Before you buy a new home, you need to know exactly what you're letting yourself in for. While you must be happy with the title and other legal elements, you need to look within those walls to see if the structure is as strong as it should be. What is one of the key areas to focus on here, especially if your property is primarily made from certain materials?
Timber-Framed Homes
Some homes rely on timber framing to provide their overall structure, even though much of this wood will be hidden behind additional walls and outer layers when the property is complete. Of course, stringent regulations dictate what kind of timber can be used and how it should be treated before it is installed. In addition, the wood should be kept apart from the soil beneath and steps taken to segregate it from the earth during slab construction and waterproofing.
Feeding Time
However, timber-framed buildings are potentially vulnerable to infestation, with termites the primary threat. These miniature creatures love to set up home in any area where there is some moisture present and a copious supply of wood, and they'll be even happier if there is a direct line of access to the soil below.
An Ideal Approach
Many property owners go to great lengths to protect their timber-framed homes from infestation by adding bating stations around the perimeter. You should look for these measures whenever you first discuss a property purchase, but you should insist on a comprehensive building inspection before formalising anything.
Termite Inspection
During a building inspection, experts will look for evidence of termite infestation. This is not always easy to find but will often produce tell-tale signs for an expert eye.
Tell-Tale Signs
An inspector will look for signs of curling wallpaper, tiny holes in wooden baseboards or drywall and an unusual "hollow" noise when they tap at strategic locations. If they know that there should be a wooden beam in a certain location but that it doesn't appear to be as solid as it should be, a much closer inspection will be required. In this case, an inspector may want to remove part of the drywall so they can see what's going on and determine whether termites have caused considerable damage.
Expert Help
So, insist that you bring in an experienced building inspector who will give you the all-clear as far as termites are concerned. Remember, termites can cause a great deal of damage out of sight, and someone will need to pay for those costly repairs.
For more information on building inspection services, contact a professional near you.