Terms and Conditions
Building Report
THIS IS A VISUAL INSPECTION ONLY AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH AS4349.1
This visual inspection is limited to those areas and sections of the property fully accessible and visible to the Inspector at the time and on the date of Inspection. The inspection DOES NOT include breaking apart, dismantling, removing or moving objects including, but not limited to, foliage, mouldings, roof insulation/sarking membrane, floor or wall coverings, sidings, ceilings, floors, furnishings, appliances or personal possessions. The Inspector CANNOT see inside walls, between floors, inside skillion roofing, inside the eaves, behind stored goods in cupboards, or other areas that are concealed or obstructed. The inspector DOES NOT dig, gouge, force or perform any invasive procedures. In an occupied property it must be understood that furnishings or household items may conceal defects which may only be revealed when the items are removed. No detailed inspection is inferred to external areas over 3.6 metres above the natural ground level.
SCOPE OF REPORT
The Standard Property Report is not intended as a certificate of compliance of the property within the requirements of any Act, regulation, ordinance or by-law, or, as a warranty or an insurance policy against problems developing with the building in the future.
LIMITATIONS
Nothing contained in the Report implies that any inaccessible or partly inaccessible area(s) or section(s) of the property being inspected by the Inspector on the date of the inspection were free from defects latent or otherwise.
No responsibility can be accepted for defects which are latent or otherwise not reasonably detected on a visual inspection without interference with or removal of any of the structure including fixtures or fittings within the building.
This Standard Property Report does not contain any assessment or opinion in relation to any item, which is the subject of a Special Purpose Property Report (as defined in AS4349.1), or any matter where the inspection or assessment of which is solely regulated by Statute. Special Purpose Property Reports include comment on the following: Common property areas, environmental concerns such as sunlight, privacy, streetscape and views. Proximity of property to flight paths, railways and busy traffic or other neighbourhood issues. Noise levels, health and safety issues including the presence of asbestos or lead. Heritage concerns. Security or fire protection. Analysis of site drainage apart from surface water drainage. Swimming pools and spas. Detection and identification of illegal and unauthorised building and plumbing work. Durability of exposed finishes.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Any person who relies upon the contents of this Report does so acknowledging that the above clauses define the Scope and Limitations of the inspection and form an integral part of the report. The Report is made solely for the use and benefit of the Client named on the front of this Report and no liability or responsibility whatsoever, in contract or in tort, is accepted to any third party who may rely on this Report wholly or in part. Any third parties acting or relying on this report do so at their own risk.
REPORT DEFINITION
This report is limited to a visual inspection of areas where reasonable access is available at the time of inspection. It does not purport to be geological as to foundation integrity or soil conditions, engineering as to structural, nor does it cover the condition of electrical, plumbing, gas or motorised appliances. It is strongly recommended that an appropriately qualified contractor check these services prior to purchase.
As a matter of course, and in the interests of safety, all prospective purchasers should have an electrical report carried out by a suitably qualified contractor.
This report is limited to (unless otherwise noted) the main structure on the site and any other building, structure or outbuilding specifically named within the report.
This Report attempts to assist in judging a building according to its age and level of maintenance and in providing relative comparisons. This inspection and report is not to be considered all encompassing dealing with a building from every aspect. Rather it should be seen as a reasonable attempt to identify any significant defects visible at the time of the inspection. It is unrealistic to expect comment on minor defects or imperfections in the Standard Property Report. If this is required, a Special Purpose Property Report in recommended.
Whilst buildings may have many pleasing features there are few without defects and many are due naturally to age deterioration. Subject to the level of maintenance on the building it is common for the number of faults to have increased with age.
All items that are considered to be concealed or latent defects are excluded.
Shower Recesses: Tests may be made on shower recesses to detect leaks (if water is connected). The tests may not reveal leaks or show incorrect waterproofing if silicone liquid or masonry sealant has been applied prior to the inspection. Such application is a temporary waterproofing measure and may last for some months before breaking down. The tests on shower recesses are limited to running water within the recesses and visually checking for leaks. As showers are only checked for a short period of time, prolonged use may reveal leaks that were not detected at the time of inspection. No evidence of a current leak during inspection does not necessarily mean that the shower does not leak.
Glass Caution: Glazing in older houses (built before 1978) may not necessarily comply with current glass safety standards AS1288. In the interests of safety, glass panes in doors and windows especially in trafficable areas should be replaced with safety glass or have shatterproof film installed unless they already comply with the current standard.
