AUSINSPECT is well equipped to carry out invasive inspections.
To order an Invasive Inspection simply fill out an Inspection Agreement Form and fax it to our Office.
The call for an invasive inspection is often referred to in Structural Pest Inspections or Property Inspections, for many whom carry out Pest Inspections this clause has been included in the documented report as a requirement by insurers and the like.
Very few of those who carry out Structural Pest Inspections actually carry out the Invasive Inspections, many simply have recommended further invasive inspection in a given report while not having the ability or the will to carry out such an inspection, quite often I get a call if I am willing to carry out such an inspection on their behalf - essentially this is a very good business practice by them as the responsibility shifts from the one who carried out the original report to the one who carries out the invasive inspection. Due to this apparent palming off of responsibility factor, I will generally not practice carrying out an invasive inspection where another inspector has carried out an inspection unless it is together with the original inspector.
AUSINSPECT is willing to carry out invasive inspections if given written permission to do so by the property owner, where we have made recommendation for an invasive inspection we would expect our clients to follow this recommendation and have us carry out an invasive inspection carried out where applicable.
Choosing to use the services of AUSINSPECT is a real benefit as we are able to carry out many types of inspections, including invasive inspections, we are licenced builders who can carry out the repairs to the building fabric when needed, we can carry out the necessary pest treatments as deemed necessary and we have some of the most advanced equipment in both the building and pest control industries.
When you consider employing a building & pest inspector it is in you best interest that they are capable of carrying out invasive inspections if needed as these often need to be carried out promptly prior to signing on the dotted line, we hope that our services will be your choice when considering building & pest inspections
AUSINSPECT has many years of experience in carrying out invasive inspections and has found that the most effective means of viewing the concealed timber framing is not by use of cameras but rather by removal of internal linings, in years gone by we used to drill openings the size of a 50 cent piece to insert cameras however this had many limitations, as an alternative, where permitted to do so, we would cut a strip of plasterboard out near the base of the internal walls, this type of mass plasterboard removal proved to be a nightmare to repair.
Today I choose to simply drill out 150mm diameter openings in the plasterboard where ever needed, it is quick, 150 mm hole is large enough for me to be able to see framing and/or put in a reasonable sized camera, it is just as easy if not easier to repair than a small hole. It is still messy and takes time to fully repair (as we need three visits to enable correct setting and sanding of repair) but it is considered to be the most efficient means for gaining the information we need as to the concealed structural damage.
* Image provides a view of a typical invasive inspection to view concealed timber wall framing when I drill the 150mm holes in the wall lining, the hole on the left side of the image has 150mm diameter wall section already replaced and ready for setting. The process is relatively neat and tidy, I do use a vacuum while carrying out invasive inspections so dust is absolutely minimal.
* Image shows how clearly the interior of a cavity can be viewed using good digital cameras inserted into a 150mm hole, I can also feel many of the timbers that are in arms reach.
Thermal imaging reveals areas of thermal inconsistencies where
concealed termite damage is suspected, these areas once identified need a
further, invasive inspection, Ausinspect chooses to use a 150mm hole saw for
invasive inspections as this provides an ideal size for inspection of wall
cavity and makes the repair easier and more likely to have a smooth finish once
completely repaired, I drill the hole some 150mm above floor level, this gives
me good vision of the bottom plate and studs.
Termite workings with active termites within the wall cavity
are exposed by our invasive inspection techniques, this termite damage would not
have been found had thermal imaging camera not been used.
The invasive inspection gives us a visual as to the termite
activity, some idea as to the extent of termite damage and entry points,
establishing termite entry points is critical, once entry points have been
established a more effective control of the termites colony can be undertaken.
This image shows the termite mud trails within the wall
cavities, also concerning is the mould and bacteria growth within the wall
cavity that can potentially present a health hazard to humans, invasive
inspection are very important to determine the true conditions of concealed
areas, in this instance, condensation has been the primary moisture source that
has attracted the termite activity into the structure.
Having sighted Thermal Inconsistencies at the time of the
Pre-Purchase Inspection, the vendor was keen for the invasive inspection to be
carried out immediately at his cost, I removed floor coverings, moved the
furniture, drilled large holes for the purpose of invasive inspection, found the
termite activity and the termite entry points, immediately initiated termite
treatment by drilling hardened concrete surfaces at 150mm centres, applied
chemical termiticides, sealed the holes, sealed the openings in walls for the
purpose of invasive inspection and completed the entire treatment on the day so
contracts could comfortably be exchanged without delay. Both the vendor and the
prospective purchaser were very content with the service provided. When choosing
Ausinspect you know we have the capability of servicing such a demanding job.
Ausinspect works efficiently, drilling of concrete surfaces
for the injection of termiticides is accurate, soild areas are vacuumed as we go
to minimise dust accumulation to surrounding areas, termiticides are applied
immediately and the drilled holes are sealed upon completion of termiticides
application to soils under the concrete slab.
The drilling of concrete surfaces for termiticides application
is carried out so we penetrate the thickness of the concrete and any other
hardened sub grade.
The moisture to the base of walls is minimal termiticides
overspill at the time of chemical application, the overspill occurs where the
pressure of the liquid termiticides enters the termite workings in the ground
and spills out of the termite workings above ground.
The holes in the lined walls are sealed and a base coat of
plaster is applied, the area is left tidy, no dust, minimal moisture that dries
within a short time after treatment and sealed walls ready for final preparation
prior to repainting of surfaces, once the floor coverings are re laid the
evidence of the termite treatment can only be observed externally or to tiled
surfaces.
Once the termite chemical treatment has been carried out, the
property is reinspected some 4 weeks later to confirm the termites have been
controlled, in this instance the property suffered a foul odor similar to rotten
prawns two and a half weeks after the termite chemical treatment, the rotten
prawn smell is the decay of thousands of dead termites. Had Ausinspect not used
thermal imaging this termite damage would have been likely to have gone
undetected as the only visible telltale signs were concealed by fixed cupboards
against the wall.
It is our opinion that AUSINSPECT provides value by having the ability to inspect, treat and repair areas with termite damage at short notice.
To order an Inspection please print a Pre Inspection Agreement form and fax it to our office or, preferably, fill in the electronic form & submit online.
I would love to hear from you. Call Steve
This site has been designed & created by Stephen Koelewyn
Office of Fair Trading (NSW)- Building Inspections - A Home Buyer's Guide PDF Reader
Office of Fair Trading NSW - Home Building Service - Includes Licence Check
Institute of Building Consultants
AEPMA - Australian Pest Managers Association I am no longer a member of this Association
AUSINSPECT is well equipped to carry out specialised building works, termite treatments, termite nest location, termite nest eradication, effective repairs to buildings and property maintenance. We own our own machinery and truck for efficient, cost effective undertaking of works, our specialty is the repair of termite damaged and decayed structures.
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