What to consider if you're an owner builder
So you are considering taking the plunge and becoming an owner builder. There are many challenges ahead, however, with the right attitude, tools and knowledge you can rise to the challenge. Here are some of the things to consider for a successful build.
Pre Handover vs Post Handover Inspections
The completion of a new home can be a stressful and anxiety experience. That is the price you pay for making your dream come true, unfortunately. It may take up to a year or longer for the builders and other contractors to down tools. ???????
Building Certification
The question of whether to choose a council or private certifier is one that troubles many new home owners. Both can perform the same services but it is how they go about the job that separates the two.
Going Green - Top 10 Tips for Eco Living
Going green is no longer simply a preference; it has become a matter of conscience. It is no secret that human activity has greatly contributed to increased levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
THE ECONOMICAL ADVANTAGES OF A SOLAR ROOF EXHAUST VENTILATION SYSTEM
It is not uncommon to see homes whirlybirds. They don’t present issues when it comes to installation. The problem is, unless the property is small and doesn’t require much, you are going to need more than a fe to get the job done.
Preventing Mould Once Winter Hits
When winter hits in South Australia, there are a number of habits that will help mould settle in your home. You stop drying clothes outside, all the doors and windows are shut for the season, and the running of the humidifiers begins.
Not All Building Inspectors Are The Same
Buying or building a home is probably going to be one of the biggest purchases you make during your lifetime, so it’s important to know any inspections you have carried out, provide sound information to ensure you know exactly what you’re purchasing.
How to Minimise Your Electricity Bill
It has reached that time of year where the electricity bill starts playing on the minds of all homeowners and in particular for those that live in South Australia.
Flooring to Suit Your Lifestyle
Do you get anxious at the thought of choosing flooring for your home? It’s understandable to feel apprehensive about what is a fairly large project. Getting the material, style or colour wrong could transform a space in all the wrong ways.
DIY Renovation Ideas That Will Save You Money
DIY renovation is a tricky business. If you want to take on the challenge in your home, there are effective ways to save money. You have to know how to balance what you can do with what you can’t or shouldn’t attempt on your own.
Get Your House Organised this Spring
Do you find it difficult to get your house organised for the spring? It’s hard to decide where to start when there is so much to do.
Try These Spring Gardening Tips
Gardening in the spring time is the best way to get into a routine of maintaining your outdoor space. There are lots of tasks to take care of but, if you go about the work methodically, it won’t take as long as you may think.
Outdoor Water Saving Tips
With drought conditions always, a concern for Australian homeowners when the weather gets hotter, saving water is on everyone’s mind.
Change your bathrooms look inexpensively with painted tiles
If there is one thing that’s for sure, it’s that renovation is a long and laborious task. There isn’t much you can do to cut corners if you want the job done right, which means paying a professional.
Beautify your small yard with a veggie patch
Have you always assumed that your yard is too small for a veggie patch? If you are like the thousands of other South Australian homeowners who don’t have much space to work with, a veggie garden probably feels like a pipedream.
Determining the right air conditioning system for your home
Choosing the right AC system for your home will make a huge difference to how much you pay in energy costs. The size and shape of the home is an important factor, here is some information about AC system types and how each system works.
How to Handle a Building Dispute in SA
While you do have the option of speaking to Consumer and Business Services (CBS) over a building dispute, it is always preferable to address the issue with the tradesperson directly first
Waterproofing
Building codes are in place to ensure new and existing builds meet the appropriate standards of quality and safety. When it comes to key aspects such as waterproofing, however, it’s worth exceeding the minimum requirements of the code in order to achieve
Building a New Home – Does your Builder outsource Quality Assurance (QA) Inspections?
If you’re thinking about building a new home, it’s understandable that you would want your builder to work with highly skilled professionals in order to ensure every phase of your new home building is completed to a high standard.
Pool Maintenance in the Off Season
If you are new to owning a pool or have had a bad experience in the past, it pays to know how to carry out proper maintenance on your pool in the off season.
How to Gauge Acceptable Standards and Tolerances
One of the biggest areas of concern when commissioning or constructing a new residential property is avoiding (and if necessary dealing with) new home building defects. Where does responsibility lie, if something is not to the standard required?
Fire Pit Fun - Things to know about fire pits
Fire pits can be an amazing addition to any garden, and can warm up your outdoor entertaining area during chilly nights. Not only do they bring a physical and visual warmth to your home, they can also be a beautiful focal point in your backyard.
Do It Yourself Inspection Checklist
Houspect Building Inspections was set up to help the home buyer make right purchase decisions by providing important information on defects and repair costs. However, if you are a do it yourself purchaser, heres a pre-purchase building inspection check
Pre-Purchase Building Inspection & Report
Professional House Inspectors and Qualified Builders – Why Inspect?
Obviously, it’s best to know what you’re getting into before you invest in a property. However, few of us have the technical knowhow to spot potential problems in something as complex as a house.
All Houspect building inspectors are registered builders with years of experience. This experience allows them to accurately report on the condition of your intended purchase and in simple terms explain what needs to be done.
It is our responsibility to independently and without bias expertly provide this information, so that you can buy with confidence.
The Pre-Purchase Inspection Report
You will receive a detailed and comprehensive document completed in accordance with the Australian Standard that dissects the house into all the various building components – describing the condition of each area and whether it requires attention. Our reports also contain a glossary of technical terms.
Most Important
If you have a particular concern or query please mention it when booking your inspection. We will then instruct our inspectors to specifically address this issue in their report.
Our Inspection Covers
Structural Reports
- Roofing, internal and external
- Roof frame
- Walls, internal and external
- Under floor
- Doors and frames, internal and external
- Windows and frames, internal and external
- Guttering and down pipes
- Retaining walls
- Patios, balconies and stairs
- Pools, pergolas and paving
- Fences and out buildings
Building Reports
- Roofing, internal and external
- Roof frame
- Walls, internal and external
- Under floor
- Doors and frames, internal and external
- Windows and frames, internal and external
- Guttering and down pipes
- Retaining walls
- Patios, balconies and stairs
- Pools, pergolas and paving
- Fences and out buildings
- Plumbing/electrical Overview
- Maintenance issues
- Building defects not of a structural nature
- Cabinets
Most Houspect building inspections are arranged within 24 hours of being booked, and the report supplied the next working day. Houspect offers a wide range of inspections to suit every need.
South Australia Office
- P. 08 8344 2590
- E. info.sa@houspect.com.au
- A. Suite 2 – 35 Portrush Road, Payneham South Australia 5070