Whether you’re buying or selling a property, property inspections play a crucial role in ensuring that the structure is safe, sound, and free from hidden issues. Here’s a guide to help both sellers and buyers prepare for this important process.
A home inspection report is a detailed document prepared by an independent and qualified home inspector after evaluating the property.
[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]In the last week, we saw a case where a property seller was instructed to compensate the buyer for roof repairs in the amount of more than R400 000.00 based on deliberately withholding knowledge and fraudulent non-disclosure on the part of the seller. The link: (https://www.iol.co.za/pretoria-news/news/judge-orders-seller-to-pay-home-owner-r400-000-to-repair-damp-smelly-house-17d286ed-cd5a-4a5d-abf3-1e50433ac531?fbclid=IwAR1vojJN0puMyKsQmRi3AO4vvWNQFFNvgcddC8RZAr_XfGBaq45MIAoqkV8) Is there a law governing disclosure relative to property sales? Laws governing disclosure of defects protect buyers from misleading or fraudulent representations by, or on behalf of, the seller in respect of the immovable property they wish to purchase. When buying and selling a home, the parties agree to a purchase price related to the condition of the property at the time of the sale. This requires disclosing to the buyer all defects, or faults, including those that are either obvious to the eye upon reasonable inspection, or those that may only become known at a later stage. The law on defects has in the past been governed by common law and is today further governed by the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), which has the main objective to protect consumers whilst establishing certain duties for suppliers in respect of a consumer agreement. Whilst the CPA is not applicable to an owner selling his property, it is applicable for Developers and Property Practitioners, who have a duty to ensure that all defects are declared to the purchaser. Is the “Voetstoots Clause” still valid? The voetstoots clause is still a valid clause in an agreement unless the seller is in the business of selling properties, but it is important to realise that the seller will not be protected if he/she was aware of the defect and did not disclose it to the purchaser. The concealment must be deliberate and with the intention to defraud. (If the seller concealed the defect in an obvious way, for example, by painting over damp) The Fear of Property Inspections With the fierce competition in the property sales industry and sellers wanting maximum return, it is understandable that property inspections are sometimes seen as a threat. While Property Inspections have been around in South Africa for more than 20 years, we are seeing a growing trend of buyers, sellers and even practitioners insisting on an independent inspection as part of the conditions in the offer to purchase. It is important to understand that a property inspection protects the seller, the property practitioner, and the buyer. Requirements for a Property Inspection A property inspector should be qualified to provide the customer with an in-depth written report after completing the inspection, including all the relevant components, date-stamped pictures, and detailed problem descriptions. An Inspection Report leaves no room for misinformation and problems that could cause legal complications at a later stage. Please feel free to contact us at: Email: info@homeinspectionsa.co.za Phone: (+27) 0861 995 049 Website: https://homeinspectionsa.co.za/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomeInspectionSouthAfrica[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.22″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://homeinspectionsa.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Home-Inspection-South-Africa-moisture-intrusion-water-damage-why-do-a-Home-Inspection-copy.jpg” title_text=”Home-Inspection-South-Africa—moisture-intrusion—water-damage—why-do-a-Home-Inspection-copy” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ header_font=”|||on|||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#1f1e50″ header_2_font=”|||on|||||” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] Moisture Intrusion and Your Home Owning a property can have a major impact on your financial well-being, so it is vital to look past the cosmetics of the property and get down to the integrity of the components that make up the property. On the surface, a home could be stunning, but there might be underlying issues that, if overlooked, could cost you a lot to repair. Moisture intrusion in your home can be one of the most destructive and expensive problems. Unfortunately, water doesn’t always just drip straight down. It will “run” along horizontal surfaces and can often cause lots of damage in places you wouldn’t expect. Common places to find moisture intrusion in your home is often under hardwood floors, walls, tiled surfaces, etc., all