Cap-It-All Building Inspections

hip and ridge tiling

Hip and Ridge Tile Deterioration

The deterioration of hip and ridge tiling bedding mortar and flexible jointing compound is a common issue for homes in Perth, particularly with roof coverings that are over 15 years old.

Roof tile bedding mortar is a blend of cement, sand and other additives, designed to bed ridges, barges and apexes on tiled roofs. Once tiles have been bedded, they can be re-pointed with a flexible jointing compound.

The below points explain why it is important to have an experienced roof tiler undertake works to maintain the roof covering if tiling is coming loose as a result of movement or deterioration over time due to age.

It can pose a safety hazard
In strong wind, loose tiles may become dislodged and injure people.

Moisture may enter the roof space
Gaps may become evident where tiles have become loose and bedding mortar/jointing compound has
deteriorated. This could result in rain or other sources of moisture entering the roof loft space and causing water damage.

The integrity of the roof covering is inferior
As the bedding mortar and flexible jointing compound deteriorates, the overall integrity of the roof covering
declines.

The cost of maintenance is less than the cost of replacement and Cap-It-All Building Inspections Perth are
dedicated to ensuring you’re aware of the upcoming maintenance for the home you’re purchasing. Cap-It-All’s Comprehensive Building Inspection Perth will provide a plethora of information including maintenance that is
required to your roof covering.

This article was written by Charlotte Flatt of Cap-It-All Building Inspections Perth.

window protection

Window Protection: Safety against falling

The National Construction Code states that a window opening must be provided with protection, if the floor
below the window in a bedroom is 2 metres of more above the surface beneath. This clause is to protect young children and vulnerable people from falls from an openable window at a large height.

The below is an extract from the NCC describing how an openable bedroom window should be restricted:

Cap-It-All Building Inspections Perth will report on windows which are not protected as part of our New Home Building Inspections & Practical Completion Inspection, as this would be non-compliant with the Building Codes of Australia. Although established properties cannot be expected to be brought up to current codes when sold, Cap-It-All will still report on this issue as part of our Comprehensive Building Inspection and flag the issue as a safety hazard, to bring you aware to the issue so you can ensure your family are kept safe.

To book an inspection with Cap-It-All Building Inspections Perth or get a quote, visit  
https://www.cap-it-allbuildinginspections.com.au/get-a-quote.

Written by: Charlotte Flatt of Cap-It-All Building Inspections Perth

building inspection perth

Sub Floor Building Inspection Perth

Purchasing a home on stumps/with a sub floor area? For homes built prior to 1970 building a home with timber floors on bearers and joists rather than today’s concrete slab was common. Cap-It-All Building Inspections Perth inspect properties with sub-floor areas from Quinns Rocks, to Mount Lawley, to Bayswater, to Kwinana, and everywhere in-between.

Why Do I Need a Sub Floor Inspection?
The sub floor framework forms part of the structure of the property, and problems related to termite damage, moisture and damp-related defects, damaged structural timbers and inadequate ventilation are just some of the defects that can be identified by Cap-It-All Building Inspections Perth during an inspection of the sub floor.

During Which Inspections to Cap-It-All Building Inspections Perth Inspect the Sub Floor?
Inspection of the sub floor area is carried out during Cap-It-All’s Comprehensive Building Inspection Perth, Structural Building Inspection Perth and Timber Pest/Termite/White Ant Inspection, to identify structural defects, live termites, timber pest damage and other defects within the sub floor.

What is Reasonable Access?
Australian Standard 4349.1 defines safe and reasonable access as a crawl space of 400mm minimum under the bearers within this area. It is also important to ensure a manhole exists, which is often located to the exterior of the property or to the timber flooring within the interior of the property. Cap-It-All Building Inspections Perth’s expert inspectors will make every attempt to ensure the sub floor area is inspected thoroughly, and pictures are provided to all accessed areas.

