Coastal Home & Building Inspections

Coastal Home & Building Inspections Coastal Home & Building Inspections professional building consultation services. Pre Purchase Inspections, Handover, Pool Safety, Dispute Resolution

Company and Experience

Coastal Home & Building Inspections is a locally owned and operated business. Paul Bloomer the director of the company and has lived and worked on the Sunshine Coast for 33 years. Paul has an extensive background in the building industry working on all types of construction from residential homes to major commercial facilities. Construction roles range from hands on buildi

ng work to project design, consultation and management. With over 15 years experience in conducting Building & Pest Inspections we have a strong working knowledge of all types of building construction practices and have inspected over 12,000 properties on the Sunshine Coast. Coastal Home & Building is a fully registered and insured company holding licences for Residential & Commercial Building and Building Inspections. BSA Lic No. 21256

We are also qualified Pool Fence Safety Inspectors under the Queensland Governments Pool Safety Council. PSI Lic No. 100529

Commitment to Our Clients

Coastal Home & Building Inspections are dedicated professionals. Our sole purpose is to provide our clients with the best service available to suit their specific needs. Whether it is a major decision you are about to make in your life or even if you just need friendly advice on a minor issue, we always treat our clients with the utmost professionalism and respect when addressing their concerns. To us, our clients are the most important people we deal with and not only do we want your family to have a safe, secure investment we also acknowledge and value your business both now and in the future.

What You Can't SeeThermal imaging is one of the resources used to check buildings for termite activity but it can also b...
06/08/2023

What You Can't See
Thermal imaging is one of the resources used to check buildings for termite activity but it can also be a useful tool to detect temperature differences not visible to the naked eye. Our client requested a Pre-Sale inspection to check the home for any issues before putting it on the market.
The image shows a temperature difference in dark blue on the corner of the wall and ceiling. When tested a high reading was found indicating moisture ingress from a rain head on the external wall. There was no visual indication of moisture ingress when viewing the area internally.
The rain head installation was found to be non-compliant in relation to the building standard and the most likely cause of the moisture ingress. The building is less than 6 years old and the rectification of the moisture ingress and defective building elements is a builders warranty liability.

Solar InstallationsWe find many instances where solar panels have been placed on roof structures that may not  have been...
22/06/2022

Solar Installations
We find many instances where solar panels have been placed on roof structures that may not have been assessed by the contractor prior to installation.
If a contractor has or is installing solar panels on existing roof structures it is essential to ensure the solar company assesses the area where the panels are to be installed to ensure the structure will adequately support the additional weight by having them engage an engineer.
The increased weight of panels installed may not be adequately supported by the timber framed structures below especially if areas such as roofed patios or older homes roof framing have timber building elements that are not constructed to the current building code or engineering standards.
When you have solar panels installed on your property make sure the contractor is aware of their obligations to determine the areas in which they are installed does not adversely affect the structure or the safety of the properties occupants. If you feel the contractor has not made an accurate assessment seek advice from a building inspector and engineer.

Buyer BewareWhen purchasing a property it is always essential that you insist on having your own independent building in...
27/03/2022

Buyer Beware
When purchasing a property it is always essential that you insist on having your own independent building inspection. Do not ever rely on previous reports compiled for the property owner or ones that have been passed on from the agent, other purchasers, resold by inspectors or specialist report selling sites.
The greatest failure with pre-sale building reports and a significant number of pre purchase building and pest reports is that fail in their legal duty of care to warn the owner or potential buyer of the possibility of concealed damage in the strongest possible manner.
It is essential that no matter how small a defect may look on the outside there is a potential to have considerably more damage in concealed areas internally. Elements concealing damage need to be removed up to a point where it is no longer evident. This is particularly the case when termite damage is found.

Building Reports that are generic can have cursory statements like "Damage occurrs when building elements have signs of decay or termite infestation. Repair of damaged elements is advised at the clients discretion" can leave you with extensive damage and expensive repairs that you have not budgeted for or cannot afford.

If a building inspector claims the area where damage is evident has restricted access it is also important to determine if they have assessed the area correctly and they have warned the client in the strongest possible manner.
Coastal Home & Building Inspection Reports will always consider the potential of concealed damage and insist on further invasive and specialist inspections even if the fault only appears to be minor. We also provide our clients with consultation and specialist reports to assess buildings when entering into legal proceedings or disputed insurance claims.

