What is Caveat Emptor?
Increasingly property buyers are aware of their responsibility to discover building defects before sale – this is known as the Latin principle Caveat Emptor or ‘buyer beware’.
The full quotation is ‘caveat emptor, qui ignorare no...
Read moreSmoke Alarms - America's Move May Trigger Australian Action
It’s an important topic. Will moves in the United States regarding smoke alarms trigger a debate here?
The dirt: As the ABC reported, new US smoke alarm laws look likely to drive ionisation alarms out of business – and an American expert has b...
Read moreAsbestos Imports - A Health Concern
If you follow the news, you’ll be aware that Chinese companies have been exporting asbestos products to Australia. But did you know that they’re not alone?
There’s a long list of countries exporting products with asbestos to Australia. They ...
Read moreWhat is a Building Inspection?
A building inspection is designed to give you independent and objective advice about the physical state of a building, enabling you to make an informed decision, generally about whether or not to buy a building.
A building inspection is a snapshot...
Read moreHouse Inspections Take Time
Okay, random question: How long would you spend inspecting a house before buying it?
In Australia, more than half of homeowners (58%) spend less than an hour inspecting before the big buy, according to research put out by ME bank. Thus, it’s not...
Read moreNo Shortcuts For Property Inspections
There are no shortcuts for property inspections in the professional world. In fact, the backing of an experienced inspector from Jim’s Building Inspections can save you much grief.
A professional is on top of his or her game and working for you....
Read more10 Horrifying Traps a (Good) House Inspector Might Find
Number One: Asbestos. Enough said.
Number Two: Termites. In a word: EVIL.
Number Three: Fire hazards. Wouldn’t wish this upon my worst enemy.
Number Four: Faulty smoke alarms. It’s a thing.
Number Five: Ghosts. Okay, kidding. Okay, ma...
Read moreWhat Does Jim Know About Building Inspections Anyway?
ACTUALLY, QUITE A BIT MORE THAN WE EVER REALISED!
We recently discovered that Jim Penman’s dad was a forensic engineer.
From an early age Jim’s father was investigating materials, structures and their components which failed o...
Read moreCommon defects found in homes
Are you buying a home or investment property? Here are some of the common defects that our building inspectors in homes.
Termite damage
The advantages of getting a vendor report before putting your house on the market. Termite damage was found ...
Read moreYou could be unknowingly welcoming Termites into your home?
Termites are among homeowners’ worst nightmares. They aren’t just nasty little pests that make your home dirty – they can tear through your home’s materials, damaging your property and making your home less safe for your family and guests. Ta...
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