HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections27 Nov 2022

COMMENCING A NEW HOME BUILD OR RENOVATION

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new home build. The thought of choosing your fixtures and finishes is something to look forward to, rather than contracts, builder checks and insurances. However, excitement aside, this build/renovation gu

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections29 Dec 2021

Garage Storage Solutions

In an ideal world, everyone would have a neat and tidy garage, with personal items stored away whilst still allowing room to park a car or two! Yet, it rarely happens.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections29 Dec 2021

COLORBOND VS TILE ROOF – WHICH IS BEST?

Your roof is one of the most important architectural elements of your home. You want to ensure that you are choosing the right roofing option as your roof is first in line with the elements of harsh seasonal weather.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections14 Jan 2021

How long does a termite treatment last?

There are many variants to this question, so without sounding dismissive, it does come down to a number of factors. The chemicals used, how it is applied and who installs your barrier treatment are all factors that contribute to the longevity of your bar

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections07 Dec 2020

Painting Kitchen Cupboards

Buying a new home can be an expensive exercise and it’s not always possible to get everything on your wish list. Usually, you will compromise on a kitchen or bathroom rather than the number of bedrooms or location.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections07 Dec 2020

How to Tile a Bathroom

Adding tiles to the bathroom is a superb way to add a little colour, character not to mention style. Aside from the practical element, If you can do the tiling yourself, the whole project will be a lot more affordable

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections25 Mar 2020

WHAT IS THE TRADE-OFF WITH PAINTING YOUR BATHROOM TILES?

While it is possible to spray paint bathroom tiles it is important to consider the aesthetic results. Unless you are prepared to tape the grout spaces between the tiles, resurfacing bathroom tiles using paint will result in a uniform colour

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections25 Mar 2020

HOW TO FIX A CRACK OR HOLE IN A PLASTER CEILING

Most plaster ceilings have cracks and sagging over time. It could be likely your ceiling is old; therefore, gravity and vibrations are loosening the plaster.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections28 Feb 2020

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LAND ZONING IN NSW

Whether you are planning to buy, sell, or build in NSW, land zoning is an important part of the process. Understanding the area surrounding your home or desired home will give you insight into your future.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections23 Jan 2020

Unexpected Build Costs

What are your expectations of your new build? Do you think that you will get along with your builder? Are you expecting that life will soon settle down according to the build schedule?

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections23 Jan 2020

Repaint a room in a weekend

Do you hate the thought of painting even a single room in your home? Painting can be one of the most laborious DIY tasks if you don’t know what you’re doing.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections23 Jan 2020

HARDY SUMMER GARDEN PLANTS IN NSW

Are you searching for hardy plants for your summer garden? With temperatures on the rise and water restrictions in place, it makes sense to choose plants that can survive hot, dry weather and soil conditions.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections23 Jan 2020

Spring Gardening Tips

If you are itching to start your spring gardening after the long winter, the wait is over. It is time to get your tools together and your green thumbs at the ready. Spring has arrived and there is work to be done.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections15 Oct 2019

Current Solar Rebates in NSW

You may not benefit as much by having solar panels on your home as you would have in the past. However, as a New South Wales homeowner, incentives still exist.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections15 Oct 2019

What Should A Building Inspection Report Tell Me?

If you have a property that you want to buy, it is important not to rush the process. You will want to gain insight into the condition of the property before agreeing to the purchase. A building inspection will give you the information you need.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections31 Jul 2019

CHOOSING THE RIGHT FLOORING FOR YOUR HOME

If you are thinking of changing your floors, the good news is there are plenty of choices. The problem is, knowing whether those choices are suitable for your needs

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections31 Jul 2019

ASBESTOS – WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ITS REMOVAL

If you want to remove asbestos yourself, there are a few things you need to know. First of all, DIY removal is only permitted in New South Wales when dealing with a maximum of 10 square metres of bonded asbestos.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections09 Jul 2019

EASY TIPS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW BEFORE BUILDING A NEW HOME

Building a new home can be an exciting but at times, stressful experience. Whilst your builder has built many new homes and knows the process inside out, in most cases, it’s a relatively new experience for any home owner.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections09 Jul 2019

RENOVATIONS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

When renovating or building in New South Wales there are certain building regulations with which your project must comply. To avoid unnecessary stress, it is important to ensure you acquire all the relevant approvals for your build or renovations.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections28 May 2019

Cork Flooring - 4 Reasons to Love It!