If you’d like to book Cap-It-All Building Inspections Perth’s Pre-Purchase Building Inspection or get a quote, visit https://www.cap-it-allbuildinginspections.com.au/get-a-quote/.

Top Pool Safety Compliance FAILS

Drowning is the most common, preventable cause of death in children between 0-5 in WA. For every drowning death, it is estimated that a further 10 toddlers have a near-fatal experience.
With the recent death of another two toddlers last weekend, the WA ombudsman has undertaken an investigation into child drownings and made 25 recommendations to prevent child drowning.

At Cap-It-All Building Inspections Perth we find areas of non-compliance in approximately 8/10 pool barriers, including to barriers the council have recently “passed” as being compliant. Contrary to popular belief, pool/spa barrier compliance isn’t just related to pool fencing. There are many aspects involved in ensuring children are safe from drowning in your pool.
Some of the most common areas of non-compliance Cap-It-All come across include:

Faulty gates/latches
Gates must be self-closing from all positions without the use of force. In addition to this, the latching device must be located in a certain position and must operate automatically upon closing of the gate. Over time it is inevitable that gates and latches can require maintenance, particularly if they’re used regularly. Although the local council may have tested a gate 4 years ago, that does not mean it still operates as intended today.

Self-closing doors & child-resistant windows
Concessions may apply if a pool was constructed prior to 5 November 2001 – this is why some pools may not have a fence around them, but instead doors leading onto the pool area are self-closing. The door must comply with many other compliance factors.
Similarly, if windows face onto a pool area, they are required to be fitted with restrictors to ensure they cannot be opened to a point that could allow access to the pool area by the child.

Climbable Objects
Having climbable items within close proximity to a fence may provide a child the opportunity to use the item to gain access into the pool area over the fencing. No climbable objects should be located within the “non-climb zone”, to ensure children have no way of climbing over the fence.

Legislation states that when a property is sold, the swimming pool or spa barriers must be compliant with the relevant legislation. This means that the seller should pay to rectify any defects associated with the safety barriers. If you purchase a property with a swimming pool, it is best to have the barriers inspected by a suitably qualified inspector, even if the seller has had the pool barriers passed by local shire/council. Recent changes to legislation has caused further confusion in ensuring barriers are compliant, hence why an investigation by the WA ombudsman was warranted.

Having Cap-It-All undertake a Swimming Pool Safety Barrier Inspection could save the life or injury of a child by ensuring the home you’re purchasing/residing in has compliant barriers with current legislation.
Cap-It-All offer great prices on these inspections when bundled with a Building and Timber Pest Inspection. Contact us now to book.

This article was written by Charlotte Flatt of Cap-It-All Building Inspections Perth.
Pool Safety Perth

Building a Home in WA – Why Employ an Independent Building Inspector

Employing an independent building inspector to inspect your Builder’s work can be beneficial for all parties involved.

If you ask two friends who built with the same Builder about their experience regarding quality of the build, one may tell you it was wonderful, and the next may tell you they had a terrible experience. There are many variables involved in the building process that can affect satisfaction of the client. Employing the right Building Inspector can assist in the following ways:

Your home will be built in compliance with the Building Codes of Australia, Australian Standards and manufacturer’s recommendations.
A good building inspector will obtain copies of all plans and engineering details for your new home to ensure the property is being built in compliance with the details specified within the plans and signed off by an engineer. You’d be surprised how often discrepancies exist (see the Building Commission’s audit into timber framed, metal clad roofs where the high majority of roofs had areas of non-compliance).

Defective work will be rectified by the Builder in a timely manner.
If the Builder is given evidence as to WHY work is non-compliant, they are more likely to rectify these issues in a timely manner. If an Australian Standard or Building Code is referenced within the Building Report, the Builder can see that if a dispute is lodged via Building Commission you will have a strong case, and they risk being fined for inadequate supervision as well as being given an order to rectify the non-compliant work. The building supervisor will also know that your inspector will be back to inspect again at the next building stage, and that the non-compliant work will be re-inspected to ensure it has been adequately rectified.

