Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Jun 14, 2013 8:38 pm I'm just wondering what are the limitations of Buildings and Pest inspections are - with regards to what they can and cannot observe? Are there any instances in which a property could get the green light from a Building and Pest inspection (we are planning to use Archicentre) - but then turn out to have issues later that the inspector could not identify? When contemplating properties on a sloping block in the hills, would one be best advised to also seek the following: • Structrual Engineer report? • Geological/geotechnical report? • Slope stability report? Thanks in advance! Re: The limitations of Building + Pest inspections? 2Jun 14, 2013 10:47 pm There are many limitations and disclaimers in building and timber pest inspection and that is because there is no such thing as dwelling with perfects safe access. If the property is furnished how will inspector see behind furniture?, or in roof space full of insulation? or in sub floor cluttered by stored items and ducting? If I was employing your son as inspector and I sent him into sub floor space that was treated with toxic (cancer causing substance now banned) what would you tell me? Even with PPE something will get through and if you do it enough times you could get sick. Inspection is the best effort on the day given the limitations to determine significant issues. It is therefore a risk reduction and not a guarantee, you still have the risk that something is not picked up and will be limited by disclaimers. Any inspection company that tells you otherwise are liars. Despite limitations a good inspector will read between the lines and look for clues and generally get it right. This is why it is very important to choose the inspectors with right qualifications, equipment,experience and insurance. You can find what to look for on my blogs and examples of things we find. pre inspection agreement will spell out limitations Foremost Building Expert in Australia,assisting with building problems/disputes, building stage inspections,pre-contract review advice for peace of mind 200 blogs http://www.buildingexpert.net.au/blog Re: The limitations of Building + Pest inspections? 3Jun 16, 2013 1:00 pm Thanks for your advice mate - you've cleared up a few things. I'll be having a bit of a read through your blog this afternoon - looks like a fair bit of info to be read there. Would one possibly go to the further extent of engaging a structural engineer (or other specialist) if something came up on the Building and Pest report that indicated that there may be some structural issues? Cheers! Re: The limitations of Building + Pest inspections? 4Jun 17, 2013 8:20 am Your building and timber pest inspection will determine the condition of the dwelling and compare it to similar dwellings of the same age. It will also identify if there are any issues (structural or otherwise) and a good inspector will be able to give you a balanced view and recommendations. This is where good advice could save you expense or a bad one cost you plenty. Foremost Building Expert in Australia,assisting with building problems/disputes, building stage inspections,pre-contract review advice for peace of mind 200 blogs http://www.buildingexpert.net.au/blog Re: The limitations of Building + Pest inspections? 5May 02, 2017 7:56 am RobertoH Would one possibly go to the further extent of engaging a structural engineer (or other specialist) if something came up on the Building and Pest report that indicated that there may be some structural issues? Cheers! I suggest you read the newspaper article here on a recent structural Balcony Collapse With so much poor work on existing buildings, apartments should be required by law to have their balconies checked annually by an engineer, said Wayne Liddy national vice president of the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors. For Non-Compliant building elements you need a Structural Inspection & Proofs (Engineer) same rules apply For new buildings being built.. I suggest you get it inspected correctly by an Engineer in the first instance All an inspector will to do is refer you to an Engineer anyway... Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs Re: The limitations of Building + Pest inspections? 7May 07, 2017 9:34 am What I find is very helpful is attending the inspection and walking around with your inspector. Don't be afraid to ask them questions if you see something you think looks off. There's a lot of things that the inspector will be able to mention to you that he may not be able to put in writing. They can only write down what they can prove, but they probably have a lot of experience and intuition that they can share verbally. Building Services Engineer Renovating our 1960's modernist home in Brisbane https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=53&t=82091 Re: The limitations of Building + Pest inspections? 8Jun 06, 2017 10:28 am To answer OP question, the biggest limitations of your B&P inspection are not disclaimers, inspection exclusions, and inspection restrictions, but is the quality of your inspector and the depth of expertise brought to the job. Reporting on the property condition is one thing but giving expert advice on any issues found and how to handle them is something quite else. A balanced opinion from an expert will save you a lot more than savings you will get from a cheap inspector. This is my feedback this morning, lucky this time "Hi Branko, Me & My Wife truly thankful for the inspection house report provided yesterday. We showed the report to the Vendor and luckily he Agreed to fix all the defects you have shown all in the report. I was totally surprised, did not expect the owner would do such a good thing. Thanks Again, will definitely recommend you to other friends Kind Regards, John." And yes, I do agree with 1960sModernist Home and have always encouraged my clients to come to the inspection so I can explain better first hand, rather than just emailing the report. Foremost Building Expert in Australia,assisting with building problems/disputes, building stage inspections,pre-contract review advice for peace of mind 200 blogs http://www.buildingexpert.net.au/blog Hi group, have some damage to the door frame and skirting board. It's a side door to the laundry area. Only has a security door. 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