Oakbank / Mount Barker - RLA 173455 Blog

You've found the perfect home and you are feeling very excited about the prospect of moving in but remember this is one of your greatest assets.  When signing a contract for your new home it is adviseable to sign subject to a "building and pest inspection".

There can be hidden expense with building issues - be it from termites or other means.

Rising Damp occurs when water rises inside the bricks & mortar.  The moisture from this contains salt, which expands and damages the plaster and paint.  Quite often this salt can be noticeable on the walls which some sellers may try to paint over as a short term solution prior to marketing the property for sale.

Salt Damp needs to be checked by a professional as they can test the moisture levels. If it is left unattended it can devalue a property substantially.  If work is to be performed it should be completed prior to settlement.

Termites are tunnelling insects that feed on plant material, including timber that our homes are commonly built from. Termites aren’t usually covered by home insurance, hence the urgency to have a Pest Inspection completed.

The Inspector will check for pencil sized tunnels or mud tubes which termites use to travel across areas. They will also check for activity in wall cavities.  If termites are found a water-based termiticide will be applied to treat the soil around the building. Termites travelling through the treated soil will transport the chemical back to the colony.

If there is any damage don't have it repaired until all termite activity has ceased.