of which will need to be pulled out, replaced and then refinished if not caught early. How does moisture find its way into your property? Major causes of dampness are: 1. Roof Leaks: A damaged or leaky roof will cause damp issues inside the home. Figure 1: Water Stains on Wooden Structure Figure 2: Broken Roof Tile Figure 3: Severe Moisture in the Roof Cavity 2. Water Penetration of masonry through the tops of parapet walls, windowsills, and gaps around windows and doors. Replacing just one wooden window frame can cost you more than R5000.00 per frame. Figure 4: Moisture Intrusion through Cracked Masonry Figure 5: Rotten Wood Window Frame 3. Leaking Plumbing can cause wood rot and mould growth in the house. Figure 6: Poor Plumbing Repair Figure 7: Mold in the kitchen cupboard 4. Poorly installed, failed, or lack damp-proof courses. Figure 8: Lack of damp proof course 5. Rainwater damage in your house. Water can penetrate the structure through the roof covering that has failed or in the absence of gutters and downpipes, causing water damage in your home. Figure 9: Broken Roof Tiles Figure 10: Failed Roof Coverings a. Badly maintained or failed roof covering allows for rainwater to enter the roof cavity.b. Rainwater runs off the roof, down walls, and enters through weak plaster or badly jointed bricks.c. The earth grade or paving around the structure should slope away from the building to allow for adequate water run-off and to avoid water pooling around the structure. 6. Waterlogged areas could cause penetrating dampness as well as compromise the foundation of the structure if it persists. Figure 11: Water Ponding 7. Lateral Dampness is caused by the ground level being higher on the outside of the wall. This allows the moisture from the soil on the opposite side of the wall to penetrate through the wall causing damage to the internal wall. The most common cause of penetrating dampness is the incorrect installation, deterioration, or omission of the vertical damp course. Figure 12: Lateral Damp 8. Signs of Penetrating Lateral Damp in your house: Penetrating damp, otherwise known as lateral damp, is the development of moisture through the walls and roof of a building. If left untreated it can cause problems for the structure and significant damage to the fabric of your home. a. Flaking Paint. Figure 13: Flaking Paint b. Efflorescent (salting) is present on the surface. Figure 14: Efflorescent 9. Rising Damp in your house Rising damp is the condition where moisture from the ground travels up through the pores in the bricks and mortar of a building, once rising damp has become established, this moisture can cause problems such as damp patches on walls, peeling paint, and eventually, plaster falling away from the wall. Over time it will lead to structural damage to the building if left unchecked. The symptoms of rising damp can often be confused with the symptoms of other damp problems such as lateral damp and condensation. Figure 15: Rising Damp 10. Condensation a. Condensation occurs when warm air collides with cold surfaces, or when there’s too much humidity in your home. When this moisture-packed warm air comes into contact with a chilly surface, it cools down quickly and releases the water, which turns into liquid droplets on the cold surface. Figure 16: Condensation b. Hot air carries more moisture than cold air. If this moisture is left unattended it will eventually affect paintwork and ceilings. Dampness also encourages the growth of mold spores that thrive in these moist conditions. Figure 17: Mold infestation 11. Easy ways to reduce condensation in your house: a. Keep your home ventilated.b. Keep the lid on the saucepans while cooking.c. Drying clothes outside if possible.d. Wiping down the bath, shower, and tiles after use.e. Install extractor fans in bathrooms [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
A home inspection report sets both buyers and sellers on edge. It may feel like the buyer has the upper hand, but everyone involved is eager for this part of the sale to go well and understand its value in the process. In fact, 90% of homeowners believe that home inspections aren’t a necessity but a luxury. Realising that each side ultimately wants the same thing and that you can work together toward closing a deal, should set all parties more at ease. Start with these 6 home inspection tips for buyers that offer some hidden lessons for sellers too: Tip #1: Make the inspection official by writing it in as a contract contingency. Even if a seller isn’t deliberately hiding something, some maintenance issues aren’t apparent to an untrained eye. What that means for sellers: Because the home inspection report is written in as a contingency, you should know your options when it comes to repairing negotiations: agree to fix the issue, offer a credit to the buyer at closing, or refuse to take action with the risk that the buyer could walk away with their earnest money. The