It is no surprise that cork flooring is emerging as a popular choice in Australia. Better manufacturing techniques and technologies have lead to greater applications in flooring. Cork as a flooring material has long suffered from being limited in style an

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections28 May 2019

The ABC's of a Builders Contract in NSW

Before you even begin building a home or completing a renovation in New South Wales, you have the builder’s contract to contend with. According to the Home Building Act 1989, you may need a building contract depending on what’s involved in your project

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections12 Mar 2019

The Tender Process

When deciding to build a new home, it’s an exciting but expensive process. Once you’ve selected your builder and the design you want to build, you’ll go through the tender process. This gives you formal pricing for your new home, including any upgrades yo

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections27 Feb 2019

Building Inspections: An unregulated industry, what does this mean for you?

Just like your Accountant or Doctor works in a regulated industry, you would expect the same from the inspector carrying out an inspection on your new home you’re buying or building, right?

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections27 Feb 2019

Deciding which upgrades are worth it

Have you thought about value-added upgrades for your new build or renovation? One of the biggest mistakes that homeowners make is treating added features as an afterthought; or, things to consider once the build is complete.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections27 Feb 2019

Versatility of a Mud Room

Has the idea of building a mudroom being playing on your mind? Mudrooms are typically used as an additional entry way to the home where backpacks, sports gear and other assorted items are stored away from the main property.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections06 Feb 2019

Preparing for a new home colour and fixture appointment.

When you are choosing materials for your home, preparing for a new colour and fixture appointment is the first logical step. You are going to discuss your vision for the build or renovation with experts.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections06 Feb 2019

The Building Stages: What to Expect

When you are building a new home or simply adding to your existing home, there are general building stages you should expect. It is important to understand these stages so that you are always in control of the build.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections06 Feb 2019

Landscaping: Ways to stick to your budget

A budget should never be a haphazard. When you create a budget the first thing you need to keep in mind is that it should be itemised and well organised.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections07 Jan 2019

Cover your tile floor with this fuss free finish

New flooring is a great way to completely change the look and feel of your home. If you have tiled floors here is a great way to lay new flooring with minimal fuss just by covering your existing tiles.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections13 Nov 2018

Tips to Help Make Spring Cleaning a Breeze

Do you spend hours thinking about spring cleaning because you don’t know where to start? If so, you’re not alone. When you set out to take on the monumental task of spring cleaning it is with the view towards sprucing up your home.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections25 Oct 2018

Choosing the best window treatment for your home

Choosing effective, attractive, durable and affordable window treatments is not as easy as it sounds. There are cheaper options that last and look great, expensive options that let in the cold and come apart quickly, and then there is everything in betwee

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections25 Oct 2018

Hot Tips for Cooling Your Home

Are you sick of feeling the heat when you know the only solution is to throw money at your ever- increasing air-con? A ceiling cavity can reach 70 degrees+ on a really hot day, which means all that heat is trapped inside your home.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections23 Sep 2018

Things to Research Before Installing a Pool

You have decided to embrace the dream of installing a pool. The next thing to consider is what you need to research before beginning your project. Installing a pool is a major renovation which can go south quickly if you don’t follow the right steps.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections23 Sep 2018

Creative Ways to Organise Your Home

If you are like a lot of other homeowners and never seem to have time to organize your home, Houspect has some suggestions for attractive ways to get back on top of your game.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections15 Aug 2018

Butlers Pantry - the solution to open plan kitchens

You may be renovating your kitchen or planning a new build and considering the most effective kitchen layout. Once a separate space, kitchens were designed firstly to be functional, now the focus is on open-plan, making the kitchen an integral part of the

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections15 Aug 2018

Choosing the Builder That is Right for You

A new home or renovation is a valuable commodity. You should always check credentials and references to ensure you make a wise and informed decision when choosing the right builder for your project.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections15 Aug 2018

Simple Water Conservation Tips

Conserving water in New South Wales is a challenge for homeowners – especially during a drought. We use water in so many daily activities and chores that it’s often easy to forget that, as a resource, it is not always readily available.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections27 Jul 2018

Butler’s pantry – the solution to open plan kitchens

You may be preparing to design a new kitchen and considering the most effective layout. Once a separate space, kitchens were designed to be functional, nowadays the focus is on open-plan living making the kitchen an integral part of the design plan

