As a property owner, staying on top of your building’s condition is essential to ensure your investment’s safety, comfort, and value. Regular building inspections help you detect potential issues early, allowing you to resolve them before they become expensive repairs or safety risks. To assist you in conducting thorough and organised inspections, we have created a comprehensive building inspection checklist that every property owner should have.
Exterior inspection
- Foundation – Check for cracks, settling, or other signs of damage. Drain water away from the foundation to prevent water damage.
- Walls – Look for cracks, bulging, or deterioration in the exterior walls, and check for any signs of water damage or staining.
- Roof – Inspect the roof for missing, damaged, or loose shingles and any signs of leaks or water damage. Check the condition of the gutters, ensuring they are adequately secured and draining water away from the foundation.
- Windows and doors – Assess the condition of the windows and doors, checking for any cracks, gaps, or signs of wear. Ensure they open and close correctly and that the weatherstripping is intact.
- Landscaping – Evaluate the condition of the landscaping, ensuring that trees and shrubs are not growing too close to the building or causing damage to the foundation or exterior walls.
Interior inspection
- Walls and ceilings – Check for any cracks, water stains, or signs of damage. Look for any indications of settling or structural issues.
- Floors – Inspect the condition of the flooring, looking for any cracks, unevenness, or signs of water damage. Check for missing tiles or floorboards.
- Electrical system – Assess the condition of the electrical outlets, switches, and light fixtures. Check for any frayed wires, exposed wiring, or outdated electrical components. Ensure that the electrical panel is labelled correctly and in good condition.
- Plumbing system – Inspect the condition of the pipes, faucets, and toilets, checking for any leaks, corrosion, or signs of water damage. Test the water pressure and ensure that the drains are functioning properly.
- Appliances – Inspect the condition of any built-in appliances, like the refrigerator, oven, or dishwasher. Look for wear, damage, or malfunctions.
- Bathrooms – Assess the condition of the bathroom fixtures, including the toilet, sink, and shower. Check for any leaks, water damage, or signs of mould or mildew.
- Attic and basement – Inspect the condition of the attic and basement, checking for any signs of water damage, mould, or pest infestations.
Pest inspection
- Wood-destroying insects – Look for any signs of termites, carpenter ants, or other wood-destroying insects. Check for mud tubes, discarded wings, or visible damage to wooden structures.
- Rodents – Inspect for any signs of rodent activity, such as droppings, gnaw marks, or nests. Check for potential entry points and ensure food sources are properly sealed and stored.
- Other pests – Look for other pest activity, such as bed bugs, cockroaches, or flies. Identify any potential breeding sites or harborage areas and take appropriate action to eliminate them.
Safety checks
Smoke detectors – Test all smoke detectors to ensure they function correctly, and replace any batteries as needed.
Carbon monoxide detectors – If your property has fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage, ensure that carbon monoxide detectors are working correctly.
Fire extinguishers – Check the condition and expiration dates of any fire extinguishers on the property. Ensure they are easily accessible and that occupants know how to use them.
Emergency lighting – Test any emergency lighting systems for proper operation and illumination in a power outage.
Handrails and guardrails – Inspect the condition of any handrails or guardrails, ensuring they are secure and meet local building codes. For building inspections in Sydney check vitalbuildinginspection.com.au/pricing/.