The exterior cladding of a home is a bit like our clothes, as the cladding also serves to protect the house from the elements, sun damage and to give it an attractive look. It is one of the essential components of a home that every prudent and diligent buyer must inspect. As a homeowner, you do not want to end up with water infiltration problems and all sorts of other problems due to poorly designed or installed flooring. That’s why, before buying a home, you should always take the time to have the property inspected by a certified building inspections company in Melbourne. It will help you locate any problems, and help you save money!

Why is it essential to have your siding inspected?

In fact, choosing not to have one’s exterior cover inspected comes with great risks. If you neglect this step, you may not notice that some seals are missing or in poor condition and that water has penetrated the walls. When you become a homeowner, you may realise that water is seeping in, and when the walls are open, there is mould. The cost will be VERY EXPENSIVE! Much more expensive than if you had made the decision to have the exterior siding inspected before buying. In fact, when we say that it is essential to have the exterior cladding of a house inspected, we are talking about the general exterior of the house and everything about the cladding (windows, doors, seals, brick cladding, etc.)

By inspecting the outside of the house by a certified inspector, the inspector will check a list of points to verify that the coating is in good condition, that there is no water infiltration, there are all the structural elements needed in the coating, and more. He will then give you an account of his observations and will tell you if any work is to be expected. It’s as important to inspect the exterior cladding as it is to inspect the roof of a house.

Does a pre-purchase inspection also cover the inspection of the exterior cladding?

Thinking of buying a house? I hope that you have planned to hire a home inspector to do a pre-purchase inspection of the house. For those who ask, YES, the pre-purchase inspection also covers the inspection of the exterior cladding. In fact, the pre-purchase inspection is the most complete and comprehensive visual inspection (and the most recommended) for the purchase of a home. You can also contact a building inspector if you are already a homeowner and only want to inspect your exterior cladding. It will then cost less than making the entire tour of the property, but it is sometimes more advantageous, even as the owner, to request a complete diagnosis of his home. This will not only allow you to better forecast future investments,

The complete list of things to check on the exterior cladding of a home by a building inspector

But what is a pre-purchase inspection? What to look and inspect to make sure everything is in order. In fact, when you ask a building inspector to come around your house, he or she will have a well-defined list of things to check. Here is a complete list:

  • Exterior cladding materials
    • Brick
    • Vinyl bunk
    • Wood fibre patch
    • Steel
    • Cement fibre
    • Aluminium
  • The presence of crack in the coating or foundations
  • The presence of chantepleures
  • Has water infiltrated somewhere (traces of infiltration)?
  • Are the windows and doors in good condition?
  • Are all seals good?
  • Are the structures adjoining the main building in good condition (galleries, balconies, terraces, etc.)?
  • Inspection of eaves and railings
  • Verification of the proper functioning and tightness of the garage door
  • Slopes and levelling of the land to the foundations
  • Landscaping elements that may affect the floor or foundations
  • The state of your driveway or driveway to your front door

As you can see, it’s a pretty long list. An untrained person cannot simply become competent and try to assess the condition of the outside of his house simply by looking at the vinyl panels on his house. No, it is better to use the services of a real professional, a certified building inspector.