Building report - opinions sought

[see_change]

To date we've never pulled out of a buy due to a building pest report , however wondering about this one .

It's a cheapie .

in Summary the property is " average " and most aspects are described as good to fair and it sound like every other report we've had on similar properties.

except for the roof .

Roof System Type: Truss Roof
Material: Timber
Condition: Good to Fair
Comments: Timber softness due to termite damage to ridge beam
Repairs required
No access to external top plates

CONCLUSION

In the opinion of this Consultant:

The incidence of Structural Damage in this property in comparison to the average condition of similar buildings of approximately the same age that have been reasonably well maintained was considered: Average..

The incidence of Conducive to Structural Damage in this property in comparison to the average condition of similar buildings of approximately the same age that have been reasonably well maintained was considered: Average..

The incidence of Major Defects in Secondary Elements and Finishing Elements in this property in comparison to the average condition of similar buildings of approximately the same age that have been reasonably well maintained was considered: Average..

The incidence of Minor Defects in this property in comparison to the average condition of similar buildings of approximately the same age that have been reasonably well maintained was considered: Average..

In conclusion, following the inspection of surface work in the readily accessible areas of the property, the overall condition of the building relative to the average condition of similar buildings of approximately the same age that have been reasonably well maintained was considered: Average Condition

We will ring up and have a chat to him today .

Any thoughts ?

Cliff

 

[see_change]

BTW , it's a truss roof .

Cliff

 

[mflying]

Do you have photo?


If it is beam only.. No major issue...if it is bargain price for property.

 

[willair]

Roof System Type: Truss Roof
Material: Timber
Condition: Good to Fair
Comments: Timber softness due to termite damage to ridge beam
Repairs required..

They have covered themselves in that simple statement,if the damage is right up into the ridge beams,and they cant have a look at the top plates
then "imho" the damage will be in the entire frame of the building, termites come in low and work their way up through the slab frame the top plates then into the trusses,that's why is one looks you can see the deflection in the roof line where the roof sags due too the damage and load..

 

[see_change]

Do you have photo?


If it is beam only.. No major issue...if it is bargain price for property.

It's not a " bargain " , but it's probably Fairmarket value in an area that i think is slight undervalued at this stage of the cycle .

No Photo's unfortunately .

My understanding is with a truss roof , the ridge beam is simply acting as a spacer between the triangles of the Trusses . Is that correct ?


Cliff

 

[jerrybee]

I can handle almost any sort of damage or problems but rot and termite damage terrifies me. It's just so hard to fix.

 

[Mush]

Hi Cliff,

A few points here;

1.Is it definitely termite damage,this is quite often confused with fungal rot/decay.

2.Has the source been removed,i.e. is there a current perimeter barrier installed?

3.What is the construction type? There could be considerably more concealed damage if it is brick veneer.

4.Could you have an invasive inspection where roof tiles are slipped out to check top plates and builder/inspector goes right through roofing timbers with sounding tool and sharp knife/spike to ascertain extent of damage.

Hope this is of some help....