Buying or Selling a Property?

Today I was requested by a vendor to carry out a pre-purchase building inspection on a property that they are selling. A potential buyer had their own independent inspector out. The inspector did a thorough inspection but unfortunately their report made a number of comments that were false. One that there were termites and it would cost $30,000 to fix. Another that the drainage system in the driveway was not connected to the storm water. As you might have imagined, the sale fell through.
Once I finished my inspection, I found that the “termite damage” was in fact The Powderpost Beetle. This is a common mistake by trades who work on houses, owners, and unfortunately inexperienced building inspectors.

The Powderpost Beetle (Lyctus brunneus scientific name) will generally only eat the sap of hardwood, my own house is the worst case I have come across! As new homes are constructed of pine or metal studs now, this mainly applies to houses pre 1980’s. Sapwood should have been no more than 20% of the timber so that leaves 80% still structurally sound. This means that in most cases, given there will be a few where the affected area will need replacing, the timber is fine.

Whether you are listing a modern home or purchasing in an expanding master-planned estate, verifying builder workmanship and soil movement stability is essential. Scheduling dedicated Wyndham Vale Building Inspections alongside a broader Building Inspection Wyndham service ensures that wall plaster adhesion, sub-surface drainage, and timber pest barriers are fully audited.</p>

The other false claim that the person made was the drainage system. The inspector never cleaned the debris away to see if it was connected or not (it was). Not only did the Vendor lose a sale but the couple had their heart set on the property and were extremely disappointed.

Conducting pre-purchase due diligence across coastal residential properties prevents costly surprises involving salt-air corrosion, drainage faults, or sub-floor dampness. Engaging a certified Building Inspector Werribee South wide ensures that roof cavities, foundation slabs, and load-bearing framing are assessed in strict accordance with AS 4349.1. Identifying minor structural issues early eliminates transaction delays, providing total clarity for buyers and vendors before auction day.

Here in Victoria, a person does not have to have any building or termite experience or have insurance to operate. I strongly recommend that people ask for proof of insurance AT THE VERY LEAST before engaging a company to carry out an inspection for you.

For vendors and buyers dealing with character homes, identifying hidden sub-floor damp, unapproved structural alterations, or timber decay is vital to establishing true market value. Partnering with an experienced Building Inspector Yarraville delivers detailed, photographic defect reports that provide critical leverage during contract negotiations. Ensuring your pre-sale or pre-purchase due diligence is 100% comprehensive allows you to settle your property transaction with complete confidence.