If you are building a new home, making major renovations to an existing one or adding structures on to your property, building inspections Melbourne is likely required as part of your construction project. But what do these professionals look for during this crucial stage?

In general, they ensure that the constructed work adheres to approved plans and inspect for large cracks in walls or any other anomalies that might exist.

Ceilings

As part of their evaluation of any newly constructed home or building under construction, inspectors carefully scrutinize walls, ceilings and floors - from walls and ceilings to floors - examining them for signs of structural issues or safety risks like water damage to cracking.

If ceiling joists are improperly supported, over time they can stretch and cause cracks to form in them. A good inspector will notice any visual cracks, blistering, or "nail pops" as signs that an overstressed joist needs to be corrected before it fails completely.

Inspectors also check for GFCI outlets (which must be present in rooms where moisture is present) and plumbing issues, and for signs of termite activity such as sagging wood flooring or rotten floor frames.

Cabinets

Cabinets for both kitchen and bathroom spaces can be an enormous investment, and a building inspector should verify they're durable and up to code. He/she checks factors like range hood venting outside; watertightness of cabinets; functional ground fault circuit interrupters within six feet of sinks.

Wood and melamine cabinets are popular materials used for cabinets. Unfortunately, melamine shows every fingerprint and scratch while hardwood can be difficult to stain or paint. Today's highest quality cabinets typically use HPL, a multilayered material less susceptible to scratches and fingerprints.

Building inspectors review plans and blueprints before construction begins, then visit during various stages to check things like floor and ceiling joists, grade and spacing of roof timber, thermal insulation, fire-safety requirements and staircases. They may also check for penetrations, cuts or notches that threaten structural frame elements that weaken their integrity - as well as any penetrations, cuts or notches in structural frame members that compromise their integrity.

Roof

Roof inspection is essential to the overall safety and structure of any building. An inspector must thoroughly examine a roof for signs of rust, rot, missing shingles and any other forms of damage as part of this comprehensive evaluation process. Soffit fascia gutter and attic ventilation also play a significant role in roof integrity - inadequate ventilation may lead to heat buildup that damages its structure over time.

Building inspections include inspecting electrical wiring. Inspectors make sure all circuit breakers are functioning appropriately and that exposed wires do not pose a fire hazard, while checking that all plumbing fixtures work as intended, including checking whether water and sewer lines leak or become blocked up.

Inspectors conduct building inspections to look for signs of leaky basements or exterior walls that have cracks or are decaying, windows that open easily as emergency exits, and any doors used as escape routes.

Gutters

Gutters provide protection for walls and foundation of homes by channeling moisture away from them and away from damaging elements like mold and mildew growth. Building inspectors frequently perform checks of gutters and downspouts for signs of rust or damage caused by being blocked up with leaves and debris.

Inspectors ensure the eaves are free from leaks, the downspouts are working efficiently to direct water away from the foundation, and gutters have enough slope for draining.

Though not required by code, gutters can be an invaluable addition to a home. Home inspectors frequently recommend them and describe how they operate, along with encouraging homeowners to clean them regularly and install soffit vents to promote air flow through their attic and prevent overheating of their roof. Without such vents in place, warm, moist air could remain trapped within it leading to mold growth, leading to higher energy bills in summer as a result of its inefficiency.