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections27 Jul 2018

Giving Your Home Curb Appeal Without Breaking the Bank

Curb appeal is the catchphrase you will hear most often when selling a home. The term is often associated with spending money to make a property look more appealing to potential buyers.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections27 Jul 2018

10 Ways to Make Your Build Easier

Building a home can become complex, with a multitude of factors to consider. The reality is, there are more than ten ways to make a build easier, however, these tips will help you navigate the process and help you achieve your dream home.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections26 Jun 2018

Regularly Forgotten and Unknown Things Before a New Build

You’re building a house: this is your opportunity to make one of the greatest investments of your life, whether you intend on retiring in your new home or eventually selling at a profit.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections26 Jun 2018

How to Make a Floor Plan Work for Your Block

Whether you like it or not, you can’t just drop your dream home on any block and hope that it works. There are so many factors to consider that it takes multiple different construction professionals working together to make an impactful home design a real

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections21 May 2018

What to DIY and What Not to DIY!

When it comes to DIY it is important to know your limitations. There are certain household projects that require expertise to ensure workmanship is of a high enough standard and meets relevant safety codes.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections21 May 2018

Caring for Wooden Decks

As building inspectors, we regularly get called to properties which have wooden decks. Whether you’re renovating or selling your house, a well maintained wooden deck can help your property stand out.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections21 May 2018

Preparing your home for winter

There are a number of areas of your home where you can make simple changes or improvements, which will help keep you warm and happy while the sun is taking its yearly vacation.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections19 Apr 2018

Preparing Your Home for Winter

There are a number of areas of your home where you can make changes or improvements, which will help keep you warm and happy while the sun is taking its yearly vacation.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections19 Apr 2018

Solar Options Available

The photovoltaic effect is what occurs when a material is able to generate electricity through contact with sunlight. Basically, it is the essential element needed to make solar panels work.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections27 Mar 2018

Veggie Patches: What’s in Season

Do you like to experiment when it comes to your veggie patches? It’s always a good idea to find out what’s in season before you start planting as this will save you a lot of time and energy in the long run

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections13 Mar 2018

Renovating or Extending Your Home? Think About Obtaining a Dilapidation Report

Before you even begin renovating or extending your home, it’s a good idea to consult with your neighbours and discuss having a dilapidation report carried out on your properties.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections13 Mar 2018

How Stage Construction Inspections Protect Your New Home

Construction Stage Inspections. How they protect your investment and reduce your stress with a new build. Having a new home built is exciting. It can also be a nerve-wracking experience, particularly when you don’t have a working knowledge of the buildin

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections12 Feb 2018

What to Look for When Buying or Building a Home Near the Beach

A beach front property is a dream for anyone buying a new home. If you find a site for sale that is within your budget, it is important that you carry out relevant due diligence weighing up the pros and cons of a particular location.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections12 Feb 2018

Timber Frame vs Metal Frame

Timber or metal frames? It’s a choice that homeowners have to make when building. Both building materials have their pros&cons so it is important to learn the pros and cons of both timber and metal before deciding which material is a better fit for yo

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections12 Feb 2018

Brick vs Cladding

Brick or cladding – which building material is better? The truth of the matter is, the choice largely depends on the architecture and location of your home and weighing up the pros and cons of each material.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections17 Jan 2018

Properly Insulating & Sarking Your Home

If you want to save money on your energy bills, properly insulating your home is the way to go. There are minimum standards required for insulation; however, that doesn’t mean you can’t go the extra mile to ensure your home is fully optimized

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections17 Jan 2018

Converting Your Roof Space to Storage

Storage is an issue for most homeowners. If you have adequate roof space, there is no reason that you cannot use it for storage. However, storing your prized possessions in your in that area requires advanced planning to ensure that it is suitable for sto

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections18 Dec 2017

Bushfire Zone Standard Building Code

The BAL rating of your home determines how well protected the property and homeowner is from bushfires. When considering a new build, BAL comes into play when planning construction.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections21 Nov 2017

Top Building Tips to Assist with Ventilation and Air Flow

Ventilation is one of the most important features of any home. If it is ineffective you can look forward to paying huge energy bills while still enduring the scorching heat from the Australian weather.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections20 Nov 2017

Standards and Tolerances. What’s reasonable when building?

