Bestwest Building Inspections

🌧️ Debris Alert: The Hidden Key to Avoid Overflowing Gutters! 🏠

During a recent Practical Completion Inspection, we stumbled upon a crucial detail that often goes unnoticed – the discharge width of a Colorbond valley. The Australian standard requires this area to be 150mm wide, currently this is only ~80mm wide. 🍂

Here's the deal: A narrow discharge area can easily become a magnet for debris, causing blockages and increasing the risk of overflowing gutters. 🚧

Proper discharge width ensures water can flow freely, preventing clogs and water damage to your home. 💦

Don't underestimate the impact of this seemingly small detail on your home's well-being. Let's keep your gutters clear and your home dry! ☔💪

During a recent Practical Completion Inspection on a new build we discovered this wall out of plumb.

Fortunately this was noticed and should be rectified by the builder prior to handover.

When that door frame doesn't quite match up... 🚪✂️ When in doubt, just fill it with grout! 💡🔨

Unfortunately the top of this feature pier is not supposed to be left open when the home is at Practical Completion stage (new build). 🏡🚧

These items can be overlooked and forgotten about unless you have an Independent Building Inspection completed at Practical Completion stage. Don't leave it to chance!! 💪🔍

Whoops! The fixings for the top section of this roof sheet have missed the batten, leaving this sheet loosely secured on the roof.

Don't leave it to chance, have the experts at Bestwest Building & Pest complete your Pre Purchase Building and Timber Pest Inspections!

This strut is only slightly split... Fortunately this is easy to rectify by replacing the strut.

Left unattended this could lead to this portion of starting to sag due to the failing support underneath. Good job it was spotted during our Pre Purchase Building Inspection!

Well, we found a 'hairline crack' in the boundary wall today – it's so tiny, you might need a magnifying glass to spot it!" 😅🔍

🏠 Major Structural Alert: Split Valley Rafter! 🌟

During a recent Practical Completion Inspection of a brand-new home, we uncovered a significant structural issue. 😮🔍

A split valley rafter! 🏡💥

This seemingly minor split can have far-reaching consequences, impacting the structural integrity of the roof. It's a reminder that even in new construction, attention to detail is paramount.

We're here to ensure your dream home is built to last. ⚒️💪

At a Practical Completion Inspection on a new home recently, unfortunately the wall sockets where visibly out of level in many areas.

🌧️ Roof Leak Alert: Don't Let It Rain on Your Parade! 🏡

We've got an important reminder for all you homeowners out there! 💡

Imagine this: On a rainy day, water starts trickling down from your ceiling light. Not only is it a mess to clean up, but it's also a potential electrical hazard waiting to happen. ⚡💧

This recent incident serves as a reminder of two crucial things:

1️⃣ Roof Integrity: A sound roof is your first line of defence against the elements. Regular roof inspections can help prevent such surprises.

2️⃣ RCD Functionality: Your safety switches (RCDs) should be regularly tested to ensure they are functional. They are designed to save your life in the event of an electrical fault, cutting the power to prevent shocks or fires.

Don't let water damage and electrical issues rain on your parade! 🌦️

🏡 Quality Matters

When you're investing in a brand new home under construction, your expectations are naturally high. After all, this is where your dreams and aspirations will take shape.

However, sometimes, you come across things that leave you wondering. Case in point: a recent discovery during one of our inspections.

🪟 Damaged Window Frames and Silicon-Patched Roof Tiles?

We stumbled upon a sight that raised some eyebrows - a damaged window frame and roof tiles that had seen better days, hastily patched up with silicone.

For a new build, this simply isn't acceptable. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about ensuring that your new home satisfies the Australian Standards and National Construction Code.

At Bestwest Building, we take pride in conducting detailed building inspections in Perth to ensure that your investment is sound and secure, so you can have the peace of mind you deserve when building your dream home.

Regrettably, the roof of this matured home has fallen victim to a termite infestation, resulting in substantial structural damage to the roof frame.

Instances of such damage are unfortunately all too common in established homes. Surprisingly, in many cases, there's no termite management program in place. It's worth noting that termites travel underground, often causing extensive structural harm without residents even realising it.

If you are the owner of an established home, it's of paramount importance to implement Preventative Termite Management measures. These measures substantially mitigate the risk of termite infestation.

At Bestwest Building & Pest, we go beyond standard building inspections. We are a licensed Pest Management business with a track record of providing Termite Management services to thousands of satisfied clients.

During a recent inspection of the brickwork on a two-story home under construction, a concerning issue came to light. The external face brick wall in question displayed a significant 20mm deviation from plumb, but notably, this deviation was concentrated in the upper half of the wall.

Not only that, but the width of the cavity, the space between the two brick layers, has also clearly been compromised. It has dwindled from an acceptable width to a point where the two layers are practically touching, resulting in the absence of a proper cavity.