You’ll have an expert you can trust working for you, leaving no questions unanswered.
Any query related to your build, big or small, can be answered by your experienced inspector. Your inspector is there to offer peace of mind so you know your new home is being built right, and you don’t experience any costly or time-consuming issues in years to come after you’ve moved in.

From building designers, to engineers, to salespeople/consultants, to supervisors, to tradespeople, unfortunately mistakes are made throughout the process of building a new home. Employing an independent building inspector is important if you want your new home built in compliance with all codes and standards and to a high level of workmanship.

If you have any queries regarding how Cap-It-All Building Inspections can WORK FOR YOU, call Charlotte on 9405 8710 or email enquiries@cap-it-allbuildinginspections.com.au.

Keep Your Gutters Clear of Debris and Foliage

When inspecting the exterior of a roof during our Comprehensive Building Inspection, Cap-It-All’s inspectors often encounter debris/foliage obstructing gutters. It is important to keep gutters free of debris for the following
reasons:
– Debris may hinder the free flow of rainwater to gutters and downpipes, causing inadequate drainage, leaks, damp and mould. Moisture related issues can quickly lead to structural issues.
– Debris poses a fire risk, especially for those property within bushfire prone areas.
– Birds, rats and other forms of wildlife may nest within gutters, increasing the risk of pests infiltrating the
interior of your roof loft space and property.

Maintenance of gutters can be inexpensive and simple, and you can prevent the above issues by ensuring your gutters are regularly maintained. The best way to maintain your gutters include:
– Accessing the roof and clearing the gutters of debris by hand or using a vacuum on a regular basis.
– Ensuring trees around the property are regularly maintained to avoid overgrown foliage encroaching gutters.
– Install gutter guard. Many companies offer this type of product, which is usually an aluminium guard which acts to protect gutters and save roof plumbing maintenance.

A stitch in time saves nine. By using the above methods to avoid unwanted build-up of debris in gutters you can save yourself potential issues which could be a lot more costly and difficult to rectify.

Cap-It-All Building Inspections will inspect your roof exterior as part of our Comprehensive Building Inspection.

Do I Need an Inspection On a New or Recently Built Home?

While it may seem like common sense to assume that your builder will have double-checked everything before turning over the keys to a new home, it is extremely common to find defects in construction, unfinished technical work, or general finishing left incomplete. Without a final inspection, buyer beware is more than just a trite saying – you’re opening yourself up to the risk of having to carry out repairs and improvements on your near-new home.

In many cases, it is up to the new owners to determine whether they want an inspection when they purchase a home, or whether they are willing to take the property ‘as is’.
If you forego inspection, you miss out on some of the important protection that home inspections provide. When inspectors and real estate professionals were asked whether they recommended new homeowners to take out an inspection on their home, they invariably say yes.

  • An inspection may point out things that the builder or real estate agent wouldn’t tell you, or might not even notice. It’s easy to miss small defects in your own work.
  • Dependant upon your contract to purchase and any warranties offered by the Builder, if there are problems, you’ll have the opportunity to have them corrected before taking ownership, or at least to have the knowledge of what you’re getting into after the home is yours.
  • Some building inspectors will relate identified defects back to a relevant Australian Standard or Building Code, to assist in ensuring all defects are rectified by the Builder in a timely matter.

Real estate is the single biggest investment that most people ever make – and the cost of carrying out repairs and improvements on a home that you thought was faultless would outweigh the cost of a simple building inspection by far.

Contact Cap-It-All today on (08) 9405 8710 or via our website to talk to one of our team members about what our building inspections can do for you.

building inspections perth

Pre-Purchase Reports – Structural or Comprehensive?

So you’ve purchased a home and are considering which type of building inspection to have completed on the home. Most building inspection businesses offer two or three different types of inspections, and it is important you understand exactly what you’ll be getting for your money. The below article explains the types of building
inspections offered by Cap-It-All Building Inspections Perth, how much information you will receive and will give you a better understanding of which inspection is right for you.