Safety Liability Building InspectionsThe broadest ranging liability of any Pre Purchase Building Inspection is safety.  ...
13/03/2022

Safety Liability Building Inspections
The broadest ranging liability of any Pre Purchase Building Inspection is safety. The National Construction Code Performance Provisions call for buildings to be designed to provide people with safe access to and within a building. One of the most important building elements are handrails and fall height from decks. For any deck areas associated with the home or property more than 1 meter above the ground a complying barrier and handrail is required to maintain safety. It is essential to ensure all aspects of handrails are securely fixed and in good condition. In the photo you can see that the handrail in not only damaged but it has been installed back to front where the raised section of the bottom rail should be towards the outer edge of the patio. This prevents the bottoms of the balustrading being dislodged and being pushed out. It is particularly important as it protects small children from falling if they push on the balustrade.
Coastal Home & Building Inspection Reports pay particular attention to identify building safety items on your report to ensure you, your family and anyone entering the property are protected.

Tank Water SupplyThe condition of tanks and the quality of water are important factors to consider when purchasing a pro...
24/02/2022

Tank Water Supply
The condition of tanks and the quality of water are important factors to consider when purchasing a property without a mains water supply. Regulations for potable water have changed over time to provide protection of your family. Rainwater can contain harmful bacteria such as E-Coli, Giardia, Salmonella, Campylobacter and Cryptosporidium which can easily be transferred through animal faecal matter from birds, possums and vermin that may come into contact with the rainwater supply i.e. water being washed off the roof and gutters into tanks. Older systems may not offer the same health requirements / protection of newer installations.
A Pre Purchase Building inspection to the Australian Standard may not cover identification of plumbing / septic systems or defective tanks.
When purchasing a property with rainwater / tank supply it is essential to have a specialist confirm the quality of water and operation of first flush installations, filters or specialist treatment systems to ensure the future health of your family prior to using or consuming tank water.
Coastal Home & Building Inspections will provide specialist referrals for plumbing inspections and identify any damage to systems where visible to ensure your health / safety when purchasing your new property.

Roofing Defect Builders ResponseOur recent frame inspection identified a defective finish on the roof at the front of th...
19/02/2022

Roofing Defect Builders Response
Our recent frame inspection identified a defective finish on the roof at the front of the home.
When reported to the builder their response was... It's unavoidable as it’s a spill out valley and is not a defect.
To clarify that the roofing is a defect that requires rectification the QBCC Standards & Tolerances Section 7.3 Roof Cladding states...
Within the first 12 months from completion of the work, staining, folds, splits, dents, open joints between panels, cracking and other distortions in roof cladding are defects if they
are visible from a normal viewing position at ground level.
To assist with resolving building issues Coastal Home & Building Inspections can provide our clients with information and reports to confirm building defects and to lodge a dispute with the QBCC if required.

Building Defect / Masonry OverhangsMasonry overhanging the slab is covered by the NCC Building Regulation 3.2.2.7 Edge R...
24/01/2022

Building Defect / Masonry Overhangs
Masonry overhanging the slab is covered by the NCC Building Regulation 3.2.2.7 Edge Rebates and states, Exterior Masonry must not overhang more than 15 mm past the edge of the slab.
The QBCC Standards & Tolerances Guide Section 4.17 also identifies masonry overhangs greater than 15mm as being a building warranty defect in the first 12 months or up to 6 years & 6 months if it effects the homes structural capacity or allows moisture ingress.
Rectification would require a specialist engineers assessment and Scope of Works for the method of repairs. When rectified the engineer who provided the Scope of Works should inspect and sign off providing and Aspect Certificate to confirm repairs have been effected correctly. Slab overhangs are most commonly found in new homes at Practical Completion Stage
A professional Handover Inspection Report ensures this type of defect does not go unchallenged and is identified and rectified in the correct manner.

