Terms

Joseph Borg Building and pest Inspection Service Agreement - August 2021

Acceptance of Agreement:

The Client has made a booking, accepted the quotation and the inspector arrives on site to commence the inspection, the Client is deemed to accept this agreement as to the basis of the inspection being undertaken. This agreement takes precedence over any previous oral or written representations by Joseph Borg Building Inspections.

Payment Terms:

Full payment of the inspection is required at the time the inspection report and summary being provided to the Client by email.

Purpose of Inspection:

The purpose of the inspection is to provide advice to the Client in relation to the condition of the property at the time of the inspection. This report is not an all encompassing report dealing with the building from every aspect. It is a reasonable attempt to identify any visual obvious or significant defects apparent at the time of the inspection.

Scope of Inspection:

Scope of inspection will depend on the inspection requested by the Client. Pre- purchase inspections are undertaken in accordance with AS 4349.1 - 2007 - Inspection of buildings Part 1: Pre- purchase inspections Residential buildings - unless otherwise stated below.

Inspection:

The inspection shall comprise visual appraisal and limited assessment of accessible areas of the property to identify major defects to the building structure and to form an opinion regarding the general condition of the structure of the property. It is not required to contain any assessment or an opinion regarding the following:

1. Any non-structural element, e.g., roof plumbing and roof covering, general gas fittings and appliances, water an sanitary plumbing above and below ground, electrical wiring, cabinetry, windows, doors, trims, fencing, minor structures, non- structural damp issues, ceiling linings, floor coverings, decorative finishes such as plastering, painting, tiling, etc.
2. An assessment of any aspect or component of the property that cannot be seen or that requires testing and/or measurement to determine soundness or fit for purpose.
3. Any area or item that was not, or could not be, observed or accessed by the inspector. - General maintenance other than that which is deemed to be directly related to the ongoing geo structural performance of the property.
4. Serviceability damp defects such as condensation, rising damp, lateral damp, falling damp should only be assessed and reported on where structural damage has occurred, is occurring, or may occur.

The inspector shall inspect accessible parts of the building and appurtenances, together with relevant features of the property within 30m of the building and within the boundaries of the site, or as otherwise agreed in the inspection agreement. In this context, relevant features include car accommodation, detached laundry, and garden sheds, retaining walls more than 700 mm high, paths and driveways, steps, fencing, earth embankments, surface water drainage and storm water run-off.

For all components a visual inspection is undertaken at the time of the inspection and does not offer a warranty or opinion in relation to future condition or functionality. -Testing of components may not include all modes and options available. -Testing of intercom systems can only be tested without the presence of a another party to assist.

Safety Barrier and Pool Condition Inspection as an add-on or stand alone inspection: Inspection if requested as an additional inspection is completed in accordance with the Victorian Building Authority Private Swimming Pool barrier Inspector Guidelines Inspecting Private Swimming Pool & Spa Enclosures. Inspector has the right not to test or inspect any component if they believe that through operation or testing it may cause damage or is a potential safety issue. The Inspector does not inspect or test pools and associated equipment.

The report is an information document only and will articulate potential issues that are likely to be flagged as deficient by council in the process of achieving required certification for the pool. The inspector accepts no liability for any subsequent drownings or accidents resulting in death or injury that may result from the advise provided in the Safety Barrier and Pool Condition Report for a Pre-Purchase Building Inspection. The Recommendations made in the report are for information only and The inspector will not seek compliance on behalf of any third party.

Extent of Reporting:

Significant items to be reported are as follows:

1. Major defects as defined in AS 4349.1.
2. A general impression regarding the extent of minor defects.
3. Any major defect that is an urgent and a serious safety hazard.

Safe and Reasonable Access:

This is a visual inspection only. The extent of accessible areas shall be determined by the inspector at the time of inspection, based on the conditions encountered at the time of inspection. The inspector shall also determine whether sufficient space is available to allow safe access. This will apply to roof spaces and underfloor access. The inspection shall include only accessible areas and areas that are within the inspectors line of sight and close enough to enable reasonable appraisal. Roof inspection by walking upon the roof will be limited to single storey dwellings which are safely accessible with the use of a 3.6 metre ladder, and only when the slope, roof condition and climate do not reduce safety.