 

Structural Building Inspection

A more cost-effective inspection, this is the preferred inspection for most real estate agents as it provides basic information relating to any defects affecting the structural integrity of the main dwelling. You can expect the
following to be reported on during this inspection:

  • Foundation instability
  • Significant fretting or spalling of masonry and concrete structural elements
  • Rusting of primary structural elements
  • Cracking to primary structural elements
  • Fungal decay caused by wood decay fungi
  • Structural defects identified to the roof framework
  • Safety hazards relating to balconies and stairs
  • Attachments to the main property
  • General safety hazards
  •  

It is important to remember that all building inspectors have a duty to warn you of any defects that may affect your health or safety. During a structural building inspection specialist equipment such as moisture meters,
thermal imaging cameras and termite detection devices may be used at the discretion of the inspector, but this information will not be included as standard. As mentioned above, real estate agents (who act in the best
interest of the seller) prefer this type of inspection as it is straight forward, and only provides you with the
information to make an immediate decision on whether the home you are purchasing is structurally sound, and you are happy to proceed with the purchase. Generally our inspectors will take 45mins – 1.5 hours undertaking this inspection, and the report will take our administrators 1-2 hours to generate with reports typically being 25+ pages.

 

Comprehensive Building Inspection

A comprehensive building inspection provides a lot more information, for a little more money. This inspection would suit buyers who want as much information about their new home as possible, especially if you would like an idea of what areas of the property will require maintenance in the short, medium and long term to avoid
defects arising in the future. You can expect the following to be reported on during this inspection:

  • General adequacy of drainage
  • Presence of RCDs and smoke alarms
  • All visual defects relating to masonry, concrete and paving
  • All visual defects related to rust and corrosion
  • Cracking to all areas of the property including major and minor cracking
  • Fungal decay caused by wood decay fungi and other timber pest activity
  • Conditions that may be conducive to termite attack
  • Room-by-room assessment of the interior of the property
  • Confirmation of the operation of doors, windows, taps and exhaust fans
  • Structural defects identified to the roof framework
  • Defects related to the roof exterior including water-tightness
  • Additional structures including sheds and outbuildings
  • Boundary walls and fencing
  • All health and safety hazards such as defects which can cause possible electrocution, fire, carbon monoxide poisoning, asbestos and mould (all of these hazards are found regularly by our inspectors)
  •  

Inspectors are more likely to utilise specialist equipment such as moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras and termite detection during this inspection so you can be provided with as much information as possible.
A Comprehensive Building Inspection will provide you with a report which can be used for years to come, not just during the process of buying the property. You will be able to refer back to this report with a strong understanding of works you should be undertaking in your home in order to maintain it properly and prevent costly repairs.
Generally our inspectors will take 2.5-5 hours undertaking this inspection (dependent upon the size and age of the home), and the report can take our administrators up to 4 hours to generate with reports generally being 50+ pages. The price difference between this inspection and the structural building inspection is not large, however it takes our inspectors a lot longer to complete the inspection. Cap-It-All’s inspectors much prefer undertaking comprehensive building inspections as it gives them a chance to showcase their expertise to their clients, and maximise value by providing a plethora of information that the inspector can then take the time to explain.
 

It may be best to describe the Structural Building Inspection as an inspection which will give you the information you need NOW when you’re buying the property, whereas the Comprehensive Building Inspection is a long term solution which provides you with the information you require now, along with a wealth of information relating to your new property which you can use for years to come.

All of Cap-It-All Building Inspections’ reports are followed up via phone call from the inspector themselves, so you have the opportunity to discuss all identified defects with the inspector, and we can advise you on
rectification matters including urgency, recommend trusted trades, and advise you on the potential consequences of not rectifying defects noted.

Cap-It-All Building Inspections pride ourselves on being proactive in our approach and going above and beyond for all of our clients. Should you require a Pre-Purchase Building Inspection or would like any further information on the inspections we offer do not hesitate to get in touch with us via telephone on (08) 9405 8710 or email at enquiries@cap-it-allbuildinginspections.com.au.

