NSW Prepurchase Inspections | Terms & Conditions | Building, Pest, Strata Reports

Orders for Inspections and Reports can be made by telephone, by email or by fax.
We will organise access to the property using the information You provide.
Payment is required at the time that the Inspection is ordered.
Payment can be made by credit card or internet banking.

We require 12 hours notice for cancellations or You will be charged the full Inspection Fee.

Cancellation can be made by telephone, by email or by fax.

The report must be read as subject to the Australian Standard AS4349.0-2007 Inspection of
Buildings Part 0: General Requirements 1.2 APPLICATION which states:
"A report prepared in accordance with this Standard is not a certificate of compliance of the property within the requirements of any Act, regulation, ordinance, local law or by-law, or as a warranty or an insurance policy against problems developing with the building in the future."

And,

The Australian Standard AS4349.1-2007 Inspection of Buildings Part 1:
Pre-purchase Inspections— Residential Buildings 1.2 LIMITATIONS OF
STANDARD which states:

"A report prepared in accordance with this Standard is not a certificate of compliance of the property within the requirements of any Act, regulation, ordinance, local law or by-law, and is not a warranty against problems developing with the building in the future. This Standard does not include the identification of unauthorized building work or of work not compliant with building regulations. This Standard assumes that the existing use of the building will continue."

The Australian Standard AS4349.1 Part 1: Pre-purchase inspections— buildings states in
section 2.2 Purpose of Inspection that the purpose of the inspection is to provide advice to a
prospective purchaser or other interested party regarding the condition of the property at the
time of inspection. Accordingly, this Report is a Report on the condition of the property at
the time of the inspection and we accept no responsibility for any defects that may appear at
any time in the future.

In accordance with the Australian Standard AS4349.0 Part 0: General requirements
Section 2 Inspection Agreement, 2.1 General, C2.1, You confirm that You, or your Solicitor
or Conveyancer, have seen a sample of our Report on our website, or elsewhere, and
acknowledge that You are satisfied with the aspects covered in the Sample Report and the
extent of reporting in the Sample Report which is similar to the Report You have received.

In accordance with the Australian Standard 4349.0 Part 0: General requirements Section 2
Inspection Agreement, 2.1 General, C2.1, You confirm that You may not sign an
Inspection Agreement as time may not available for the signing of an Inspection Agreement.

Asbestos containing materials, including fibro, were in common use in buildings that are
fifteen years or more old. There are a large number of buildings in Australia that contain
asbestos but without specialised testing, which is outside our area of expertise, and having
access to parts of the building not readily visible, it is difficult to accurately determine
whether asbestos is present in a building and we are therefore unable to reliably state
whether or not this building contains asbestos. However, the general consensus in the
building industry is that buildings with asbestos that is in good condition pose no danger to
their occupants unless the material that contains asbestos is disturbed. You should be aware that removal of building materials containing asbestos such as corrugated asbestos cement roofing or internal or external fibro wall sheeting will almost certainly involve substantial costs because of stringent safety rules in relation to handling of asbestos imposed by Government authorities. For further information about asbestos see
www.asbestosinspections.com.au

If You are contemplating any alterations or additions to the property, most Councils will
require You to undertake an asbestos inspection before work commences so that any
sections of the building that contain asbestos can be removed to eliminate a health risk to
the owners and the building contractors. For further information about asbestos see
www.asbestosinspections.com.au

An inspection of the plumbing in this building has been made by examining the exposed plumbing pipes, testing the water pressure at all the taps and flushing the toilets if the water is on. Blockages in sewer lines can sometimes be identified by toilets that do not drain quickly when flushed but often this condition only becomes apparent after continual use over a period of time and in these cases blockages in sewer and stormwater pipes cannot be identified during the course of an inspection. Blockages in sewer and stormwater pipes can also occur at any time because of tree roots entering into sewer and stormwater pipes below the ground. For these reasons we cannot accept responsibility if there are or if there develops any blockages in sewer and stormwater pipes and this Company cannot be held liable for any repairs made necessary by such blockage.

