HOME BUYER'S QUICK INSPECTION GUIDE
SIMPLE TEST TO LOWER BUILDING INSPECTION FAILURE
Use this list during open house, note down all indicators to lower building inspection
MOISTURE / WATER DAMAGE
| Indicator | Signs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paint Indicators | Stains, peeling, bubble | |
| Skirting Indicator | Soft or crumbly | |
| Smell Indicator | Mouldy odour in corners, cupboards, bathroom | |
| Feeling Indicator | Walls cold or damp | |
| Tile Indicator | Falling tiles and crumbling grouts | |
| Coverup Indicator | Fresh paint, wall decoration, awkward furniture |
ROOF PROBLEMS
| Indicator | Signs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Line Indicator | Step back and look at roofline should be straight, not dipped or bent | |
| Paint Indicator | Strains on ceiling specially in corners | |
| Gap Indicator | Look where cornices meet walls and ceilings | |
| Gutter Indicator | Rusted, damaged gutters, blocked gutters, sagging |
STRUCTURE PROBLEMS
| Indicator | Signs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crack Indicator | Large diagonal cracks, above doors or windows | |
| Window Door Indicator | Sticky windows or doors, uneven gap, gap in frame and wall | |
| Coverup Indicator | Fresh paint, wall decoration, awkward furniture |
FLOOR PROBLEMS
| Indicator | Signs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bounce indicator | bouncy floor when walking slowly | |
| Incline Indicator | Floor inclined toward one side | |
| Coverup Indicator | New carpet or patch |
WATER DRAINAGE PROBLEMS
| Indicator | Signs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Water Pooling Indicator | Moist near external walls | |
| Water Stain Indicator | Water strains in wrong side of floor |
TERMITE PROBLEMS
| Indicator | Signs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tube Indicator | Thin, dried mud tubes in around house | |
| Hollow Indicator | Hollow sound from timber parts of building | |
| Holes Indicator | Visible holes in the timber |
ACTION STEPS WHEN YOU SPOT A PROBLEM
- Take a photo document the problem area
- Write it down location and what you saw
- Ask the agent Why is there fresh paint only here? or Why is this area blocked?
- Move things check behind furniture, open curtains, look under carpets
- Trust your senses bad smell, musty air, soft timber real problems
- Alert your inspector give them your notes for detailed investigation
FINAL RULE
- 1-2 warning signs: Ask questions, get building inspector to check
- 3-5 warning signs: Moderate risk, Hire Building Inspector for sure
- 6+ warning signs: High risk, seriously consider walking away
Always get a professional building and pest inspection before buying. The $500-$700 cost can save you from $50,000-$200,000 in repairs