Do I Need Separate Firms for Building and Timber Pest Inspections?

When buying, selling or refinancing real estate or property, various inspections are required to determine the
condition of the property, indicate problem areas and assess the value. These inspections can be costly, and
often, more than one type of inspection report is required. When this is necessary, some property owners will contact a specialist for each inspection. While this is one way to get it done, what some people don’t know is that if you find the right company, you can tick off multiple inspections at the same time. In most cases, this will save you time and money while resulting in a more thorough report.

If you’re thinking about an inspection, check with your local legal guidelines to see what needs inspection, and what the regulations are. Here are a few general tips on home inspections to get you started.

One Inspection Saves Time

Time can often be critical in real estate transactions. There are many steps required to ensure that everyone’s
interests are protected and that the deal goes through fairly. Inspections can be incredibly time consuming, when scheduled with individual inspectors. From scheduling the actual visits, to staying on top of receiving reports,
using one inspector can save a lot of your valuable time.

One Inspector Means a More thorough Inspection

Inspectors can rush inspections, or be so focussed on their one area of expertise, that other items get
overlooked. At Cap-It-All, our inspectors have a wide range of building knowledge, meaning they are more likely to catch potential problems, and understand how they relate to the other parts and systems of your property.

No need to compare inspection reports and cross reference inspectors to get the whole picture

With one inspector, you’ll know the whole picture from general building, to timber to pests. If there are questions, an expert inspector can help you understand the entire analysis, instead of placing three or more calls to get
further insight. This can help you get a clearer picture of the condition of  your property and your options to
address problems and repairs that need to be made.

Inspection Prices Will Be Discounted

As only one visit to the property is necessary to conduct both inspections, this allows Cap-It-All to provide clients with a discounted, bundled price to carry out both inspections. You can save up to $220 for having all your Pre-Purchase Inspections carried out by Cap-It-All Building Inspections.

At Cap-it-All Building Inspections, our inspectors are experts in multiple fields and can often handle all of your
inspection needs in one visit. In addition to the convenience of only dealing with one company for your
inspections, there are several other benefits to property owners, or buyers, in using a single inspection service.


If you’re ready to get an inspection, contact us today! Cap-It-All guarantees a thorough inspections, efficient
turnaround, and affordable rate every time.

Questions to ask before Building a Deck

While the construction of a backyard deck is well within the skills of many home owners, knowing the ins and outs can help you avoid costly and time consuming mistakes. You’ll want to carefully examine your options in location, local building codes, and materials before you proceed.

Before you set out building the deck of your dreams, here are the things you should be considering.

Locating Your Deck

If local building codes and conditions allow, attaching a deck to, or positioning it next to your home, or main structure is ideal. This allows the deck to be accessed from inside, making the transport of furniture, food, and other items simple and convenient.

  • The slope, or any drop from the floor level of the structure to the deck should be considered and appropriate steps designed for safety.
  • Large plantings, such as trees and shrubs may be best removed or relocated.
  • You’ll want to locate your deck on solid ground and provide adequate footings. Make sure the location you choose allows for that.

 

Local Building Codes

Building codes are primarily concerned with safety, but in some cases may also address the aesthetics of your structure. You’ll need to check with appropriate government offices in your area to find out if permits are required and any specific regulations there may be. All decks and balconies built in Australia must comply with the National Construction Code (NCC), which provides the current requirements for new building work throughout Australia. Check out NCC resources here.

Here are some general guidelines:

  • Even without codes, framing should be sized and spaced similar to house flooring to ensure safe and sturdy use that will last.
  • Rails will need to be installed on decks with more than a 10 inch drop from edge to ground level, in most cases. Rail height and support spacing is also typically regulated.
  • Stair size, placement and safety rails should be considered. Building codes can provide specifics on minimums, but your goal should be to provide safety and convenience beyond this if necessary.