The Australian Standard AS4349.1-2007 Inspection of Buildings Part 1: Pre-purchase
Inspections— Residential Buildings states that the inspector is not required to check the
adequacy of the plumbing or electrical installation. We therefore take no responsibility for
these matters and our report on the plumbing and electrical installation must be read subject
to these exclusions and this disclaimer of liability.

Sydney Water does not allow downpipes collecting rainwater from the gutters to discharge
into the sewer system. It is impossible to determine simply by visual inspection whether
the downpipes are connected into the sewer pipes. This can only be determined by smoke
testing using specialised equipment which is outside our area of expertise and accordingly
outside the scope of this report. This Company therefore takes no responsibility for the cost
of rectification where downpipes discharge into the sewer.

Shower enclosures are examined for evidence of seepage but it is not possible to determine
whether a waterproof membrane has been installed or it’s condition because the membrane
is not exposed to view. Should seepage through the bathroom walls or floor appear,
replacement of the tiles and renewal of the membrane will be necessary and in some cases
damage to the timber wall and floor framing can occur. Leaking showers and damage to the
timber wall and floor framing is therefore outside the scope of this report and this Company
cannot be held liable for repairs to leaking showers or damage to the timber wall and floor
framing.

The Client acknowledges that this Report does not deal with the following items in
accordance with the Australian Standard AS4349.1-2007 Inspection of Buildings Part 1:
Pre-purchase Inspections— Residential Buildings:
(a) Footings below ground.
(b) Concealed damp-proof course.
(c) Electrical installations, operation of smoke detectors, light switches and fittings,
TV, sound and communications and security systems.
(d) Concealed plumbing.
(e) Adequacy of roof drainage as installed.
(f) Gas fittings and fixtures.
(g) Airconditioning.
(h) Automatic garage door mechanisms.
(i) Swimming pools and associated filtration and similar equipment.
(j) The operation of fireplaces and solid fuel heaters, including chimneys and flues.
(k) Alarm systems.
(l) Intercom systems.
(m) Soft floor coverings.
(n) Electrical appliances including dishwashers, incinerators, ovens, ducted vacuum
systems.
(o) Paint coatings, except external protective coatings.
(p) Health hazards (e.g., allergies, soil toxicity, lead content, radon, presence of
asbestos or urea formaldehyde).
(q) Timber and metal framing sizes and adequacy.
(r) Concealed tie-downs and bracing.
(s) Timber pest activity.
(t) Other mechanical or electrical equipment (such as gates, inclinators).
(u) Soil conditions.
(v) Control joints.
(w) Sustainable development provisions.
(x) Concealed framing-timbers or any areas concealed by wall linings/sidings.
(y) Landscaping.
(z) Rubbish.
(aa) Floor cover.
(bb) Furniture and accessories.
(cc) Stored items.
(dd) Insulation.
(ee) Environmental matters (e.g., BASIX, water tanks, BCA Environmental
Provisions).
(ff) Energy efficiency.
(gg) Lighting efficiency.

No liability will be accepted for any damage whatsoever that may be present in areas in this
property where the timber wall, floor and roof framing is not exposed to view and this Company cannot be held responsible for any damage to concealed timber wall, floor and
roof framing.

Only the readily accessible and readily visible areas of this building were inspected and
reported on. The report therefore does not extend to any areas where there were physical
limitations which inhibit or prevent access and inspection, including but not limited to
fixed ceilings, wall linings, floors covered by floor coverings, fixtures, fittings and furniture
containing clothes and other stored articles/materials, thermal insulation, sarking, pipe/duct
work, and areas covered by or containing builders debris, vegetation, pavements or earth.
Any section of the building that is not readily accessible, such as locked garages, laundries,
hot water heaters, and the ceiling cavity or subfloor areas where the manholes are inaccessible or locked, cannot be reported on and no responsibility will therefore be taken
in respect of defects that may be present in these parts of the building. The client will be
charged an additional fee to inspect these areas if access becomes available at a later date.