Addressing this issue is imperative. To meet the minimum requirements set forth by Australian standards, it will be necessary to take down and reconstruct this brickwork.

It's essential to understand why it's crucial to properly join and fish plate the ridge board, in compliance with Australian standards, specifically AS1684.2.

According to Australian standards, it's a mandatory requirement to have fish plates on both sides of the ridge board joint to prevent any unwanted movement.

In the case of this established home, it's evident that this essential step was not followed during its construction. The absence of these fish plates allowed the angled strut to compromise the integrity of the ridge board. Fortunately this won't be difficult to rectify.

This serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of adhering to the minimum requirements during new construction projects.

Uh-oh! The wardrobe wall in this finished home has a noticeable 20mm deviation from being perfectly plumb, and this divergence is consistent over a 2-meter length.

In accordance with Australian standards, an allowable tolerance of approximately 5mm is considered acceptable. Regrettably, in this case, the deviation far exceeds that threshold.

Had this issue been identified during the construction phase, it would likely have necessitated the reconstruction of the wall. Unfortunately, with the home now completed and occupied by its owners, rectifying this problem poses a more complex challenge.

During a recent Practical Completion Inspection, we discovered a subtle yet significant oversight that serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough inspections. 🔍🏠

This box gutter requires a sump to assist in managing overflow in heavy rain periods or if the downpipe was blocked. This is required as per the Building Code/Australian Standards and was even listed on the floor plans for the home, with a specific detail outlining what needs to be done.

However, this had not been applied on site and the box gutter arrangement was not compliant. This could lead to potential water damage inside the home should the box gutter ever overflow.

This discovery reinforces the value of thorough inspections. What might seem minor can have a major impact on your home in the future.

📞📧 Reach out to us for your home inspection needs. Let's ensure your dream home stands strong.

Slab Weep Holes not Functioning!

The primary purpose of a weep hole is to allow any water that enters the cavity to escape. The cavity is the space between the external and internal walls, when water enters the cavity, naturally it will fall to the bottom of the wall and come to rest on the footing.

With a weep hole positioned 90-100mm above this point, how will the weep hole allow the water to escape..? It won't!!! The water will be trapped at the bottom of the cavity and will need to evaporate in order to escape.

We frequently see weep holes positioned at this point and these photos illustrate how they are destined to fail when positioned too high. Resulting in water trapped at the bottom of the cavity.

The usual requirement according to the Building Code and Australian Standards would have a flashing installed at slab level, directing water towards weep holes.

Installing a cavity flashing at slab level would solve the issue and question of where the weep holes should be positioned, however the majority of builders choose to apply an alternative performance solution which removes the requirement for a cavity flashing in this location.

Live Termites in The Home! 🏠🐜🔍

During a recent Pre Purchase Building and Timber Pest Inspection, we discovered extensive termite damage to the flooring of this older home.

Upon further investigation, we confirmed that live termites were present and were actively eating away the floor structure, timber floorboards and other associated timber fixtures (window frames, etc).

Don't leave it to chance, ensure you have a Pre Purchase Building and Timber Pest Inspection by the experts at Bestwest Building & Pest completed prior to settlement!

During a recent Brickwork & Roof Frame Inspection of a new home under construction, we stumbled upon a unique challenge that underscores the importance of meticulous craftsmanship. 🔍🛠️

🏠 Behind the Scenes: The Unseen Flaw

Building a home is like creating a masterpiece, layer by layer. However, sometimes, the details that lie beneath the surface can have a significant impact. In this case, we discovered an open hole in the roof exterior, a consequence of a poorly designed flashing detail.

🕳️ Unmasking the Gap: A Closer Look

Our inspection revealed a substantial gap in the roof exterior, a result of inadequate flashing design. This unexpected discovery serves as a reminder that even the most minor oversight can have far-reaching consequences if left unattended.

📞📧 Reach out to us today to ensure your home's construction is on the right track. Let us help you build a future where quality and attention to detail shine through!

Unveiling the Persistence of Termites: A Closer Look

Continuing with our termite damage theme this week, we're shedding light on a recent discovery that underscores the importance of termite inspections! 🔍🔎

🔍 Small Clue, Big Insight:

Sometimes, even the tiniest hint can reveal a bigger story. During our inspection of an older home, we stumbled upon termite evidence within a built-in cupboard. This small sign hinted at a larger issue lurking beneath the surface.

🏚️ Beneath the Surface: Timber Floor Framing Discovery:

Our investigation led us to uncover termite damage in the timber floor framing. While these pests may be small, they were making a notable impact, slowly affecting the home's structure.

🏠 A Rooftop Revelation: Structural Damage in the Roof Frame:

Further exploration unveiled more insights – structural damage in the roof frame, all caused by termites. What began as a minor concern had evolved into something that required attention.

