Smoke Alarms - America's Move May Trigger Australian Action
It’s an important topic. Will moves in the United States regarding smoke alarms trigger a debate here?
The dirt: As the ABC reported, new US smoke alarm laws look likely to drive ionisation alarms out of business – and an American expert has b...
Read moreYou could be unknowingly welcoming Termites into your home?
Termites are among homeowners’ worst nightmares. They aren’t just nasty little pests that make your home dirty – they can tear through your home’s materials, damaging your property and making your home less safe for your family and guests. Ta...
Read moreWhat Does Jim Know About Building Inspections Anyway?
ACTUALLY, QUITE A BIT MORE THAN WE EVER REALISED!
We recently discovered that Jim Penman’s dad was a forensic engineer.
From an early age Jim’s father was investigating materials, structures and their components which failed o...
Read moreWhat is Caveat Emptor?
Increasingly property buyers are aware of their responsibility to discover building defects before sale – this is known as the Latin principle Caveat Emptor or ‘buyer beware’.
The full quotation is ‘caveat emptor, qui ignorare no...
Read moreBuilding Inspectors Break Secrets
Building inspectors break secrets. It’s their job to do so and we wouldn’t have it any other way. They’re in one very real sense property detectives.
It’s fraudulent for a vendor to knowingly conceal defects according to the law. This incl...
Read moreWhy 'The Block' Is More Than Just A Pretty Living Space
Sure, it’s pretty. No question. Her inner-city beachy location is also a big positive. But besides the prospect of rising property and house prices long-term there’s another reason why ‘The Block’ is more than just a pretty face on a reality ...
Read moreHow Can I Save Money This Year?
This year has been a year of challenges. These challenging times are leading to many investors asking the question how can I save money this year?
One of the ways many investors can save money is by looking for ways to reduce their tax burden. That ...
Read moreInadequate Site and subfloor drainage
A sub-floor is the structure and crawl space between the lowest floor and the ground. High moisture levels in these areas promote fungal decay and other timber pests such as termites.
All sub-floors and crawl spaces should be considered as having ...
Read moreThe first signs that a home could have rotten or sinking stumps
If you are buying your dream home or investment property, it should be remembered that if the property is showing signs of stump damage, it is important to get a professional building consultant to have a look at your property. A house may appear q...
Read moreTo Buy Or Not To Buy (Off The Plan)
To buy or not to buy (off the plan) is an important issue for an increasing number of new homebuyers and property investors.
When done responsibly with professional guidance (offered by Jim’s Building Inspections, for example) it can be a positi...
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