FAQ’S - Strata Reports
Q What form of payment does BPS Reports Pty Limited accept?
A VISA, MasterCard and American Express – for an immediate download of the report
To pay by Direct Deposit – please contact us on Ph: 1300 500 666 or email admin@bpsreports.com.au
Q Is it safe to enter my personal information?
A Yes BPS REPORTS PTY LIMITED uses the latest encryption technology to protect your personal information. All the information you enter - including your credit card details - is encrypted using a secure server for maximum security.
Q What if I can't find where my strata report was saved?
A Perform a search on your computer for our report which is in a PDF format.
From the "Start" menu, choose "Find" then select "Files and Folders"
Enter the following exactly - "*.pdf" and click "Find Now"
A listing of existing pdf files should then be displayed.
Note that the name for the existing strata report pdf file will be shown –Suburb & Address.pdf
Q What is Adobe Acrobat Reader and why do I need it?
A BPS REPORTS PTY LIMITED 's strata reports are in a .pdf format, viewable with Acrobat Reader 4.0 and above. This program is free and easy to set up. Simply click on the "Get Acrobat Reader"
Adobe Acrobat Reader is a free software program that allows you to view and print Portable Document Format (PDF) files. Your strata report will be downloaded and saved in this format.
Q How do I check if I already have Acrobat Reader on my computer?
A You can perform a search on your computer. From your "Start" menu, choose "Find" and then select "Files and Folders." Enter the word "Acrobat" and click on "Find Now." If you have Acrobat Reader on your computer, the location and version of the software will appear in the search results.
FAQ’S - Building Inspections
Q Is BPS REPORTS PTY LIMITED licenced to conduct Pre-Purchase Building Inspections?
A Yes. BPS Reports Pty Limited building inspectors are all highly experienced inspectors and are all licensed builders with a minimum of 10 years experience in the industry.
Q What type of properties do you inspect?
A The Australian Standard AS 4349.1 – 1995 applies to all residential buildings including:
1. company, strata and community title units
2. freestanding houses
3. home units and flats
4. semi-detached houses
5. terrace-style houses
6. town houses and cluster housing
7. villas
Q What areas are inspected?
A All accessible parts of the property are inspected (subject to access) including:
1. Exterior of the building
2. Interior of the building
3. Roof exterior
4. Roof space (subject to access)
5. Site – garage, outbuildings, retaining walls, steps, fencing, surface water drainage, stormwater run-off, paths and driveways
6. Sub-floor area (subject to access)
For a strata unit, we inspect the building exterior, unit interior, roof space, sub-floor, garaging/car parking and common areas (subject to access).
Q What is not included in a building report?
A A building report will not include:
1. Inaccessible areas e.g. roof void because there is not manhole
2. Items outside the inspectors expertise e.g. TV reception, fireplaces, gas fittings etc
3. Minor or regular maintenance items
4. Asbestos identification
Q I’m a vendor should I get a building report?
A Many proactive vendors/sellers order a property inspection as it can assist a sale go through quicker, if the report is already provided and known problems are fixed.
Q Can a building ‘fail’ the inspection?
A No. The inspector is identifying visible building problems but he is taking into account other factors such as price or a purchaser's particular requirements such as location.
Q What if a report reveals problems?
A Problems in a building do not necessarily mean you should not buy it. Problems vary in size and expense, most things can be repaired/replaced. As a purchaser you may choose to proceed based on the items being repaired/replaced or to negotiate a lower price. Alternatively you can choose to select a different property. The choice is yours.
Q What are unapproved structures?
A Any alteration or addition made to a property without the knowledge or approval from the respective council. Unapproved structures range from minor items to structural work of an un-approvable nature. It is imperative for the buyer to know the legal and structural significance of these modifications. Are they safe? How much will they cost to rectify? Or are they of no real significance and do not require formal approval?
Although many minor structures do not require structural approval, there are often specific siting requirements laid down by the Planning Authority. In addition to this, there is a defined requirement their general construction is of a professional nature, and complies with the Building Code of Australia.
A few of the more common examples of typical unapproved structures are pergolas, carports, pot belly stoves, decks, combustion heaters, open fires, building alterations, underfloor storage involving structural alterations, pools, arches, enclosure of carports, retaining walls, sub floor alterations etc
Q. Why are unapproved structures such a problem?
A Most property buyers who have ignored unapproved structures at the time of purchase, are upset and financially disadvantaged when forced to pay for their rectification/approval prior to re-selling their home. It pays to know where you stand before buying, as these problems can often affect the validity of your insurance etc. From July 1st 2004, vendors are required to have accurate “Building & Compliance Reports” which outline these matters for the buyer.
Q. Can buyers assess problems themselves?
A It’s difficult unless you are a registered, licensed and qualified builder and building consultant. The choice is yours and whether you are prepared to run the risk.
Q. What causes subsidence?
A The majority of minor brickwork cracking is caused by moderately reactive clay soil beneath the footings, differential thermal expansion/contraction, drought and brick growth. Provided the movement is within acceptable limits, most of these minor cracks are not regarded to be of great structural concern.