In accordance with the Australian Standard AS4349.1 Part 1: Pre-purchase inspections—
buildings, please note that Section 2.3.2 Areas for inspection states the following:

"The inspection shall cover all accessible areas. The client shall arrange right of entry, facilitate physical entry to the property and supply necessary information to enable the inspector to undertake the inspection and prepare a report. The inspector is not responsible for arranging entry to property or parts of property. Areas where reasonable entry is denied to the inspector, or where reasonable access is not available, are excluded from, and do not form part of, the inspection."

Accordingly, any areas of the building that are not accessible will be excluded from the
Report and the Client will be charged an additional fee if those areas become accessible and
an inspection of those areas are requested.

The Australian Standard AS4349.1 Part 1: Pre-purchase inspections— buildings states the
following in Section C4.2.8:

"Minor defects are common to most properties and may include minor blemishes, corrosion, cracking, weathering, general deterioration, unevenness, and physical damage to materials and finishes, such as de-silvering of mirrors. It is expected that defects of this type would be rectified as part of normal ongoing property maintenance. It is neither intended nor expected that the report will include details of specific minor defects."

Accordingly, this inspection does not report on minor defects or matters unlikely to
significantly affect the use or value of the property or which it would be reasonable to
expect would be repaired or replaced during the course of regular and prudent maintenance
of the property including, but not limited to, minor blemishes, corrosion, cracking, weathering, general deterioration, unevenness, and physical damage to materials and
finishes, such as de-silvering of mirrors, the quality of paint work and normal wear and tear.

The Inspection and Report compares the inspected building with a building that was
constructed in accordance with the generally accepted practice at the time of construction
and which has been maintained such that there has been no significant loss of strength and
durability.

The Australian Standard AS4349.1-2007 Inspection of Buildings Part 1: Pre-purchase
Inspections— Residential Buildings states that Reasonable Access is defined as "areas
where safe unobstructed access is provided". Reasonable access does not include removing
screws or bolts to access covers. Reasonable access does not include destructive or invasive inspection methods nor does it include cutting or making access traps or moving furniture, floor coverings or stored goods. Access to any areas of the building as detailed above must be made by the owner. We recommend you arrange for us to gain access to any areas of the building that were not accessible to determine whether any repairs are required in these areas. However, we advise that this will require a second visit to the property at an
additional fee.

The Australian Standard AS4349.1-2007 Inspection of Buildings Part 1: Pre-purchase
Inspections— Residential Buildings states that Reasonable Access constitutes access from a ladder no higher than 3.6 metres, manhole access to the ceiling cavity no smaller than
450mm x 400mm, crawl space in the ceiling cavity no less than 600mm x 600mm, manhole
access to the subfloor no less than 500mm x 400mm and vertical clearance in the subfloor
not less than 400mm to the underside of the bearers. Special arrangements will be required
for access to any of the above areas that are outside these dimensions.

This Building Report is the result of the inspection of the readily accessible and readily visible areas of this building only. Please note carefully that should you undertake any
alterations or additions to this property and discover any other defects that were not noted
in the Report, we will accept no responsibility for the presence of these defects or for the
repair of the defects.

We cannot, as part of our inspection, dig gouge, break apart, dismantle, remove or move
any objects including but not limited to furnishings, floor and wall coverings, insulation,
appliances, foliage and personal possessions. Accordingly, we will accept no responsibility
for the presence of any defects or for the repair of any defects that may become apparent
when any of the actions stated above take place as is often the case when former occupants
of the property vacate the property.

Our inspectors are not authorised to move any items on the properties we inspect including
but not limited to furniture, fittings, floor coverings, white goods, debris, vegetation or any
personal effects. These items can sometimes conceal access to the subfloor below the
property, access to the manhole into the ceiling area and access to other areas of the
property. Accordingly, the client will be charged an additional fee to inspect these areas if
access becomes available at a later date as a result of the movement of these items.

