Checking a house Flashcards
What should you look at when examine a property?
For all properties, regardless of age and design, basic checks should include:
• the condition of the roof (rust, broken tiles, patching)
• plumbing, including water pressure – check all taps and showers
• the condition of drainage systems – are there any signs of flooding from a partially blocked sewer or stormwater drain?
• electrical wiring – check the switchboard and powerpoints for any discolouration
• the condition of the piles (underfloor supports) • insulation – in the ceiling space, in the walls,
under the floor
• the condition of fences, paving and driveways • evidence of house movement, such as cracked
window sills and doors that don’t close properly • any alterations that do not appear on the plan
(plans usually can be obtained from the local council for a small fee).
What can contribute to leaking
Check the property yourself for potential signs
of leaking, including: visible water damage; cracks in the external cladding; mould on
ceilings and internal walls; walls and skirtings showing signs of bulging and staining. Check any balconies on upper floors where water cannot freely drain away.
Some building practices from 1992 onwards contributed to leaking homes. These included?
• monolithic claddings, including texture coated fibre-cement, EIFS (polystyrene boards
with a plaster and paint finish), and stucco
• more than one cladding system used on the house
• lack of roof overhang or eaves
• complicated roof design
• balconies, particularly above rooms
• internal gutters
• wall claddings in contact with the ground
• lack of flashings (waterproofing strips)
to windows, doors and chimneys
• parapets without sloped tops or adequate
cap flashings.
How can you find out if a house has had weather tightness issues?
If council knows, it will be included in LIM.
Contact dept of building and housing and see if a claim has been through.
If it’s been resolved through private action or the courts, won’t show up in the above ways.
