Building inspectors’ primary role is ensuring construction projects adhere to government regulations, and can halt work if anything doesn’t comply.
But, what do they actually inspect? Discover four criteria building inspectors Melbourne consider when performing inspections, such as:..
Exterior
Building inspectors investigate more than just the exterior walls of a property; they inspect parking lots, structures, landscaping and roofing too – looking out for signs such as cracks in masonry work, leaky roofs or any other issues which might cost too much to fix.
Building inspectors review plans and permits for construction projects to ensure that they adhere to approved plans and building standards, which includes shutting down projects if they don’t follow rules and regulations.
Building inspections of commercial properties should take place prior to starting or ending tenancies or during the buying and selling processes, or during construction as part of safety verification; for instance inspecting cranes used on site.
Interior
Building inspections include an in-depth examination of a structure’s interior. This involves looking for signs of water damage and verifying that all windows and doors are functioning as they should. Inspectors often assess possible safety hazards like slippery floors or malfunctioning staircases during this process.
Based on the nature of their inspection, building inspectors may also need to review other documents, such as appraisals, construction blueprints, citations, fire safety system records, floor plans and survey reports. Furthermore, visual inspection may also be conducted prior to compiling a report.
Over time, UV rays from the sun’s rays, rain, snow and wind can wreak havoc on even the highest-quality masonry walls and siding, leading to cracking, discoloration and other issues that will require an inspector’s inspection for solutions. An inspector should also closely examine caulking joints, mortar joints and paint for signs of wear-and-tear issues that require attention.
Roof
Building inspectors go far beyond simply observing the exterior walls of a structure to evaluate all internal factors as well, such as fire safety risks, windows and kitchen facilities. This is especially helpful during commercial inspections where more elements must be examined closely. In cases of zoning regulations, building inspectors have the power to bring construction projects to a halt until all regulations have been adhered to correctly.
First they will inspect your roof to make sure it’s in good condition, inspecting shingles for straightness and any signs of curling or fading, as well as checking soffit materials, fascias, and gutters for damage or rot.
Once on the roof, they’ll inspect skylights, chimneys and any other components attached to the building as well as look for signs of water stains or rot in attics and interior ceilings.
When your roofer spots any problems with your roof, such as gaps in flashing, they’ll notify you and make recommendations for repair or replacement as soon as they discover it. In severe cases they may even advise replacing it altogether in order to prevent leaks into the property and potential structural damage from occurring. Furthermore, they’ll check for sagging caused by uneven planes on your roof surface – an essential step toward protecting both leakage and potential structural issues.
Electrical
Home inspectors typically perform general home inspections; building inspectors are city employees that can intervene with construction if it falls below standards or fails safety inspection. Their purpose is to ensure everything remains safe, while electrical wiring follows proper practices.
Your inspector will evaluate the main electrical panel, making sure each circuit breaker is clearly labeled with its amperage and installation requirements are followed according to code requirements. They’ll also make sure receptacles such as GFCI outlets or AFCI (arc-fault circuit interrupters) meet these criteria – including outdoor locations below grade or near sinks that need protection with GFCI protection.
Your inspector will perform a careful examination of the wiring, ensuring it has sufficient gauge to support its amperage capacity. In addition, they’ll ensure any old knob-and-tube or aluminum wire has been upgraded with copper wiring – helping avoid potential fire hazards in the future.
Your inspector will ensure all switches and receptacles are grounded, per the National Electrical Code. They’ll also assess the condition of any electrical boxes such as checking for seal integrity or corrosion issues – or whether there are enough wire conductors that need to fit inside them.