🕵️‍♂️ Stay Informed and Prepared:

Termites may be persistent, but knowledge is power. Our Pre-Purchase Timber Pest Inspection equips you with the understanding you need to make informed decisions about your potential home.

📞📧 Reach out to us today on 08 9444 9562 to schedule your Timber Pest Inspection. Stay ahead of the game and ensure your dream home remains resilient against hidden invaders!

Defend Your Dream Home from Termites! 🏠🐜🚫

Unseen and destructive, termites can turn your dream home into a nightmare. 🪵🕳️ Before you buy, make sure to get a Pre-Purchase Timber Pest Inspection. Our recent discovery shows just how crucial it is. 🔍🏡 Don't let termites take over your future!

The Importance of Construction Progress Inspections 🏠🚧🔍

At Bestwest Building, we take pride in ensuring your dream home becomes a reality with our Construction Progress Inspections. Recently, during a first-floor brickwork inspection on a 2-story home, we discovered a critical issue that needed immediate attention.

🧱📝 Here's what we found:

🚫 Non-Compliant Brickwork Height 🚫

The external walls were built higher than the approved plans/drawings. The stipulated distance between the top of the external facing/rendered walls and the suspended slab was 30 courses (62 courses in total). However, we observed that these external walls were set at 32 courses (64 courses in total).

🪟 Misaligned Window Positions 🪟

As a result of the higher brickwork, the windows on the first floor were positioned incorrectly. The head height of the windows was supposed to be 27 courses, but they were installed at 29 courses. A spot check in the Master Room confirmed that the sill height was also 2 courses higher than specified.

🏗️⏳ Avoid Costly Mistakes:

Mistakes during the construction process can be costly and cause delays. That's why our Construction Progress Inspections are an invaluable asset for anyone building a new home.

🔍💼 Why Choose Bestwest Building?

✅ Our experienced inspectors catch potential issues early on, ensuring corrections are made promptly.
✅ We provide clear and concise reports, offering you peace of mind throughout the construction process.
✅ With our expert guidance, you can have the home of your dreams, built to the highest standards.

📞📧 Contact us today on 08 9444 9562 to schedule your Construction Progress Inspection and keep your dream home on track!

🔨 Debunking the Myth: National Construction Code and Australian Standards Apply Nationwide 🏗️🇦🇺

📝 Welcome to Bestwest Building's blog! Today, we want to address a common misconception in the construction industry. Some builders claim that building standards only apply to Eastern states, but that's not true! Let's set the record straight.

🏢 The National Construction Code (NCC) is a comprehensive set of regulations that apply across Australia. It ensures safety, health, and sustainability for buildings.

📏 Australian Standards complement the NCC, defining quality and safety requirements for construction practices. These standards apply nationwide, not just to specific states.

🚫 Compliance is not optional; it's a legal obligation. Adhering to the NCC and Australian Standards is mandatory for all construction projects.

🕵️‍♂️ As Independent Building Inspectors, we ensure your project aligns with these vital standards, promoting safe and high-quality homes.

🏠🛠️ Remember, building standards apply to ALL of Australia, including Perth, Western Australia. At Bestwest Building, we're committed to excellence in construction!

We have an extended version of this blog available on our website.

Stay tuned for more informative posts from Bestwest Building! If you have questions, feel free to reach out. 📩

🏠🔍 Protect Your Investment! 🚧📝 Our Pre-Purchase Building Inspections uncovered major structural defects in a 30-year-old property:

1️⃣ Split Valley Rafter - compromising roof integrity.
2️⃣ Rafter Deflection and Twisting - risking structural capacity.
3️⃣ Roof Failure Above Carport - beams bowed, joists d

Full detailed blog available on our website!

⏳ Don't risk it! Get a thorough inspection before buying! 💼✅

🏠 Bestwest Building: Pre Purchase Building Inspections 🏠

🌊 Addressing Water Ingress and Flooding Issues

Are you buying a home in Perth, WA? Don't overlook water ingress problems! Efflorescence and moisture in the laundry/garage area could indicate flooding issues.

As an existing home owner, you can take action now to prevent future problems!

🚧 1. Clear the Channel Drain
Remove debris and blockages for smooth water flow, preventing pooling and flooding.

💧 2. Examine Stormwater Connection
Check pipes and fittings for leaks, ensuring a robust and reliable connection.

✅ Benefits:

- Protect belongings from water damage.
- Ensure a safe and healthy living space.
- Increase property value and attractiveness to future buyers.

🌟 The Bestwest Building Advantage
Our thorough pre-purchase inspections provide vital insights for informed decisions.

The full detailed blog and many others can be read on our website.

🔍 Book Your Inspection Today!
Contact us at 08 9444 9562 or visit www.bestwestbuilding.com.au for further information!

⭐⭐ Client Feedback ⭐⭐

We love getting feedback from our valued clients. Since Bestwest started we have worked extremely hard to get positive reviews from clients. This review and many others can be found on our Google business page.