Q. Which is better, separate building and pest reports from 2 different inspectors or a combined building and pest report completed by 1 inspector?
A Companies that do combined building and pest reports are typically completed by a building consultant who has also done a TAFE pest control course. The main concern is can the consultant be a master of both trades meaning have they also built up years of knowledge and experience in dealing with pests and eradicating them?
At BPS REPORTS PTY LIMITED we have decided it is better for the client to receive 2 separate independent reports completed by a building consultant and pest control consultant. BPS REPORTS PTY LIMITED pest control consultant specialises in termites, borers and other timber related pests and has a team who specialises in various pest treatments. BPS REPORTS PTY LIMITED building consultants specialise in all building structures and have experience with both commercial and residential properties.
Q. What is the most common building problem?
A Leaking tiled shower bases, shower leaks were minimal many years ago during the days of ‘shower over baths’ and full brick wet areas’ the advent of tiled shower bases over timber floors in modern brick veneer construction, has resulted in the failure of many thousands of tiled shower recesses.
Other common problems depending on the building and age are, deteriorated timber windows, poor workmanship, cracking/movement and concrete spalling etc
Q. How dangerous is Asbestos?
A Asbestos fibre is used as reinforcement contained within sheeting. It is generally accepted there is no significant risk if the material is left undisturbed and is sealed. However, when alterations are contemplated, which may include removal of this material, there are departmental regulations governing its removal/disposal which must be followed. Most homes built in Australia prior to the early 1980's have asbestos cement sheeting incorporated in some areas of construction i.e. wet areas, eaves, roofing etc..
If you have any other questions that aren't answered here please email us your question (click here).
FAQ’S - PEST INSPECTIONS
Q. What type of pests are dangerous to my home?
A. There are 3 main pests that can cause serious damage to your property:
1. Borers
2. Termites (white ants)
3. Fungi wood decay (wet/dry rot)
Q. Why is termite control important?
A.CSIRO research shows on average 1 in 5 homes will be attacked. Termites are known to eat their way through a home to a point where the structure of the home is weakened significantly. Regular pest inspections and treatments ensure your home is protected.
Q. What are borers?
A. Borers are small insects that lay eggs. The eggs hatch into larvae which feds on timber. Borers create tunnels in the timber. In severe cases the borers will create a honeycomb affect with tunnels and eventually the timber collapses through lack of structure.
Q. What sort of damage do termites cause?
A. Termites will generally attack any timber material. Termites have been known to destroy a home within 3 months.
Q. What is fungi wood decay?
A. Fungi are a common pest but are not an insect. Fungi wood decay is a fungus. Fungi feed on the timber and are capable of causing significant structure damage to timber.
Q. Is termite damage covered by insurance?
A. No. Termite damage is not covered by your normal house and contents insurance. Note, cost of repairs can reach thousands of dollars.
Q. Are borers found in Sydney and NSW?
A. There are 4 types of borers. 3 types of borers affect Sydney and the east coastal area of NSW, whilst only the Queensland Pine Beetle affects the northern coastal part of NSW.
Q. Everything looks OK, how do I know if I have termites?
A. You may not see any signs of termites until it too late. The only way you can be really sure you don’t have termites is to have an annual timber pest Inspection by a qualified and licensed timber pest inspector.
Q. What do termites look like?
A. Termites are ant sized and generally pale in colour. It is unlikely you will see a termite. It is more likely you will see a termite sign e.g. mud tracks, timber damage etc Termites hide in their mud tunnels or inside timber.
Q. What causes Fungi wood decay?
A. Fungi needs moisture that is either damp internally and or externally to thrive. Drying the timber out will either slow down the process or in some cases stop it.
Q. How do I know if termites are in my house?
A. A thorough inspection by a qualified inspector is the best way to find out if you have termites. There is no single method to prevent termite attacks. There are many ways to minimise termite risk. A qualified inspector looks for:
1. Timbers which have ground contact or are close to the ground
2. Moist areas or places with poor drainage/ventilation. Termites are a soft-bodied creature, and therefore need a constant source of moisture in order to survive
3. Hidden or inaccessible areas such as bricked in veranda’s and subfloors. A darkened environment suits termites because it harbours moisture and is less likely to be disturbed.
Q. What is a queen termite?
A. The queen tends to be fed by the workers. She is regularly fertilised by the king and becomes an egg-laying machine capable of producing thousands of eggs per day. Depending on the species a queen can live for 25 years or more.
Q. What is a worker termite?
A. Approximately 80% of a colony population are workers. The workers carry out the work on the nest and are responsible for gathering food for (timber) the colony.
Q. What do termites eat?
A. Termites eat timber located either in your home (beams, rafters, bearers etc) or around your property (fences, trees, tree stumps, discarded timber palings etc).
Q. Who should do a pest inspection?
A. A pest inspection needs to be carried out by a licensed and experienced pest inspector. Ask the pest inspector if pest inspections are his/her areas of speciality or if this is just an add on service provided.
