What 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 moreInadequate Site and subfloor drainage
A sub-floor is the structure and crawl space between the lowest floor and the ground. High moisture levels in these areas promote fungal decay and other timber pests such as termites.
All sub-floors and crawl spaces should be considered as having ...
Read moreMeth testing - the new norm for prudent home buyers
The New Norm? Including Meth checks in Pre-Purchase Building Inspections
For home buyers there is nothing unusual about organising a Pre-Purchase Building Inspection on a potential property purchase. For smart buyers, a Pre-Purchase Building Inspe...
Read moreHow do I go back to my home after Fire Damage?
A fire is a traumatic experience, and it can cause more damage than what you can see initially. Beyond the physical fire damage, you must also consider the smoke and soot contamination. Both can be dangerous and costly.
Fire damage can extend to t...
Read moreAsbestos Concerns? Call The Experts
Here’s an all too familiar story from the Newcastle Herald: A Glendale property is demolished after its owners found deadly loose-fill asbestos insulation.
This type of asbestos was relatively popular in the1960s and 1970s.
Science now tells ...
Read moreBlocked Guttering- One of the most Common Pre-Purchase Defects
Blocked gutters are one of the main defects found during a pre purchase inspection and is also one of the easiest to fix and prevent. Doing something as simple as keeping your gutters clean can save you thousands of dollars in maintenance costs in th...
Read moreThe Politics Of Smoke Alarms
From 1993 to 2015, CSIRO conducted tests on smoke alarms but the public is yet to read the findings. This comes at a time when activists want ionised smoke alarms banned due to alleged issues with response times to common fires. In America, the alarm...
Read moreBuilding Inspection Reports - the ultimate negotiation weapon
Rising damp and termite damage. Two issues that would normally send shivers down your spine and see potential buyers running for the hills.
But what if you could you turn a negative building inspection report, into the ultimate negotiation weapon?...
Read moreHow To Avoid Renovation Traps
Renovations done right can pay off. Literally. That said there are some serious traps to avoid.
Potential problems from wiring to asbestos issues often come up especially in older houses, so it’s important to seek professional help. Jim’s Buil...
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 ...
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