Since purchasing a property is one of the most significant investments that anyone can make, it is essential to make sure that a building is in a good state of repair before making any decisions. Routine building inspections are also important after a property has been bought, as doing this will help identify any potential problems before they become too costly to repair. These inspections can also help identify safety hazards. Whether you need to carry out a building inspection at a residential or at a commercial property, the following checklist can help you sistematically assess the state of the building.
Building Inspections: the Exterior
-Is the drainage system graded in such a way that it allows water to be drained away from the building and its foundations? If it is not, rain water could easily accumulate and result in serious structural damage, mold and mildew. As a general rule of thumb, drainage systems (such as gutters) should gradually increase their slope by 1 inch every 2 feet. Roof drain pipes should direct the water at least 6 feet away from the building foundations.
-Is the building sufficiently far away from tree branches? Are there are large tree roots within 6 feet of the building? If so, these could cause subsidence.
-If there are any wooden sheds, fences, or decks, is the wood in good condition? Watch out for termites and for rotten wood due to water damage.
-Is the exterior of the building free of cracks and flaking?
-Are wooden surfaces or elements at least 6 inches away from the ground?
-Do window and door frames look straight?
-Are gutter joints property seales and free of rust? Are gutters themselves securely attached to the building?
-If there is a chimney in the building, does it stand straight? Are all bricks and joints in good condition, free of cracks? Are there any parts missing?
-If the roof is made of shingles, are there any shingles missing or broken? Is there any mold on the shingles, or do they look cupped? Also, note that this type of roof should have no more than two layers of shingles.
-Flat roofs should show no evidence of blisters, splitting, or silt deposits, as this could indicate drainage problems. Roof flashings should be properly sealed with tar to prevent water leaks. To access the roof, you may want to contact a specialist company, like http://sussexropeaccess.co.uk/
-Are ventilation elements (such as grilles or trickle vents) free or blockages? Blocked ventilation systems have a negative effect on air quality and can result in poor energy efficiency.
-Are there any fire hazards in the yard, driveway, shed, or garage?
Building Inspections: the Interior
-Are interior walls free of damp? Look for stains, paint blisters or flaking, and blotchy patches. In rooms that have been tiled, make sure that the tiles are fully sealed (particularly in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms).
-Are there any signs of condensation? If the windows are steamed up or there are water puddles on the window sills, the building could have ventilation issues. Damp and condensation can be notoriously difficult to repair, so learn more about how to identify both at http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2008/mar/01/diy.homes8
-Do all doors and windows close properly without jamming? Besides from being a functional issue, doors and windows that do not close properly could indicate that the floor or walls are not level.
-If there is a fireplace, are there any stains on its front? If so, this could mean that there are back drafting problems, which can make the building unsafe
-Are stairways stable?
-Is electrical wiring in good condition? To learn more about the current regulations, visit http://www.homebuilding.co.uk/advice/key-choices/heating/wiring-explained
-Are walls properly insulated? In the UK, the majority of buildings that were constructed after the 1990s have wall insulation. If th building is older, you will first need to know what type of walls are in place. You can find more information at http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Insulation/Wall-insulation