Adelaide you can call us at 1300 155 688.
September 29, 2016
A building inspection is a detailed report on the current condition of a property containing independent advice to help you confidently make an informed decision, based on your findings. It lets you know upfront what sort of maintenance and repairs a property needs and what its minor or major flaws are.
September 29, 2016
If you’re looking to cut corners as you buy or sell a home, make sure you continue to prioritise a building inspection. Why? Because a house is almost certainly your biggest investment, and the structural integrity of a property is absolutely fundamental to keeping your asset and your family safe.
September 29, 2016
Among the top five issues with properties identified by professional building inspectors are structural defects, roof damage, and drainage, plumbing and ventilation problems.
With that in mind, you might think you are well enough equipped to keep a keen eye out for those potential flaws as you prepare to sign a contract on your new dream home.
