The 5 most common construction defects

The 5 most common construction defects

If you’re considering purchasing a building then you need to have a building report completed. However, this should also be something to consider if you’ve owned the building for several years.

Regular inspections through a company specializing in Sydney building reports mean you can identify issues and have them sorted before they become more serious and expensive.

Equally, if you’re purchasing a building this type of report can help you to decide if you still want to go ahead with the purchase and how much you should be negotiating off the price. 

Before you do anything else it’s worth being aware of the most common defects and what effect they may have on your building.  For all of your excavation needs, check out excavation central coast.

1. Bad Door & Window Seals

Faulty seals around doors and windows will make them harder to open and close. That’s a small concern. However, these gaps can also let pests and moisture into your property, which is more serious. Pests can be a nuisance. But, moisture ingress can be much more serious. 

Moisture attacks wood and causes wet rot, affecting the stability of your building. It also encourages the growth of mold spores, which can be detrimental to your health.

Additionally, bad seals can be because of poor workmanship which window or door space has not been leveled properly. This should leave you questioning the workmanship in the rest of the building. Before you start any excavation, be sure to evaluate the existing terrain and know how to avoid potential defects. For all your execution needs to check http://aesperonconstruction.sg

2. Roof Failures

The most obvious issue with a roof is when it starts to leak. If this isn’t visible it can damage the wooden beams holding it in place, resulting in wet rot and structural instability. The solution if caught early is roof repair. If left, it’s a costly roof replacement.

3. Foundation Shifting

If you see vertical cracks in a building then there is a good chance that the foundations have shifted. This isn’t actually uncommon, most buildings shift after being built and settle. But, if the cracks appear in an established building or go from floor to roof then your foundations haven’t been completed properly. 

It’s likely the soil wasn’t treated properly or the weigh calculations were wrong.

In short, part of your building is moving away from the rest of it. Potentially it will need underpinning and joining work.

4. Power Issues

Electrics are often built into the walls which makes them particularly concerning when they go wrong. The older the building the more likely it is there will be a fault with them. Wiring decays as it ages and rodents can chew it. The result is electrical shorts which can cause fires.

If your property has any unusual electrical activity you need to have a full inspection undertaken and prepare yourself for the potential of a complete rewire.

5. Plumbing Issues

Many plumbing pipes are also buried inside walls and floors. They also deteriorate over time and leaking pipes do more than just increase your water bill. They can cause moisture ingress throughout your house, damaging any wood they find and causing an array of issues ranging from insecure foundations to rotten floors.

Check your water usage carefully to ensure you don’t have leaking or damaged pipes.

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