When searching for a perfect house, it’s essential to do your research on the property.
A new homeowner may find an appealing buy in what seems like any old house, but before purchasing, they should consider possible building activity near their potential purchase, which could change their opinion of said appeal.
Suppose you’ve noticed building activity in the area, and one of your neighbours has been particularly active around their property (renovating extensively or demolishing/rebuilding). In this scenario, it’s worth getting a dilapidation report to ensure that any damage doesn’t come back to haunt you.
At BCI WA, we’ll conduct that inspection to spot possible wear-and-tear on your house, such as cracks in walls, loosening fixtures – even if they’re not visible from street level!
Firstly, what is a dilapidation report?
A dilapidation report is a document that can prevent homeowners from claiming damage caused by construction. The reports note the condition of existing structures before any renovation work and help to avoid legal problems with property owners who feel they have been negatively impacted in their home value due to nearby development.
A dilapidation report on an old or damaged home is not only a document, but it’s also important for the owners to know what they are putting on the market, should they decide to sell. The report can impact potential buyers and their purchase price if there needs to be demolition done.
What is a dilapidation report used for?
An inspection report should be carried out before digging, drilling or demolition occurs on a property. There are many cracks that can occur due to the works of other properties, and it is important for potential damages to be noted ahead of time so they can be prevented as much as possible. Properties with close neighbours undergoing construction work will require an inspection beforehand in order to avoid any unforeseen damage from being inflicted onto them during the excavation process.
What does a building inspector look at when inspecting an old or damaged home?
A building inspector will check for cracks in walls and the structural aspects of your house to see if everything is satisfactory. You may have a beautiful and sturdy home that has been affected over time by earth movements, which can cause significant issues like unevenness or slanting floors. These irregularities become more noticeable with doors and windows jamming quickly because their frames are no longer level from these changes. A crack could be as small as 1/8 inch wide all the way up to 3 inches long on some parts of the wall.
Also, asbestos is a dangerous material that was used in construction before the 1970s. As such, asbestos can be found at home if you live near an old building, and it will cost money to remove it from your roof or walls, which are most likely contaminated with this material. Your inspector should warn you about these materials when they inspect your property, so make sure to ask them!
Be sure to consult a building inspector in Perth today.
Speak to our team today, we are here to guide you where possible. You can also read about our reports here.
