Defects in existing properties. Home » Blog »
Many clients ask during their initial inquiry as to what is covered and reported on during a Pre-purchase building inspection.
Generally, all inspections are required to comply with AS 4349.1- Inspection of Buildings, which details the minimum requirements for a building inspection. The internal walls, external walls, interior, roof exterior, roof cavity and sub floor are all required to be inspected and reported on.
The cost can vary depending on the level of detail required. Damp is a defect which is commonly identified and is typically caused by either rising damp or leaky plumbing pipes. The inspection report would detail damp as follows:
Damp (or structural damp) refers to the presence of unwanted moisture in the structure of a building either as the result of intrusion from outside or condensation (water vapour from cooking and bathing) from within the structure.
Identifying Damp During A Building Inspection
For example damp may be caused by rain penetration rising damp and leaks from plumbing pipes.
The implications of Defects in existing properties with unmanaged damp range from mould, fungi growth ,wood rot and decaying building materials and finishes including lifting, bubbling, peeling and staining of paint plaster and wall paper.
It is important to address damp conditions as the World Health Organisation notes that excess moisture leads – on almost all indoor materials – to growth of microbes such as moulds fungi and bacteria which subsequently emit spores and other matter into the indoor air.
Exposure to these contaminants is associated with a wide range of respiratory and other health-related problems.
Additionally the development of damp in timber building elements also provides an environment that is conducive to termite / timber pest attack.
The first step in addressing damp is to diagnose the cause. The identified cause should be addressed first before repairing the appearance and other defects which have resulted from the rising damp. If the original cause is not resolved further cases of damp are likely to ensue resulting in secondary defects.
Consultation with a qualified plumber is advised immediately to identify the cause of damp. Pest control Perth can assist with all damp/termite related issues.
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