QCAT Dispute Expert WitnessWhen building disputes cannot be solved using the normal means and the case escalates to a co...
06/01/2022

QCAT Dispute Expert Witness
When building disputes cannot be solved using the normal means and the case escalates to a court of law QCAT, Coastal Home & Building Inspections provides a range of comprehensive services to assist with the identification of building defects / non-compliance of building regulations and manufacturers specifications.
We research all aspects of defective building works and compile specialist Building Reports to meet Queensland Civil & Administrative Tribunal requirements. Additional Scott Reports, Expert Witness Conclaves & Court Representation are part of our extensive experience and services to assist our clients. See our Google Reviews relating to QCAT & QBCC Disputes

Building Element DamageOn various occasions we find damage or modifications to roof framing / trusses.The Australian Sta...
09/11/2020

Building Element Damage
On various occasions we find damage or modifications to roof framing / trusses.
The Australian Standard for Pre Purchase Building Inspections requires the inspector to identify any structural damage.
The Roof Truss is a structural building element that is engineer designed and certified by the manufacturing company.
Damaging or modifying the roof truss in construction phase or after, can represent a defect in the structural defect. Most common areas are broken or cut out chords or webbing components in trusses.
The repair of a damaged structural building component also required to have engineering design and certification after repairs are made.
Picture shows roof truss damaged by the builder during the construction phase with inadequate repairs.
Repairs to any damaged structural building element require an engineering design for repairs and final approval.
This example was found during a Pre Purchase Inspection. The purchaser was supplied with a Pre Sale Building Report from the owner that failed to identify the defect and they were advised by Coastal Home & Building Inspections to have the owner engage a builder conduct repairs and provide engineers certification.
Pre Sale Building Reports do not provide any liability for you as the purchaser unless your name is on the report.
Just about all Pre Sale Building Reports have third party disclaimers. We advise that you always get your own independent inspection to ensure you are fully covered when purchasing your new property.

Cover UpFreshly painted or renovated homes can be one of the most challenging aspects of Pre-Purchase Building Inspectio...
22/08/2020

Cover Up
Freshly painted or renovated homes can be one of the most challenging aspects of Pre-Purchase Building Inspections. The fact that painting may enhance the product being sold also can conceal defects ranging from minor to major. Variations in surfaces particularly brickwork can be concealing serious problems like structural defects. Inspectors cannot damage a vendors property however it is essential that our clients are advised to conduct further invasive and specialist engineers inspections. If you are buying at a newly painted or renovated property and notice a section that has been changed or patched be sure to take time to look carefully, talk to your inspector and ensure you take the time to gain all the information required to make an informed decision when purchasing.

Insurance AssessmentsIts not all the time insurance assessors or companies get it right when making decisions on what th...
02/08/2020

Insurance Assessments
Its not all the time insurance assessors or companies get it right when making decisions on what the extent of work they are willing to conduct when rectifying damage to your home.
Recently we were asked to make a specialist assessment of a clients roof where the insurance assessor only found it necessary to replace ridge cappings on a roof that was damaged by a hail storm. The home owner thought it was strange that his roof sheeting was not replaced when other insurance companies had replaced all the other roofs in the street.
They called Coastal Home & Building Inspections and asked us to assist them with a specialist assessment of the roof to determine the extent of damage and repairs.
Our inspection found well over 100 dents in the roof sheeting along with damaged flashings and valley gutters. In addition it was also found that the limited repairs by the insurance company had damaged the existing roof sheeting in the process or replacing ridge cappings.
A comprehensive report was used as evidence to assist the home owner in making the insurer replace the entire roof and associated fixtures.

Frame Stage InspectionsThere are many reasons to engage a building inspector when constructing your new home.  One of th...
26/07/2020

Frame Stage Inspections
There are many reasons to engage a building inspector when constructing your new home. One of the most important phases is the Frame Stage. Having an independent inspection at frame stage ensures your home is constructed in line with the architectural drawings and engineering specifications.
Your builder is required to check the home complies with the framing tolerances of the Queensland Building & Construction Commissions Standards & Tolerances Guide and provide a Framing Approval with a Form 16 Aspect Certificate or Engineers / Building Certifiers Approval.
Unfortunately these inspections do not go over every element of the framing testing all connections physically. They generally take the form of a visual inspection only and can allow defective works to pass through the approval process undetected.
Recently we were contracted to oversee the construction of a new home and our site inspection was conducted after the builder had informed us the engineer had approved the frame.
When testing tie down rods installed at the end of a structural bracing panel it was noticed the rod was loose. When pressure was applied to the rod it pulled out of the floor. The rod is required to be securely embedded into the floor slab. In this instance the cyclone rod did not even pe*****te into the floor and was just sitting in the bottom of the timber wall frame.
Coastal Home & Building Inspection Frame stage ensure you property is constructed as specified by the engineer and to the standard you deserve.

Address

Yaroomba
Sunshine Coast, QLD
4573

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 8pm - 11:45pm

Telephone

+61 417 709 065

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