What is covered in the building inspection

A building inspection is an opportunity and process to find out any building defect by a qualified professional building inspector. Research says that all properties have building defects that can cost thousands of dollars. Building inspection provides information about these defects and helps you make an educated decision.

What is covered in the building inspection? This is the question on every potential property buyer’s mind. The building inspection is an elaborate process that covers every nook and corner of the property. Having said that, there are different guidelines for a building inspection in every state. The following list of items covered during the building inspection can help property buyers. 

Property Site

These are parts of the property that are not attached to the main building of the property.

The parts covered in this section of inspection are fence, retaining wall,  fence, gates, garage, carports, sheds, driveway, paving, paths, ramps, steps, handrails,  entertainment area, bbq area, pergolas, pools, spas, ponds, letterbox, clothesline, garden beds, flag poles jetty. The inspection is not only limited to the above-mentioned part of houses and may include other parts not mentioned here.

Building  Exterior

These are the parts of the building that are attached to the exterior of the main building.

The parts of the house which are inspected under this section are lintels, brickwork, block-work, cladding, windows, doors, laundry, storage rooms, sunrooms, front patio, back patio, stairs, balustrade, verandahs, decks, balconies, chimneys, attached garages.

Building Interior

The main items covered in this section of inspection are walls, windows, doors, ceilings, floors, stairs, balustrade,  bench-top, cupboards, sinks, tubs, spa, taps, tiles, cistern, pan, showers, vanity, washbasin, mirrors, damp problems, ventilation, skylights. All the parts of the interior must have clear and safe access.

Roof interior

The interior of the roof is also called the roof cavity or attic and contains roof insulation. The building inspectors do a thorough inspection of the roof cavity. Items inspected in this part of the inspection are roof cavity, roof tiles, roof sheeting, roof framing,  insulation, lighting covers, ceiling framing, ceiling lining, wall framing, and flashing.

The building inspector must have proper access to the roof cavity to furnish the inspection.

Roof exterior

The building consultant will inspect the roof exterior and any visible major defects or safety hazards associated with the following areas will be included in the report. The items covered here are roof tiles, roof sheeting, skylights, hot water systems, solar panels, vents, flues, valleys, gutters, downpipes, fascia, bargeboards, and eaves.

Subfloor

Some buildings have accessible subfloor. Inspector records any visible major defects or safety hazards associated with the subfloor. Parts covered in subfloor inspection are footings, piers, bearers, floor joists, flooring, moisture damage, rot, drainage, ventilation, retaining walls.

A building inspection is not limited to the items listed in the above list and a building inspector may include more items of the building depending on customer demand, local regulation, or property condition. For more information about building inspection, please visit the building inspection council website.