 

Materials

Your local codes may require specific materials, but in general, this is left up to the owner.

  • Wood decks are simple and beautiful to build, but require more maintenance. Be sure to calculate the cost in time and money.
  • Composite decking materials incorporate permanent color and typically require less frequent repairs.
  • Be sure to thoroughly compare costs before deciding, as material choice can increase your budget drastically.
building inspection

What Faults to Search for now that Spring is Here

Moisture

While building inspection should take all aspects into consideration, no matter the time of year, there are some factors that are easier to focus on with Spring’s arrival. If you are considering a sale or purchase, here are some potential problem areas you should address with your inspector and may want to seek professional assistance with to make your sale, or purchase go more smoothly.

One of the most damaging forces of nature is water and in the Spring, problems with leaking, standing water or bad drainage are more evident than at other times of year. It’s best to make these inspections when water is present to better assess the scope of the issue.

  • After a good rain, examine ceilings and walls for signs of leakage. Flaking of paint or plaster indicates leaking.
  • Check along the foundation line as well. Here, discoloration of concrete, or beams, will indicate that water has been present. Spongy, soft wood components are experiencing fungal decay and should cause concern.
  • Focus on areas where water stands for more than an hour or so, as they can cause problems. Standing water leads to leaks and decay.
  • Excessive moisture causes a condition conducive to termite attack. Remember wet or soft timber is heaven for termites.

 

Plants

Spring awakens the trees and kicks all the other plants back into gear too, so watch for issues with the flora surrounding your property.

  • Trees, or tall shrubs encroaching into gutters should be trimmed.
  • Vines can cause damage to the property if not properly maintained.
  • Some tree and shrub roots cause foundation damage if grown too close to structures.

Plumbing Checks and Good Practice

We must start this guide by stating that all plumbing works must be undertaken by a licensed plumber. In
Western Australia it is illegal for non-certified plumbers to perform any kind of plumbing works. However, there are a few checks you can make throughout your home to ensure all fixtures & fittings are operating as intended.

How to Detect if Your Toilet is Leaking
A good way to find out if your toilet is leaking is to follow these simple steps:
1. Listen for a hissing sound – if you listen closely to the cistern and can hear hissing, this usually means water is escaping.
2. Flush the toilet and wait for the cistern to completely fill. Then remove the cistern lid and place about 5 or 6 drops of food colouring in the cistern water. A dark colour such as green or blue is better than a light colour such as yellow.
3. Place the lid back on the cistern and wait for up to 30 minutes. Check the water in the toilet bowl. If it has changed colour, there is a leak present.

Before Purchasing Tap Fittings
When purchasing tap fittings, consider where the washers are situated. This makes changing the washer a
simplified task saving you cost in the future. We also recommend that care must be taken when purchasing plumbing fixtures & fittings from hardware stores. It is common that some plumbing items may not be covered by warranty, so we recommend purchase from a recognised plumbing supplier.

Leaking/Burst Pipes
The following methods can be used when trying to locate a burst pipe:
1. Listen out for water spraying or dripping.
2. Search for dampness and spots on your wall, especially areas where the paint is bubbling or wallpaper is
peeling off.
3. You may even be able to spot pools of water forming on the floor in the area where the pipe has burst. Check out the kitchen and bathroom for pools of water on the tiles, especially where they meet the bathtub, shower, sink or bench top.
4. Look around for mould, as this can form in high concentration if the house has been left for several days.
In the event of any moisture or mould identification it is always good practice to contact a suitably qualified
inspector to assess the damage.

The location of the water meter & isolation tap should be made apparent to all occupants of your home in case of emergency. Often the location of the tap can be difficult to find if plumbers are called out to the emergency.

At Cap-It-All Building Inspections we will test hot water, taps and toilets and report on defects related to sealing or grout for you during our Comprehensive Building Inspection, and make recommendations should we feel an
issue needs to be rectified/further investigated by a licensed plumber.