There are a lot of different aspects involved in new home construction, and each aspect must meet standards set forth by State and Territory regulatory agencies.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections20 Nov 2017

Skylights - Creating space and light

Most people see sky lights as feature pieces or the answer to better lighting in awkwardly designed rooms. However, sky lights provide solutions to two other problems that are common in homes. They can significantly improve ventilation and change the perc

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections20 Nov 2017

Building a new home? Our top tips!

Building a new home? Here’s some of our top tips!

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections25 Oct 2017

Veggie Patches for Small Yards

With Summer fast approaching, now is the perfect time to find your inner green thumb and revamp your garden so you can sit back, relax and enjoy Summer.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections25 Oct 2017

Smart Wiring – Cost vs Convenience

Smart wiring sounds like a great idea in theory, but how cost effective is it in practice? There are a number of factors to consider outside of installing this wiring system in your home.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections25 Oct 2017

What’s the Perfect Tile – Terracotta or Porcelain?

When building, or renovating a home, there is many options available when it comes to the furnishings of your new home. Whilst timber is a popular choice amongst homeowners, tiles of many kinds are also popular due to their durability and ease of cleaning

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections27 Sep 2017

When and Why You Should Consider Double Glazing

When you think of energy efficiency and comfort, the type of windows in your home come to mind? If not, you may be overlooking a crucial factor of energy conservation. For many Australian homeowners, the appeal of double glazing lies in its increased insu

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections20 Sep 2017

Water Hammer: What is it?–How does it Happen?

If your taps are make strange sounds when turned on, it’s probably not a poltergeist haunting. The most likely cause is an issue called hydraulic shock, which is more commonly known as water hammer.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections20 Sep 2017

Smoke Detectors / Alarms – It’s the Law

Having smoke detectors in your home will act as a potentially lifesaving warning system. Without smoke alarms you run the risk of not giving you and your family enough time to escape in the event of a fire.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections29 Aug 2017

Painting Bathroom Tiles – Affordable Renovation Option

When the cost of renovation is too much, a dash of paint can reinvent your bathroom. Painting bathroom tiles is a great way to change your decor at minimal cost. This is a DIY project you can complete without labour costs.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections29 Aug 2017

Wallpaper – Amazing Effects are Now Possible

When new technologies come to the fore, it often opens up new possibilities for applications in multiple industries. The wallpaper industry, especially, has greatly benefited from technologies designed to bring breath taking visions to life.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections29 Aug 2017

Building on a Sloping Block

A lot of homeowners avoid building on a sloping block. Doing so is a mistake. A sloping site presents the opportunity to create a beautiful home, so long as structures are secure and your landscape is properly designed.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections20 Jul 2017

Pergola Options Adding Some Style to an Open Space

Pergolas are large structures that enhance your outside spaces. As far as architecture is concerned, pergolas are usually much more impressive than other outside structures such as arbors. The structure typically includes columns that support a roof with

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections20 Jul 2017

Fire Pits – There is No App for That Thank Goodness

Every landscape deserves a unique focal point; a place where you can gather with family and friends in style and comfort. In 2016 retailers, builders, and architects began noticing that a new trend was gaining traction.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections18 Jun 2017

Heated Floors in Bathrooms (Heaven) – Not Expensive if Installed During the Build

There is a general assumption among homeowners that heated floors are too expensive to make them worth considering. While there is a grain of truth in that, homeowners are not getting the whole story.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections18 Jun 2017

Soil Classifications – What it is and Why it is Important

If you ask ten different builders to define the soil classifications on a piece of land, there is a good chance you will get ten different answers. That is not to say that those builders don't what they are talking about, however, classifications are comp

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections07 Jun 2017

Subfloor Ventilation – Why it is Important

What many homeowners do not realise how much poor subfloor ventilation can affect both property and human health. When you are in a confined space, pollutants become denser. If your home is not sufficiently ventilated, property damage may become the least

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections26 Apr 2017

Why Pre-Handover Inspections Are a Good Idea - Houspect NSW

After all of the excitement, worry and stress of having your new home built are you really ready to move in ? Unless youve invested in a pre-handover inspection, the answer to that question may not be as straightforward as you think.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections24 Nov 2016

