Building Inspection Tips

Rising damp is one of the most commonly reported moisture-related issues found in residential properties, particularly older homes. It occurs when groundwater is drawn up through masonry walls by capillary action, bringing moisture and salts into the building fabric.

Common signs of rising damp include damp or stained wall surfaces, peeling paint, deteriorating plaster, musty odours, salt deposits on walls, and damage to skirting boards or adjacent timber components.

While rising damp is not always a major structural concern, prolonged moisture exposure can contribute to the deterioration of building materials and create conditions conducive to timber decay. For this reason, it should not be ignored.

During a pre-purchase building inspection, signs consistent with rising damp may be identified through visual observations and moisture meter readings. However, determining the exact cause and extent of moisture ingress may require further investigation by a suitably qualified specialist.

In many cases, rising damp can be managed through improved site drainage, reducing ground levels adjacent to walls, repairing damaged damp-proof courses, or implementing specialist moisture management systems.

If you are considering purchasing a property, understanding the extent of any moisture-related issues is an important part of making an informed decision. A professional building inspection can help identify potential concerns and provide guidance on any recommended further assessment.

Early identification of rising damp can help prevent more extensive deterioration and reduce future maintenance costs, giving buyers greater confidence in their property investment.

Leaking showers are among the most common defects identified during pre-purchase building inspections, particularly in older homes. While a shower may appear to be functioning normally, water can often escape through failed grout, deteriorated sealants, cracked tiles, or defective waterproofing systems.

The challenge is that damage is frequently hidden from view. Moisture can travel into wall cavities, flooring systems and adjacent rooms for extended periods before visible signs become apparent. By the time staining, swelling or mould growth is noticed, significant damage may have already occurred.

Common indicators of a leaking shower include:

• Cracked or missing grout
• Deteriorated silicone sealants
• Loose or drummy wall and floor tiles
• Moisture staining to adjacent walls or ceilings
• Swollen skirting boards and architraves
• Musty odours and mould growth

In many cases, repairs can range from relatively minor maintenance works through to complete shower replacement where waterproofing systems have failed.

When purchasing a property, it’s important not to overlook bathrooms and wet areas. Even a small leak can result in costly repairs if left unresolved over time.

A professional building inspection can help identify signs consistent with shower leakage and provide buyers with valuable information before making one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.

Uneven or sloping floors are one of the most common concerns raised by home buyers during building inspections. While not all uneven floors indicate a serious structural problem, they can sometimes be a sign of movement within the building over time.

There are many reasons a floor may not be level. In older homes, natural settlement, timber shrinkage, subfloor movement, ageing stumps, or general wear and tear can all contribute to unevenness. In newer homes, site movement or construction-related issues may be factors.

The important thing is determining whether the movement is historical and stable, or whether it appears ongoing and likely to worsen.

Some signs that may accompany uneven floors include:

• Cracking to walls and ceilings
• Doors or windows that stick or don’t operate correctly
• Gaps around skirting boards or architraves
• Noticeable slopes or dips when walking through the home

Many older properties have some degree of floor unevenness and continue to perform satisfactorily for decades. However, significant movement may require further assessment and potentially rectification works.

A building inspection can help identify the extent of floor movement, possible contributing factors, and whether further investigation by a structural engineer or specialist contractor may be warranted.

Understanding the cause of uneven floors before purchasing a property can help buyers make informed decisions and avoid unexpected repair costs down the track.

tructural movement is something we commonly assess during pre-purchase building inspections. While some movement can be expected as buildings age and settle, excessive movement may indicate underlying issues that require further investigation.

Signs of structural movement can include:

• Cracks in brickwork, walls or ceilings
• Doors and windows that stick or won’t close properly
• Uneven or sloping floors
• Separation around window and door frames
• Gaps between walls, ceilings and cornices

Structural movement can occur for many reasons, including soil movement, moisture changes, inadequate drainage, ageing building materials, tree root activity, or foundation-related issues.

It’s important to remember that not all cracks are structural. Many homes, particularly older properties, display minor cracking that is consistent with normal settlement and ageing. The key is determining whether the movement appears minor and stable or whether it may be ongoing and significant.

A professional building inspection can help identify signs consistent with structural movement and provide recommendations regarding any further assessment that may be required.

Understanding a property’s condition before you buy can provide peace of mind and help you avoid unexpected repair costs in the future.

Concrete and terracotta tile roofs are designed to provide many decades of service, however like all building components they require ongoing maintenance as they age.

During building inspections, it is common to find cracked or displaced tiles, deteriorated ridge capping mortar, blocked valleys, accumulated debris, and general weathering. While these issues are often not immediately serious, if left unattended they can allow water ingress and lead to more costly repairs over time.

Some common maintenance items include:

• Replacing cracked or broken roof tiles
• Repointing deteriorated ridge capping
• Cleaning roof valleys and gutters
• Trimming overhanging vegetation
• Checking flashings and roof penetrations
• Removing moss and lichen growth where present

In many cases, an ageing tile roof does not require complete replacement. Localised repairs, maintenance works and periodic inspections can significantly extend its service life and maintain weatherproofing performance.

However, where widespread deterioration is present, extensive cracking has occurred, or previous repairs are failing, more substantial rectification works may be required. This can range from roof restoration through to partial or complete roof replacement depending on the condition of the roof covering and supporting components.

When purchasing an older home, it is important to understand that some degree of maintenance should be expected. An ageing tile roof is not necessarily a defect in itself, but rather a component that may require periodic upkeep as part of normal home ownership.

A professional building inspection can help identify the general condition of the roof and highlight areas that may require maintenance, repair or further assessment, allowing buyers to make informed decisions before purchase.

One of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of a property’s condition is the way the surrounding land falls in relation to the building.

Ideally, the ground should slope away from the home to encourage rainwater and surface water to drain away from foundations and external walls. When the land falls towards the building, water can accumulate around footings, increase moisture levels beneath the home, and contribute to a range of issues over time.

Poor site drainage may lead to:

• Rising damp and moisture ingress
• Increased subfloor humidity and timber deterioration
• Foundation movement and settlement issues
• Cracking to walls and finishes
• Ponding water around the building perimeter
• Mould and damp-related problems

In many cases, rectification can be relatively straight forward. Regrading garden beds, lowering soil levels, installing agricultural drains, improving stormwater disposal, and ensuring downpipes discharge appropriately can all help reduce excess moisture around the structure.

During building inspections, site drainage is an important consideration as it can have a significant impact on both the long-term performance of the building and the likelihood of future maintenance issues.

A well-drained site helps keep foundations stable, reduces the risk of damp-related defects, and can contribute significantly to the longevity of the home.

Sometimes the most effective building maintenance doesn’t involve the building itself—it starts with managing water around it.