upside of a home inspection for buyers and sellers is that it puts everything out in the open. Both sides know what a property’s problems are and can negotiate with all facts on the table. Not many agents will suggest a pre-listing home inspection for buyers or sellers to either tackle maintenance issues early or give buyers a heads-up about certain issues, creating transparency. Wouldn’t you rather know of any problems upfront than have the buyer’s inspector unearth a surprise maintenance issue? Tip #2: Temper your expectations for a perfect home inspection. Although a home inspection report is detailed, it doesn’t cover every nook, creak, and cranny. “One expectation that first-time home buyers have is that the inspector is going to find everything wrong with the house, and that’s not the case. We’re there as a guest of the owner, so we’re limited in our ability to inspect things,” as stated in Home Inspection SA’s, Standard Operating Procedures and Code of Ethics. “We can’t look inside the wall to see if there’s a leak behind the bathroom faucet or the bathtub. We can’t take things apart to see why the dishwasher is making a funny sound. Other than removing the electrical panel, we don’t move furniture or appliances.” So if there’s a sectional couch in front of the living room windows, for example, the inspector may not be able to reach all the windows to test if one sticks. What that means for sellers: The home inspection report assesses a home’s condition. It’s not a report card on how good a homeowner you’ve been or a “pass or fail” test. You may be used to your home and its quirks, but a buyer isn’t, so try not to take anything in the report personally. Also, remember, minor things will always crop up. Whether you’re buying a 10-year or 30-year-old home, you’re going to have issues. Every house has an issue. Trust your agent to help weed through what’s minor and what’s a potential deal-breaker. Tip #3: Be prepared to attend the inspection and ask lots of questions. When buyers pay for the home inspection, it’s fairly standard for them to watch the inspector at work. The first thing we always do is ask the client what their concerns are. Maybe they had an issue with a previous house, so they’re sensitive to that. Although we also need elbow room, we might go into and out of the house several times, crouch down to examine something, and make sudden stops, we’re glad to answer any questions the buyer has. You’ll still get a report, but it’s easier to understand a problem when we can explain it to you, and you see what the issue is. What that means for sellers: Although buyers need this opportunity, a seller already knows the home and more often than not can get in the way. We have had experiences with buyers clashing with sellers who became defensive or emotional during the inspection. Let your agent supervise the inspection and tell you what the inspector found. (If you’ve had a pre-listing inspection or a maintenance inspection done recently, you’ll already know what’s in store.) Tip #4: Know when to ask for a repair, take credit, or leave it be. The home inspection can trigger some delicate negotiations over a property’s flaws. For each, a buyer can request that the seller hire a contractor to fix it, obtain a credit (a reduction in the purchase price) toward fixing it themselves or let it be. Sellers can opt for either or simply reject both and negotiate from there, although that puts the transaction at risk of the buyer walking away. Sellers should repair major structural issues or safety problems, such as a dated roof, or offer credit if they don’t have the funds. Cosmetic imperfections, such as chipped paint or peeling wallpaper, can be left to the buyers to handle once they purchase the property. What that means for sellers: If your electrical, gas or plumbing systems, appliances, or geyser are older, talk to your agent about offering a compromise to sweeten the deal. That takes away a lot of problems for the buyer and seller during a home inspection. Tip #5: Request documentation to prove completed repairs. While not essential, this can help verify any amenities the seller’s advertising, such as a new roof. If the receipts are out, we’ll look at them. It’s a good thing for a seller to do if they actually did have work done.” What that means for sellers: You might already have your receipt handy from a home appraiser, so it doesn’t hurt to let a home inspector view them too, as well as your agent. “If the buyer asked for the documents about the repairs, and it was recently done, then it’s better to give
SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR HOMEOWNERS WITH GAS HEATERS At this time of the year when we experience the cold winter in the air, many of us reach for the ignition switch on our gas heaters. However, it is essential to first take the time to make sure that we know our safety tips and that our gas heaters are safe to use. Gas heaters are normally safe but an unsafe heater could be a fire hazard or produce dangerous carbon monoxide. It is recommended that the heater is serviced regularly by a qualified gas technician, in line with the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Safety guidelines to consider when using gas heaters this winter: Always turn your heater off before going to bed or leaving your home. Make sure all the components like the heater, regulator, and hose connectors of your unit are well-maintained. Do not use aerosols or flammable cleaning liquids or sprays close to the heater. Avoid sitting or standing too close to your heater, thereby avoiding gas burns. Do not use outdoor gas heaters indoors. Outdoor gas heaters may create carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide can make you dizzy, and give you headaches or flu-like symptoms, and extended exposure can be fatal. Always ensure that the room in use is well-ventilated. Carbon monoxide is a colourless and odourless gas that can go completely unnoticed yet cause serious illness or, in severe cases, death due to poisoning. Never place clothes or other items like towels over your heater. Remember that this is dangerous as a fire, and can start without anyone noticing. Do not move your unit while it is in use. First, turn it off and wait for it cools down a little before moving it around. Keep children and pets away from gas heaters. Keep gas heaters at least one meter away from all flammable objects including furniture, curtains, books, and boxes. What to do if you smell gas in your home Do not light flames or create sparks. Don’t operate light switches, appliances, or telephones. Leave the area with the doors and windows wide open. Shut off the gas at the gas bottle valve. Don’t turn the gas back on until it has been checked by a qualified gas technician. Do not return to your home until the gas has had time to dissipate. Remember that LPG is heavier than air and can accumulate in low areas. Get your system checked by your local qualified gas installer.
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE OF RAINWATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS Many home maintenance plans tend to neglect the rainwater management system. Regular waterproofing maintenance can prevent costly and unnecessary repairs in the future. There are a number of components to the rain management system which include roof and roof ridges, gutters, downspouts and gulleys, facias and bargeboards and paving. All of these precautions will help prevent rainwater damage. Roof and Roof Ridges Roof and roof ridge maintenance is often overlooked by most homeowners knowing the average life span of a roof is around 20 to 25 years. This is only true if the roof is well maintained and inspected every 3 years and the necessary preventative maintenance is carried out. The inspection of the roof includes inspecting the roof ridge and shingles or tile roof covering. During the inspection look for any broken, loose, missing or worn ridge or roof tiles as well as missing cement between the ridge tiles. Inspect the flashings for any damage or wear. These items should be repaired or replaced as required to prevent water leakage into the roof cavity which could cause moisture damage to the roof structure or even the ceilings inside the house. Check for any overhanging trees which could rub against the roof covering and could cause damage or wear to the roof cover. Cut any overhanging trees back away from the roof. Remove any fungal or moss growth from the roof using a household antifungal cleaner and regularly wash the roof to remove excessive dirt or algae growth. Here are a few ways how you as a Home Owner can prevent water leakage in your roof; Install Waterproof Barriers Install Pre-manufactured Flashing Install Roof Deck Protection Install Hip and Ridge Cap Shingles Spect Skylights Gutters, Downspouts and Gulleys These play an important role in draining the rainwater from the roof and diverting it away from the house structure. When inspecting these components, check that the gutter and downspouts are firmly attached to the facia boards and the house structure. Make sure that the gutters slope slightly downwards towards the downspouts to allow correct water flow. Inspect all the components for any damage or leaks and repair or replace as required ensuring that all overlays are correctly sealed with a good quality caulk sealant. Remove any leaves, debris or plant growth from the gulleys, gutters and downspouts which may prevent the flow of rainwater through the system. Ensure the boot of the downspout has sufficient clearance from the ground level and is facing away from the house structure to enable the water to flow away from the house. Facias and Bargeboards Facias and bargeboards form part of the roof line. Facias are fastened to the end of the overhanging rafters and bargeboards on the gable end of the roof and are exposed to excessive weathering and require regular