In the market for a new home in Brisbane? Careful staging can make a great first impression and help you to “fall in love” with a property, making any flaws or defects pale in comparison. This emotional attachment is just one of the reasons why a professional building and pest inspection is imperative once you’ve signed a contract!
After completing hundreds of building and pest inspections across Brisbane’s northern and southern suburbs, our head building inspector Glenn has seen firsthand how vendors try to cover up obvious issues – with fresh paint, or a strategically placed pot plant. Other defects are a lot less obvious, and can pose a trap for unwary buyers. From moisture damage in flood-prone areas like Rocklea and Oxley, to termite activity in leafy suburbs such as Kenmore and The Gap, every part of Brisbane presents its own unique challenges for property owners.
7 Common Property Defects
Here are some of the most common property defects we find during building inspections.
1 – Cracks and Foundation Movement
You don’t have to be a professional building inspector to know that significant cracking isn’t a good sign. Small hairline cracks are common, but aren’t necessarily cause for alarm – it’s usually just the result of normal settling.
However, larger cracks may be a different story. In a building and pest inspection we look for other signs of foundation movement, such as:
- Doors and windows that stick
- Uneven or sloping floors
- Gaps around window frames
Foundation movement tends to be more common in Brisbane suburbs with highly reactive clay soils, like Springfield and Forest Lake; as well as parts of Logan or Ipswich with a history of mining activity.
2 – Termite Damage
Termites are the invisible enemy and unfortunately they just love Brisbane’s humid climate. Termites can cause significant damage and the homeowner may remain oblivious. Whether it be evidence of current or previous termite activity, we have the equipment to conduct a thorough pest inspection and detect termites, so you can be informed before you purchase.
3 – Bathroom and Moisture Problems
Another defect which can be difficult to detect is moisture and water damage. Using technology such as the Thermatrack with GTEK, we are able to find problem areas hidden behind tiles and walls, or under floors. Common bathroom defects include failed waterproofing membranes, leaking shower recesses, porous tile grout and mould and dampness in the floor, hidden beneath floor coverings. Older Brisbane homes may have waterproofing which doesn’t meet today’s standards; and we’ve also seen moisture problems in homes that were affected by the 2011 and 2022 floods.
4 – Problems with the Roof
A home’s roof protects everything underneath it, yet many buyers never inspect it properly. During a building inspection, we assess both the roof exterior and, where accessible, the roof void. Common defects include broken and cracked tiles, or rusting metal roofing causing leaks into the cavity, and damaged flashing.
5 – Rot and Fungal Decay
Once again, Brisbane has a climate that is favourable not just for termites, but also for rot and fungal decay. Timber rot commonly affects decks, pergolas, window frames, fascia boards, staircases and balustrades – take a look at this example in Capalaba.
It’s particularly common in the older Queenslanders and post-war homes found throughout suburbs such as Paddington, Ashgrove, Coorparoo and Camp Hill, where timber features are often a significant part of the home’s character.
6 – External Property Defects
The areas outside a home can also be problematic. Our professional building inspector frequently notices damaged or deteriorating retaining walls, dilapidated fences, and poor drainage in the yard, not to mention termite issues. Not all property defects are structural; some are simply safety concerns that may require immediate attention.
Examples include:
- Loose handrails
- Missing or damaged balustrades
- Unsafe decks and stairs
- Non-compliant building work
- Poor-quality DIY renovations
7 – Hazardous Materials
One of the common findings in Brisbane building and pest inspections is asbestos in homes built before the late 1980s – whether in the roof, walls, bathrooms or even the back shed. Lead-based paint may also be an issue in older homes.
While these materials aren’t always dangerous if left undisturbed, they do pose a health risk – and extra expense – during renovations or demolition work
Know It Before You Own It
Some property defects are easy to spot. Others remain hidden until after settlement – when fixing them becomes your responsibility.
A thorough building and pest inspection uncovers potential problems that you are unlikely to notice – giving you the information you need to buy with confidence, negotiate repairs, or in some cases, walk away altogether.
If you’ve signed a contract on a property in Brisbane, Logan, Redlands or surrounding areas, contact the team at Trimax Building Inspections on 0418 433 533 and make sure you know it before you own it.