Whether you re buying or investing, a Buy-Wise Building & Pest Inspection will tell you of everything you need to know about your new property.

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1 1 Introducing.

2 Whether you re buying or investing, a Buy-Wise Building & Pest Inspection will tell you of everything you need to know about your new property. Our Building Inspectors are all Registered Builders with over 25 years, and have in-depth experience in the building industry. With their wealth of knowledge of many trades, Buy Wise Inspectors can assist you with areas such as plastering, tiling and roofing, just to name a few. Buy-Wise are proud members of the HIA, and are dedicated to further continuing education every year. 2 Our Pest Inspectors have over 10 years experience in the pest industry, bringing with them a wealth of knowledge in both inspections and pest control.

3 Why do you need a Building & Pest Inspection? Helps you make a well informed decision and provides you with an independent, unbiased professional assessment of the property Identifies areas of concern and provides you with an estimated cost of repairs Termite damage can go undetected and cause major structural damage An experienced pest technician can advise you of preventative measures to protect your home General home insurance does not cover termite damage 3

4 When is the appropriate time to arrange a Building & Pest Inspection? Ideally it advisable to arrange a pre purchase building and pest inspection prior to making an offer on the property. This will arm you with all the information you need to comfortably negotiate on the price of the property. In the event that you have already signed a contract, generally we are able to organise your inspection with the agent within 24 hours. 4

5 Areas We Inspect Electrical All visible wiring in and around house Appliances including lights Meter box checked for installation of RCD safety switch & circuit breakers. Smoke detector locations If an Electrician is required to any areas. 5

6 Areas We Inspect 6 Plumbing Water pressure hot and cold Water hammering in pipes Water colour If galvanized piping is still being used Hot water unit condition, positioning and date of the unit. Gutters, Downpipes, Roofing and flashings Surface drainage on the ground Leaking pipes Services

7 Areas We Inspect 7 Internal Floors, Walls, Ceilings Doors, Windows, Cupboards Tiling Showers, Baths Dampness Appliances Movement

8 Areas We Inspect 8 In the roof - If accessible they will check for: Insulation Services Sarking Roof propping and structure Dampness Roof leaks Ducting

9 Areas We Inspect 9 On the roof - All aspects of the roof are noted Roofing material Gutters Valleys Roof pointing Roof sagging Flashings Chimneys

10 Areas We Inspect 10 Under the house - If physically possible, they will check: Stumps Bearers Joists Flooring Water pipes Ducting Ventilation Dampness Services

11 Safety aspects of the house Swimming pool fences and gates Structures Steps Handrails Balustrades Retaining walls Electrical requirements 11

12 Safety aspects of the house 12 External Walls Eaves Fascia Windows Doors Down pipes Fences Driveways and paths Movement in walls Painting Ventilation Out buildings such as: Garages Carports Pergolas Verandahs Decks Steps Balcony s Sheds

13 Termite Detection Beagle A termite detection dog can smell live termites through walls, concrete, panelling and other building materials, and can detect termites before they have time to do damage to a structure. Due to the termite dogs keen sense of smell, a trained termite dog has an accuracy of up to 97%. 13

14 Facts about Termites! The most common species identified from pre-purchase pest inspections in Melbourne is Coptotermes Acinaciformis. This species of termite is responsible for almost all of the major attacks observed. Drywood termites are of concern because they are extremely difficult to detect, can cause extensive damage and are difficult to eradicate because they do not have a central nest. 14 Porotermes infest damp timber that is decaying and can be eradicated by improving sub floor ventilation and removing sources of sub floor dampness.

15 Figure 1. Termite mudding over concrete stumps and bearers Figure 2. Sub floor bearer damage Figure 3. Coptotermes Acinaciformis (drywood termite) damage to flooring 15

16 External factors influencing termite attack Heavily treed areas Trees, particularly eucalypts and other native species provide the natural nesting sites for most species of economically destructive termites. Landscaping Many home owners inadvertently create conditions which invite a termite attack on their home. Unprotected timber in contact with the ground used in retaining walls, garden structures and mulching up against external walls has been found to be a common nesting area for subterranean termites. 16

17 Figure 5. Mulch covering vents Figure 4. Landscaping timbers in contact with ground 17

18 External factors influencing termite attack Building Rubble Many termite infestations are initially caused by timber debris being left under the house, often as part of the original construction. A common problem area is where builders have filled the void area underneath a concrete porch or verandah with timber off cuts and other surplus material. These provide a potential new termite colony with protection, moisture and a rich source of food, the ingredients necessary for a future thriving nest. 18

19 Figure 6. Timber stored in sub floor provides a food haven for foraging termites Figure 7. This timber debris left in sub floor has already been attacked by termites 19

20 Fact or Fiction - Are steel framed houses safe? NO! Termites can occur to skirtings, architraves and joinery work. In one documented case, on removal of a wall lining termite workings were found packed between the metal studs and bottom plate. 20 Moisture brought into the workings by the termites and the acidity of their saliva and faeces had destroyed the galvanizing to the studs and rusted several through, requiring replacement.

21 About termites in Victoria Almost 70 per cent of all Victorian municipalities are designated termite zones. 21 Victoria s Building Regulations 2006 stipulate that all new houses and extensions built in termite prone areas must be protected against termites by either physical or chemical barriers.