Buying an older home in Werribee: what an inspection looks for
Movement, drainage and old leaks: the items that change the value of an established home.
In short: In an older house the important questions are whether it has moved, whether water is getting in, and whether anything is unsafe.
Movement first
Cracks at the corners of doors and windows are common with age. What matters is their width, pattern and whether floors have moved. Where the signs point to it, we take floor level readings.
Water around the house
Paving and garden beds that fall toward the walls are behind many movement and damp problems. We note the fall and any weep holes buried by it.
Old leaks
Stains on ceilings and walls tell you a leak happened, even if the roof is dry on the day. We use a moisture meter to see whether it is active.
Balconies and wet areas
Cracked balcony tiles and drummy tiles can let water into the structure below. Slow wastes point to restrictions in the drainage.
Safety hazards
Unstable fences, trip points and missing balustrades are recorded as safety items regardless of cost.
Written by our local inspection team from work carried out in Werribee. Licensed building practitioners, Building & Plumbing Commission registration CDB-U 53425.
