AMA VICDOC Summer 2024 - Magazine - Page 51
FRESH COAT OF PAINT
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A fresh interior paint job can be conducted
legitimately to brighten up the dwelling
aesthetically, however it can also be used
to cover up areas of concern.
These include cracks in the wall, which
can be a sign of structural problems,
rising damp, mold and leaks.
UNDER-FLOOR VENTILATION
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While often out of sight and mind, the nature
of the space below a house can throw up critical
issues that must be identified and assessed.
This is especially true of period homes.
Many period homes were built quite low
to the ground, which can prevent ventilation,
leading to damp issues under the dwelling,
particularly impacting the stumps and the
joist bearers.
As you can imagine this can lead to
significant issues with the stumps, joists,
and bearers; and go on to cause serious
structural issues for the home.
MUSTY SMELL
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Another red flag that is often missed is the
smell of a property when you enter. If the
home has a heavy musty odour, it can
indicate ventilation or moisture issues.
Often the smell is caused by moisture
and rising damp, which as discussed can
cause significant structural issues.
This can often be masked by real estate
agents by burning incense candles and
odour removers.
A SPATE OF SALES
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Whether it is an apartment, unit or townhouse
complex, a spate of sales within the group
can be a cause for concern, which should
require further investigation.
It can be a sign there is a difficult resident
in the complex making life unpleasant for
neighbours or preventing property
maintenance and upgrades.
It could also mean there is a large expense on
the horizon as part of the owners’ corporation,
for which some owners are not prepared or do
not have the capacity to contribute.
OWNERS’ CORPORATION
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The nature, history and recent activity
within the owners’ corporation is an issue
for investigation. This can be assessed by
reviewing the contract of sale, with the
support of a conveyancer or solicitor.
If the block is looking particularly tired
and shabby, it is useful to know if any
upgrades or maintenance is being planned.
Conversely, if a block looks overdone with
a high owners’ corporation fee, it pays to know
exactly how and why the money is being spent.
MODIFIED FLOORING
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This is most common and easily recognised in a
property with timber floors, particularly in period
homes where there might be sections that have
been changed or altered. It is important to find
out why that is the case.
It might mean there have been damp issues
underneath the floor that have required repairs.
It could also indicate pest issues, such as wood
borer or termite damage, or it could simply
mean a mismatched timber or colour due
to renovations.
SURROUNDING USES
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Nearby or adjacent alternate uses such as
commercial or retail properties may appear
to be appropriate at the time, however a
change of occupant could significantly impact
a resident’s lifestyle. Issues such as odours,
noise or traffic congestion can have a
significant impact on livability.
AT YOUR NEXT HOME INSPECTION
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Be aware of any potential red flags before
purchase and conduct adequate due diligence
to avoid nasty surprises, diminished capital
gains — and for homeowners — reduced livability.
VI CD O C SU M M ER 2024
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