If the property to be inspected is occupied then You must be aware that furnishings or
household items may be concealing evidence of problems, which may only be revealed
when the items are moved or removed. Where the Report says the property is occupied You
agree to:
a) Obtain a statement from the owner as to

i. any Timber Pest activity or damage;
ii. timber repairs or other repairs
iii. alterations or other problems to the property known to them
iv. any other work carried out to the property including Timber Pest treatments
v. obtain copies of any paperwork issued and the details of all work carried out

b) Indemnify the Inspector from any loss incurred by You relating to the items listed
in clause a) above where no such statement is obtained.

You agree that We cannot accept any liability for Our failure to report a defect that was concealed by the owner of the building being inspected and You agree to indemnify Us for any failure to find such concealed defects.

The Report is prepared and presented, unless stated otherwise, under the assumption that
the existing use of the building will continue as a Residential Property.

The Report overrides any verbal report provided by our inspectors or any conversation that
may take place between our inspectors and the Client. We strongly recommend that every
section of the Report is thoroughly read before the purchase proceeds.

Please note carefully that when we state that there is insulation present in the ceiling area,
we strongly recommend that you engage an electrician to check that the insulation has not
been placed over lights or electric cables since this condition can present a substantial fire
risk.

Glass installed in the windows and doors in this house may not be safety glass. A glazier
should be engaged to replace any glass in the windows and doors which is not safety glass
since glass which is not safety glass can cause serious injury to persons if broken.

The gutters and downpipes in this building were inspected in relation to their condition.
Any corrosion of the gutters and downpipes was noted in the report, however, we did not
inspect the gutters in relation the adequacy of the fall of the gutters towards the downpipes
or whether the gutters overflow during certain weather conditions. Accordingly, we do not
accept any responsibility for water damage to the property that may have occurred in the
past or that may occur in the future as a result of incorrectly graded gutters or overflowing
gutters. Should you observe that the gutters and downpipes in this property are not
functioning properly you should engage a suitably qualified contractor to immediately
repair the gutters and downpipes and any damage that the gutters and downpipes may have
caused.

The Report is not concerned with the position of any buildings on the land in relation to the
boundaries. Accordingly, this company accepts no responsibility for any encroachments
that may exist or any buildings that have been constructed too close to the boundaries in
contravention of Local Government, State Government or Federal Government Regulations. We strongly recommend that a survey of the property should be obtained by a qualified surveyor to confirm that no encroachments are present and no Regulations have been contravened.

In the event of any dispute or claim arising out of, or relating to the Inspection or the
Report, or any alleged negligent act or omission on our part or on the part of the individual
conducting the Inspection, either party must give written Notice of the dispute or claim to
the other party. If the dispute is not resolved within 21 days from the service of the Notice
then either party may refer the dispute or claim to a mediator nominated by this Company.
Should the dispute or claim not be resolved by mediation then one or the other of the parties
may refer the dispute or claim to the Institute of Arbitrators and Mediators of Australia who
will appoint an Arbitrator who will resolve the dispute by arbitration. The Arbitrators fees
with be shared equally by the Company and the Client and the client is required to forward
half of the cost of the Arbitrators fees to the Company before the Arbitrator is engaged. The
Arbitrator will also determine what costs each of the parties are to pay.

The Client agrees that they accept the report with all the conditions stated therein. Should
the Client not agree to any condition in this Report, a written Notice must be received in the
Company's registered office within 7 days of the date of the Report.

DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY TO THIRD PARTIES:- This Report is made for the use and
benefit of the Client named on the front of the Report and no liability or responsibility
whatsoever is accepted to any third party who may rely on the Report, wholly or in part.
Any third party seeking to rely or acting in reliance on this Report, whether in whole or in
part, does so at their own risk.