How Stage Construction Inspections Protect Your New Home - NSW

Don't let the process of building your dream home become a nightmare. Contact a reputable, experienced professional building inspection company before your project begins to learn more about how stage construction inspections protect your interests throug

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections22 Mar 2015

Moisture Damage and Problems Caused by Dampness

Improper drainage on your property can also cause its fair share of troubles, as can leaking or burst plumbing pipes, sub-floor obstructions or inadequate sub-floor ventilation.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections06 Dec 2014

How to Prevent Decking Disasters

Houspect Building Inspections - Expanding your available space to include outdoor living areas can add value to your home while increasing your quality of life, but decking and balconies are not without their risks.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections21 Jul 2016

What are Stage Construction Inspections, and Why are They Important? - Houspect NSW

Choosing to have a brand new home built should be an exciting and fulfilling experience; there are benefits which accompany the construction of a new home, however with these benefits come no small amount of added responsibilities.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections09 Oct 2014

Building Comparison: Roof Tiles Versus Metal Roofing

Roof Tiles: Pros and Cons - Metal Roofing: Pros and Cons

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections06 Oct 2014

Building Comparison: Double Brick Versus Brick Veneer

The aesthetic appeal of brick makes it a popular choice for homeowners, but many don't realize there are two separate options which can create a similar look:

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections04 Feb 2015

Why Hire a Building Inspector for New Construction?

If purchasing a new home is exciting, building your own is an even more dizzying experience.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections18 Jul 2014

Things to Consider Before Renovating Your Home

As your family grows or changes, it can be difficult to make your current living space meet all of your needs.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections14 Jul 2014

Builder's Quotes: How to Read and Understand Your Quote

Setting out to have your new home built from the ground up can be an exciting adventure, but it's also a rather complicated process which can be quite confusing to those who aren't employed within the building trades.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections04 Jul 2014

Dealing with Difficult Builders

Building the home of your dreams or adding a long-desired expansion to your home should be a rewarding process, but it can be stressful and upsetting if you're dealing with difficult builders.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections01 Jul 2014

What is a Soakwell?

Home ownership is rewarding, both emotionally and financially, but it can also be fraught with complications and confusion. Homeowners don't have to be experts with an in-depth knowledge of every system on their property,

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections23 Jun 2014

Hidden Source of Building Damage: Termites

Structural damage is a serious matter for any property owner, and there is a source of building damage which often goes undetected until it's already underway: a termite infestation.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections16 May 2014

Make Sure You Get the Most Out of Your Investment Property Right from the Start. Tax Depreciation Reports

Investing in real estate is often a wise financial decision, but it can also come with some added tax responsibilities. Fortunately, there is a perfectly legal method of minimising those tax responsibilities related to investment property.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections14 May 2014

Renovations and Building Regulations: What You Should Know

You've found the perfect home and are ready to make an offer, when you learn about previous renovations which were completed without a permit.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections10 May 2014

Roof and Gutter Maintenance

When you think of crucial areas for home maintenance, gutters may not top your list of priorities. In fact, improper maintenance of your gutters and neglecting the roof of a structure can have far-reaching implications in terms of structural integrity and

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections07 May 2014

Water Damage: Dangers and Risks

Water is one of life's essential requirements, but too much of a good thing can cause very real problems for homes and structures. Standing water, excess moisture in the air and flooding can all lead to expensive and potentially dangerous issues within a

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections02 May 2014

Deck & Balcony Safety: Protecting Your Family and Property

A deck or balcony can be the perfect place for relaxing or entertaining at home, but it also has the potential to be one of the most dangerous. Deck safety is a crucial, though often overlooked, aspect of home ownership.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections25 Apr 2014

Building Inspection Report What Should it Tell Me?

Purchasing a home is an exciting moment in your life, but it also comes with a deluge of information, some of which can be a bit overwhelming.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections14 Apr 2014

Building Inspections for Historic Homes

For some buyers, only the sleek and modern homes will do. For others, the charm and character of an older home is far more attractive. When you fall into the latter camp, there are plenty of reasons why it's imperative to secure a building inspections.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections07 Apr 2014

Buying Rental and Investment Property

Housing prices are most definitely on the move, this is in part fueled by investment buyers that feel this an ideal time to enter the property market.

HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections22 Aug 2014

Stage Construction Inspections

Stage Construction Inspections - A fraction of the cost of a Renovation or New Build will give you peace of mind.