Stairs & Balustrades: Specifications have been laid down by the Australian Building Code - Section 3.9 covering stairs, landings and balustrades to ensure the safety of all occupants and visitors in a building. Many balustrades and stairs built before 1996 may not comply with the current standard. You must upgrade all such items to the current standard to improve safety.
Swimming Pools: If a swimming pool is present it should be the subject of a Special Purpose Property Report. A detailed inspection on the status or serviceability of any swimming pool or associated pool equipment has not been carried out and is not within the scope of this report. Additionally, to adequately inspect a swimming pool, the water must be completely drained and all internal surfaces must be fully accessible.
Asbestos Disclaimer: No inspection for asbestos will be carried out at the property and no report on the presence or absence of asbestos will be provided. If during the course of the Inspection asbestos or materials containing asbestos happened to be noticed then this will be noted in the general remarks section of the report. Buildings built prior to 1982 may have wall and/or ceiling sheeting and other products including roof sheeting that contain Asbestos. Even buildings built after this date up until the early 90's may contain some asbestos. Sheeting should be fully sealed.
If concerned or if the building was built prior to 1990 you should seek advice from a qualified asbestos removal expert as to the amount and importance of the asbestos present and the cost of sealing or removal. If asbestos is noted as present within the property then you should seek advice from a qualified asbestos removal expert removal expert as to the amount and importance of the asbestos present and the cost of sealing or of removal. Drilling, cutting or removing sheeting or products containing Asbestos is a high risk to people's health. You should seek advice from a qualified asbestos removal expert."
Estimating disclaimer: Any estimates provided in this report are merely opinions of possible costs that could be encountered, based on the knowledge and experience of the inspector, and are not estimates in the sense of being a calculation of the likely costs to be incurred. The estimates are NOT a guarantee or quotation for work to be carried out. The actual cost is ultimately dependent upon the materials used, standard of work carried out, and what a contractor is prepared to do the work for. It is recommended in ALL instances that multiple independent quotes are sourced prior to any work being carried out. The inspector accepts no liability for any estimates provided throughout this report.
Mould (Mildew and Non-Wood Decay Fungi) Disclaimer: Mildew and non-wood decay fungi is commonly known as Mould. However, Mould and their spores may cause health problems or allergic reactions such as asthma and dermatitis in some people. No inspection for Mould will be carried out at the property and no report on the presence or absence of mould will be provided.
If in the course of the inspection, Mould happened to be noticed it may be noted in the general remarks section of the report. If Mould is noted as present within the property or if you notice Mould and you are concerned as to the possible health risk resulting from its presence, then you should seek advice from your Local Council, State or Commonwealth Government Health Department or a qualified expert such as an Industry Hygienist.
Pest Report
THIS IS A VISUAL INSPECTION ONLY in accord with the requirements of AS4349.3-1998 - Inspection of buildings Part 3: Timber Pest Inspections.
This visual inspection is limited to those areas and sections of the property to which reasonable access (See Definitions) is available and permitted on the date and at the time of the Inspection. Inspection is made in the areas where infestation is most likely to occur. The inspection DOES NOT include breaking apart, dismantling, removing or moving objects including, but not limited to, foliage, mouldings, roof insulation/sisalation, floor or wall coverings, sidings, ceilings, floors, furnishings, appliances or personal possessions. The Inspector CANNOT see inside walls, between floors, inside skillion roofing, inside the eaves, behind stored goods in cupboards, or other areas that are concealed or obstructed. The inspector DOES NOT dig, gouge, force or perform any other invasive procedures. In an occupied property it must be understood that furnishings or household items may be concealing evidence of Timber Pests or damage which may only be revealed when the items are moved or removed. Inspection of fence lines and posts is restricted to those timbers above ground level and facing the property inspected. The inspection does not extend nor should comments be inferred in respect to timbers, palings, fence posts below ground level, or where timbers are obstructed by plant life or overgrowth or other materials which restrict or prevent physical bodily access. No inspection is inferred to areas of trees or external areas over 3.6 metres above the natural ground level.
LIMITATIONS
Nothing contained in the Report implies that any inaccessible or partly inaccessible area(s) or section(s) of the property being inspected by the Inspector on the date of the inspection were not, or have not been, infested by Timber Pests. Accordingly, this Report is NOT A GUARANTEE that an infestation and /or damage does not exist in any inaccessible or partly inaccessible area(s) or section(s) of the property, nor is it a guarantee that a future infestation of Timber Pests will not occur or be found. Australian Standard Termite Management Part 2: In and around existing buildings and structures (AS 3660.2-2000) recommends that properties should be inspected at least every twelve (12) months but more frequent inspections are strongly recommended.