Exclusions from Inspection:

The inspector need not inspect or report on the following items:

1. Footings below the ground or concealed damp-proof course - the structural design or adequacy of any element of construction.
2. Electrical installations or condition of wiring, smoke detectors, light switches and fittings, TV, sound and communications
3. Concealed plumbing, gas fittings and fixtures.
4. Whether the building complies with the provisions of any building Act, code, regulation(s) or by-laws.
5. Air-conditioning , alarm and intercom systems, automatic garage door mechanisms.
6. Swimming pools, pool fencing and associated filtration and similar equipment.
7. The operation of fireplaces and solid fuel heaters, including chimneys and flues.
8. Soft floor coverings.
9. Electrical appliances including dishwashers, ovens, ducted vacuum
10. Paint coatings, except external protective coatings.
11. Health hazards (e.g., allergies, soil toxicity, lead content, presence of asbestos).
12. Timber and metal framing sizes and adequacy and concealed tie-downs and bracing.
13. Timber pest activity.
14. Other mechanical or electrical equipment (such as gates, incinerators). - Soil conditions and control joints.
15. Sustainable development provisions.
16. Concealed framing-timbers or any areas concealed by wall linings/ sidings.
17. Landscaping.

Liability and Limitations:

The Inspectors report does not constitute a guarantee in relation to the property. It is a limited opinion of condition of the inspected property at the time of inspection. Joseph Borgs liability in relation to the inspection and report will be limited to a refund of the inspection fee. The inspection and report is undertaken for the Client named on the report. No responsibility is accepted to any third party.

Money Back Guarantee:

If the client is not fully satisfied with the building inspection and/or building inspection report provided, Joseph Borg Building Inspections will refund 100% of the building inspection fee to the client. This will require the client to complete the request for a refund application form and agree to the conditions there-in stated prior to a refund. This guarantee only applies for a period of 60 days from the date of the inspection. After this period it is at the full discretion of Joseph Borg whether a request for a refund will be approved.

Follow-up inspections:

The initial fee does not allow for any follow up visits, if required, to the residence. A quote to undertake this activity will be provided if necessary.

Probable Costings:

Any probable costings outlined represent an opinion of renovation costs only which can vary considerably depending on range of factors including but not limited to: -

• Type and standard of materials, fittings and fixtures chosen.
• Level of of client involvement and engagement required.
• Construction method and process chosen.
• Overall timings and duration of works undertaken.
• Fluctuations in building materials and labour costs.
• Scale and extent of the renovation project.
• When the renovation project is undertaken.
• Location of the works and site conditions.

The probable costings provided is based on standard rates for previous projects and is not an elemental or detailed estimate. A detailed estimate of this nature can be provided by a Quantity Surveyor or through obtaining quotations from appropriate suppliers and tradesman. It is the responsibility of the Client or Agent to ensure the utilities are on at the time of inspection. Joseph Borg Building Inspections recommends checking for permits on all additional construction performed on the property after the original construction.

Asbestos Disclaimer:

If during the course of the inspection asbestos or materials containing asbestos happened to be noticed then this may be noted. Many building materials for many years contained or were comprised entirely of asbestos material. Approximate dates for legal disuse include: sprayed/lagging, late 1970s; cement sheeting, 1982; corrugated sheeting, 1984; other asbestos cement products, 1986; While your inspector may indicate that there may be some suspected asbestos material at the property, any property constructed prior to 2004 may have elements of asbestos in the materials, lagging, insulation, cement sheeting, piping, floor coverings, floor underlay, expansion joints, caulking, sink pads, toilet systems, pipe insulation, gaskets, gasket insulation and more materials and locations around the home. The only conclusive way to determine if asbestos is present in the home or as a part of the materials in the home is to take a sample and have it professionally tested. This sampling falls outside of the scope of this inspection. Sheeting and asbestos materials should fully sealed. If it is damaged, it should be dealt with immediately. If asbestos is noted as present within the property you should then seek advice from a qualified asbestos removal expert for further details and information on this material. Drilling, cutting or removing products containing asbestos is a high risk to peopleís health and the Client should seek advice from a qualified asbestos removal expert.

Post-report Defect Discovery:

In the event that a defect is identified that has not been documented in this report, The Inspector must be notified before any remedial work is undertaken. No Liability shall be accepted where remedial action is taken prior to Joseph Borg Building Inspections being advised of the defect and given the opportunity to re-inspect the property and identify the defect.