✅ Why Building Inspections Are Non-Negotiable
Peter explains why every buyer—especially first-timers—should invest in a professional inspection. Emotional buyers tend to overlook problems. Inspectors bring objective eyes, professional tools, and experience to spot what you might miss, from termite activity to poor drainage.

🔍 What Building Inspectors Actually Look For
Thermal imaging, moisture meters, and even stethoscopes—today's inspectors use a range of tech to assess a property's condition. They don't just look for termites; they examine structural movement, hidden damp, and defects specific to building type and era.

🧰 What's Included in a Building Inspection Checklist?

A good checklist covers:

• Subfloor and roof space access
• Moisture and ventilation issues
• Cracks, shifting foundations, and sagging
• Fungal decay in weatherboards
• Potential fire or electrical hazards
• Termite risk zones and damage

🧱 How Building Style Affects Faults
Not all homes age equally. Peter breaks down typical issues by construction type:

• Weatherboard homes: prone to fungal decay and sagging but fairly easy to repair
• Brick veneer on slabs (70s–90s): high termite risk
• Victorian terraces: no cavity walls = more lateral damp
• Single brick extensions: major damp and insulation problems

🕳️ Damp and Condensation: What Buyers Need to Know
Damp is common in older homes but varies in severity. Peter details the difference between rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation—along with the health risks, repair costs, and when it's a deal-breaker.

🐜 Termites: What to Watch For
Termite risk isn't just about timber homes. Brick veneer properties on slabs are often more vulnerable. Peter shares how thermal imaging cameras can detect activity before visible damage occurs—and why regular inspections are essential.

🏚️ Lipstick on a Pig: Cosmetic Cover-Ups
Sellers often paint over cracks, cover damp, or renovate just enough to hide major issues. Learn how to spot the difference between cosmetic fixes and genuine maintenance.

🧾 What to Ask Your Inspector (and Why It Matters)
Reports can be generic and full of disclaimers. That's why Veronica and Meighan urge buyers to ask:

• "How does this property compare to others like it?"
• "Is this fault common or a deal-breaker?"
• "Would you let your daughter buy this house?"

🧱 Cracks, Movement & Structural Issues
Not all cracks are bad—but some definitely are. Peter outlines which patterns suggest minor settlement and which require structural repair or an engineer's opinion.

🛠️ When to Walk Away
Some defects can be repaired or budgeted for. Others—like extensive structural damage or incurable rising damp—may be deal breakers. Learn how to judge what's fixable and what's a financial trap.

⚠️ Hazards and Hidden Dangers
Beyond structure, Peter shares how good inspectors also spot:
• Fire risks (non-compliant balustrades, missing alarms)
• Unsafe glass in old windows
• Poor subfloor drainage
• Electrical hazards (exposed wiring, no RCDs)

🧠 Final Advice: Knowledge Is Power
A thick inspection report can be overwhelming—but when paired with a thorough chat with your inspector, it's your best protection against costly surprises. The trick? Ask questions, compare properties, and always inspect with your eyes wide open.

👉 Ready to get started? Check out THE First Home Buyer Course.