SCOPE OF REPORT
This report is confined to the reporting on the discovery, or non discovery, as the case may be, of infestation and/or damage caused by subterranean termites (white ants), borers of dry seasoned timber and wood decay fungi (hereinafter referred to as "Timber Pests"), by visual inspection of those areas and sections of the property accessible to the Inspector at the time and on the date of inspection. The inspection does not cover any other pests and this Report does not comment on them. Dry wood termites ("Family: KALOTERMITIDAE") will be excluded from the inspection, but may be reported on if, in the course of the inspection, any visible evidence of infestation happened to be found. No liability shall be accepted on account of failure of the within Report to notify of any Timber Pest activity and/or damage present at or prior to the date of the within Report in any area(s) or section(s) of the subject property physically inaccessible for inspection or to which access for inspection is denied by or to the Inspector (including but not limited to) any area(s) or section(s) so specified by the within Report. This report does not and cannot state the extent of any damage. It is NOT a structural damage report. Any mention within this report relating to extent of any damage has been done with the sole intent of assisting with determining possible treatment specifications or options and must not be used by any party as a guide to the extent of damage for the purpose of estimating repairs or replacement costs. If any past or present infestation or damage is noted in this Report, whether this damage is to the structure or the surrounding grounds, it is strongly recommended that a qualified person such as a Builder, Engineer, Architect or other qualified expert in the Building Trade be asked to determine the extent of damage to the property and an invasive inspection must be carried out to determine any concealed timber pest damage or activity. Where such evidence of timber pest activity or damage is reported, then it must be assumed there may be some hidden timber damage and/or structural damage and this should be further investigated.
"SCOPE OF REPORT. This report is confined to reporting on the discovery, or non discovery, of infestation and/or damage caused by subterranean and dampwood termites (white ants), borers of seasoned timber and wood decay fungi (hereinafter referred to as "Timber Pests", present on the date of the inspection. The inspection will not cover any other pests and this Report does not comment on them. Dry wood termites (Family: KALOTERMITIDAE) and European House Borer (Hylotrupes bujulus Linnaeus) are excluded from the Inspection, but may be reported on if, in the course of the inspection, any visual evidence of infestation happened to be found."
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Any person who relies upon the contents of this Report does so acknowledging that the above clauses define the Scope and Limitations of the inspection and form an integral part of the report. The Report is made solely for the use and benefit of the Client named on the front of this Report and no liability or responsibility whatsoever, in contract or in tort, is accepted to any third party who may rely on this Report wholly or in part. Any third parties acting or relying on this report do so at their own risk.
Payment
The Report Fee shall be paid upon completion of the Report or at our discretion, as invoiced by us.
If, after receiving our Report/s, you have any concerns about the condition of the Property, we can carry out any further Inspection. If a re-inspection or further work is requested, there will be a negotiable rate charged per hour including reasonable time and travel expenses.
Fees not fully paid within six weeks of date of completion, shall incur interest at the rate of ten (10%) per cent per annum, together with any costs expended in collecting any outstanding fees.
Claims
Concerns, Unforeseen or Undetected Property Damage and other issues:
Where any concern, unforeseen or undetected property damage or other defects might lead to a claim against us, it is a condition precedent to any such claim that You must:
1. Notify us in writing, attaching copies of any relevant documents in your control, within 14 days of becoming aware of the basis of the claim.
2. You must jointly inspect the Property with us, and negotiate in good faith to reach an agreement as to the extent of the necessary repairs, and as to what extent, if any, we should pay for those repairs.
3. You are required to allow us to do all things that we deem necessary to investigate the claim including, but not limited to opening and entering the Property for re-inspection and for the taking of samples.
4. You are required to take all necessary steps to liaison with us in good faith and mitigate the cost of any associated repairs.
5. You must allow us to appoint a licensed contractor of our choice to make any repairs where we consider the repairs are necessary, and you must pay us the cost of any enhancement to the Property or any repairs not our responsibility under this Agreement.
6. You must, at our request, pursue any claim against a third party to recover any loss or damage suffered by you where possible. We will reimburse you for costs so incurred, and you must repay to us any amount that we have so paid to you, to the extent it is recovered.