Termites

This list of cover-ups and estimated costs to repair is based on the findings of Archicentre conducting pre-purchase housing inspections in Australia and the Archicentre Cost Guide.

1. Illegal building. Up to $100,000.


2. Cracking. Up to $50,000. About $3000 to repair. Internal walls patched and painted, external walls concealed behind plants or trellis.


3. Roof problems. Up to $20,000. Rusty metal roofs painted, tile roofs patched with lead. Damaged roof framing propped up in roof space.


4. Termites, borers, and timber rot. Up to $20,000. On average $5000 to repair. Floor damage patched and concealed under carpets.


5. Rotten weatherboards and windows. Up to $10,000. Rot patched with filler or covered with tin then painted.


6. Rotten stumps. On average $8000 to repair. Floors temporarily propped to prevent bouncing.


7. Faulty/illegal wiring. About $6000 to repair.


8. Faulty/illegal plumbing. Same as previous.


9. Damp. On average $5000 to repair. Walls painted or furniture placed against damaged walls.


10. Guttering/downpipes. About $3000 to repair. Rusty gutters patched and painted.

Should changes in legislation be debated to make Building Inspection Reports mandatory disclosure when a property is put up for sale? I believe the ACT has such a regime. The Vendor foots the cost of the Inspection Report and is reimbursed by the ultimate buyer.

Here's a link to an article "What lies beneath" by Robyn Willis published in the Daily Telegraph