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Cautionary Note 10 – Preventing building disputes, checking documentation prior to contract
February 1, 1993
Based on data collected from property and pest inspections of over 11,000 properties, we issue the following warning. Experienced solicitors are aware that many unnecessary disputes are caused by omissions, errors and inadequacies in the plans, specifications and contracts. All documents in larger construction works (over $50,000 in value) should be reviewed for completeness including [...]
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Cautionary Note 9 – Commercial leases, Liabilities for repair
November 1, 1992
Based on data collected from property and pest inspections of over 10,000 properties, we issue the following warning. Commercial leases usually require lessees to repair and maintain their leasehold throughout and especially in the last term of their lease. Lessees are accepting significant defects at the commencement of the lease which unacceptably increase their liability [...]
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Cautionary Note 8 – S317ae Certificates may not protect purchasers
October 1, 1992
Based on data collected from property and pest inspections of over 10,000 properties, we issue the following warning. Solicitors and lenders often mistakenly rely solely on s317ae (building) certificates. Non-compliance and encroachments comprise less than 5% of the serious defects identified during a thorough property inspection. Further, council officers are not required to inspect roof [...]
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Inspections of units and flats
August 1, 1992
Based on data collected from property and pest inspections of over 10,000 properties, we issue the following warning. Consumers and sometimes their advisors mistakenly assume that strata properties do not require a thorough property inspection. Age of property is not relevant. New apartments can have considerable defective workmanship including rising damp, drainage and roofing defects. [...]
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Negligence and pest inspections
June 1, 1992
Based on data collected from property and pest inspections of over 10,000 properties, we issue the following warning. The Australian Consumer’s Association has recently found: “the way pest inspections are carried out is far from satisfactory. The information provided in written reports was often scanty and inadequate. The general advice given to householders was frequently [...]
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Insurance Valuations (Estimate of replacement cost)
February 1, 1992
Based on data collected from inspection of over 9,000 properties, we issue the following warning Insurance valuations are necessary to ensure that a property is insured for the full cost of rebuilding including all external works and professional fees. If the property has not been valued for some time or improvements or alterations have been [...]
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Analysis of drainage diagrams and identification surveys
January 1, 1992
Based on data collected from inspection of over 8,000 properties, we issue the following warning. Drainage diagrams and surveys and any other relevant documents should be provided to your building consultant prior to carrying out of any property inspection. Solicitors are rarely able to personally inspect their purchasers’ properties. Analysis of these documents on site [...]
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Undetected serious defects in your loan security
November 1, 1991
Based on data collected from inspection of over 8,000 properties, we issue the following warning. Purchasers are unwittingly exposing themselves and their mortgagees to unnecessary risk by failing to obtain accurate advice ab out the condition of the property they are buying, prior to exchange of contracts . This is especially relevant with auctions. Purchasers [...]
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Buildings with slabs on ground and untreated softwood frames
July 1, 1991
Based on data collected from inspection of over 7000 properties, we issue the following warning to your purchasers. Untreated softwoods used in brick veneer and timber framed buildings built on concrete slabs on ground are highly susceptible to undetected pest (especially termite) damage. The majority of modern timber frames are constructed of untreated radiata pine. [...]