What elements of a Property are Normally Excluded in a Building Inspection and Why?
Understand what elements are typically excluded from a standard building inspection and why.
What elements of a Property are Normally Excluded in a Building Inspection and Why?
It is important to note that there are elements of a property that Building Inspectors often do not include in standard Building Inspection Reports. There are good reasons for this, so let’s explore the different elements, what’s excluded, and the reasons why.
1. Concealed or inaccessible areas
Areas Excluded:
Areas that are not reasonably accessible or where entry could damage the property, such as inside wall cavities, behind furniture, beneath heavy appliances, or within sealed roofs or walls.
General Reasons for Exclusion:
These areas are not included because they are not reasonably accessible or entering them could potentially cause damage to the property. Examples include inside wall cavities, behind heavy furniture, or within sealed roof or wall spaces. The standard inspection focuses on visible and readily accessible areas that can be safely examined.
2. Specialist inspections
Areas Excluded:
Inspections that require specialized knowledge, qualifications, or equipment, such as pest inspections, geological assessments, or structural engineering evaluations.
General Reasons for Exclusion:
Specialized inspections require specific expertise, qualifications, or equipment beyond the scope of a standard inspection. Examples include pest inspections, geological assessments, or structural engineering evaluations. These specialized assessments typically require the involvement of qualified professionals with expertise in those specific areas.
3. Estimation of repair costs
Areas Excluded:
Providing precise cost estimates for repairs or maintenance is not included in a standard inspection, as it requires expertise beyond the scope of the inspection.
General Reasons for Exclusion:
Providing precise cost estimates for repairs or maintenance is not included in a standard inspection. Estimating repair costs requires detailed knowledge of materials, labor, and market rates, which is beyond the scope of a general property inspection. It is recommended to consult with relevant professionals or contractors for accurate repair cost estimations.
4. Furniture, furnishings, or stored items
Areas Excluded:
The inspection does not cover the condition, suitability, or quality of items within the property that are not permanently fixed.
General Reasons for Exclusion:
The inspection focuses on the condition and integrity of the property's structure and components, not on items that are movable or not permanently fixed. Furniture, furnishings, or stored items are the personal belongings of occupants and are not within the scope of the inspection.
5. Compliance with building codes
Areas Excluded:
While non-compliant items are noted, the inspection does not include detailed compliance assessments with specific building codes or regulations.
General Reasons for Exclusion:
While non-compliant items may be noted during the inspection, a detailed compliance assessment with specific building codes or regulations is not part of a standard inspection. Compliance assessments require specialized knowledge and specific code references that are beyond the scope of a general inspection.
6. Technical systems and installations
Areas Excluded:
In-depth evaluations of technical systems, including electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, or air conditioning systems, are not part of the standard inspection.
General Reasons for Exclusion:
The standard inspection does not include in-depth evaluations of technical systems such as electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, or air conditioning systems. These systems typically require specialized knowledge, qualifications, and testing procedures that are not part of the standard inspection.
7. Environmental or hazardous conditions
Areas Excluded:
Assessing environmental factors, such as air quality, asbestos presence, or soil contamination, is not within the scope of a standard inspection.
General Reasons for Exclusion:
Assessing environmental factors or hazardous conditions, such as air quality, asbestos presence, or soil contamination, is not within the scope of a standard inspection. These assessments require specific expertise, testing, or sampling methods conducted by qualified professionals in those specific areas.
8. Operational testing of utilities or appliances
Areas Excluded:
Verifying the operational condition, performance, or efficiency of utilities, appliances, or fixtures is not typically included in a standard inspection.
General Reasons for Exclusion:
The standard inspection does not include verifying the operational condition, performance, or efficiency of utilities, appliances, or fixtures. While basic visual checks may be made, detailed testing and assessment of operational aspects are beyond the scope of a general inspection.
Communication
It's important that Building Inspectors using Building Inspection Software or Building Inspection App inform the client that these items are excluded from the standard inspection and, if necessary, provide guidance on seeking specialized inspections or assessments for specific areas of concern.
