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Check Home Discuss What A Building Inspector Looks For

Thursday 31 May 2018, 9:04PM

By Beckie Wright

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When you are thinking of buying a home, you should consider hiring an independent building inspector in order to ensure that your new home is carefully and professionally examined, you should consider hiring an independent building inspector. Check Home Building Inspections explain below just what a certified building inspector looks for.

To begin with he assesses structural integrity. A building’s structural formations, such as foundations, flooring, walls and ceilings, need to be strictly scrutinised for any defects. Building inspectors can visually check for these faults, but will not remove wall linings as they can only check areas that have unobstructed access. They also look out for any signs of potential “leaking” such as cracks along a window, on the ceiling, and especially around the roof area.

Similarly, checking for moisture and dampness is crucial to ensuring that moulds and stains don’t develop around the ceilings or walls. Building inspectors generally conduct non-invasive moisture tests in possible areas of concern and ventilation, repainting or water tightening work may be recommended if a building isn’t structurally fit to fight moisture damage.

Building inspectors also ensure everything in a house is working, such as hot/cold water taps, plumbing, lighting fixtures, alarm systems, smoke detectors and electrical sockets. Any defects in the cabinets, windows, doors or built-in furniture will also be checked for moisture, odour and general structural integrity. 

Building inspectors will generally look at the external and internal structure of a roof if there is adequate access. They ensure that there are no signs of corrosion, gaps, blockages or any other defects that can lead to leaking or heating problems. They will also check paths and driveways, fencing, surface water, outbuildings and other exterior areas for general damage or defects.

After carefully examining any areas of concern, building inspectors will help you get a general idea of what sort of repairs or maintenance work could be required in the near future. They will also provide potential cost estimates. For the most trustworthy building inspections in Wellington, go to Check Home and for more information on building reports, building inspection services and pre-purchase home inspections please go to https://checkhome.co.nz .