maintenance. Maintenance would include regular cleaning and painting of facias and bargeboards to ensure they are securely fastened. Rub them down with coarse sandpaper and check for any damaged or rotten sections. Cut these out and replace them with new material where necessary. Fill in the joints with good-quality caulk or wood filler. Apply a good quality primer and undercoat before painting over with a good quality acrylic paint. Paving Paving assists with the flow of rainwater away from the house structure and requires regular cleaning, sealing and weed control maintenance. When inspecting the paving, remove any weeds from the grouting before removing any dirt or stains by regular sweeping and washing. Check the joint grouting for any gaps especially caused by the removal of weeds and refill with a grouting mixture of sand and cement. Remove any moss or algae from the paving and seal with a good-quality paving sealant. Proper and regular maintenance of a home rainwater management system will not only enhance the home’s appearance but will also prolong the lifespan of the components of the system. Contact Home Inspection SA for a FREE quote today
Owning a property can have a major impact on your financial well-being, so it is vital to look past the cosmetics of the property and get down to the integrity of the components that make up the property. On the surface, a home could be stunning, but there might be underlying issues that, if overlooked, could cost you a lot to repair. Moisture intrusion can be one of the most destructive and expensive problems. Unfortunately, water doesn’t always just drip straight down. It will “run” along horizontal surfaces and can often cause lots of damage in places you wouldn’t expect. Common places to find moisture intrusion is often under hardwood floors, walls, tiled surfaces, etc., all of which will need to be pulled out, replaced and then refinished if not caught early. Moisture intrusion is when water enters a building or a home, and is one of the most significant factors affecting the durability of a building. Building moisture can cause mould, fungal growth and other microbial contamination, as well as corrosion, decay, rot and other moisture-related deterioration. These issues can pose serious health risks for occupants, and will likely lead to costly repairs to correct the problems that first allowed moisture to invade the envelope. Moisture problems are usually due to incorrect building practices for example builders that leave out the damp course when building, or causes like incorrect roofing practice. However, these problems can also start occurring when buildings are neglected and not maintained for long periods of time. Buying a house with moisture problems can quickly become a big hassle when the rainy season arrives. Make sure you inspect before you buy.
When buying a home, most home buyers look for specific features like a big kitchen, inviting backyard with a swimming pool, carports and more. But there’s something else that wise buyers should add to their checklist: “a foundation that is in good condition” Buying a home is a major investment. So, it’s important to choose a house that is in good structural condition, which will preserve the home’s value and safety. That’s why it’s vital to assess a home’s structure when you’re thinking of buying. Fortunately, there are many visible signs of structural issues that can reveal a home needs repair. Experienced home inspectors can easily spot these signs before you buy your dream home. Have a Property Inspector look at the house to assess the condition of the foundation. Call us today for a free quote. We operate across South Africa
Oil filled radiators Oil-filled space electric heaters heat the liquid inside the metal unit that warms the surrounding ambient air without a fan or blower. The oil known as diathermic oil does not burn or ignite like fuel. Thus, no oil needs to be added as it never burns off. Electricity warms the oil, but the oil is slow to lose heat and the unit only switches on occasionally to keep the liquid at the right temperature. Some units have high, medium and low settings, but others have timers and thermostat temperature controls. Safety Precautions Oil-filled radiators get very hot. Keep the unit away from all combustible materials, including draperies, furniture and walls. Avoid touching the hot metal surface. It is advised against keeping an oil-filled radiator heater in damp areas such as bathrooms with poor ventilation. These radiators are slow to heat up, which makes it tempting to leave one unattended. However, don’t be negligent as any space heater poses a fire risk. Best Location for your heater The basic heating technology and features make them ideal for single zone heating. A central spot in a room is best, allowing the heat to circulate naturally and evenly throughout the space. The radiator should not be placed close to a door because of heat loss.
