To manage the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) the Australian Government has issued a Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) notice .
As employees who visit properties to conduct our business we should have guidelines to protect people we come in contact with and our own health.
To follow Government directives to prevent the spread of Coronavirus disease I have provided the following procedure that should be immediately implemented:
"I have procedures to follow due to the risk posed by the Coronavirus disease."
"I wish to advise you of my obligations under the Australian Government Health in safeguarding you and me in respect to the Coronavirus disease. Please assist me in practicing 1.5M distancing between us and if you are unwell please tell me and isolate yourself away from this property while I conduct the inspection."
Other general precautions we should take:
If you have any questions or wish to discuss any of the above please contact me.
Please read the following Australian Government Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) notice and this link for up to date information.
Inspections and client/customer/purchaser wishing to attend the property inspection:
We have strict procedures when inspecting properties during these times. For your protection and our inspectors safety please do NOT attend the property or approach the inspector during the inspection. If you wish to discuss the inspection or report please call the office and we can arrange a phone briefing.
Inspect It FIRST includes thermal imaging in its arsenal of inspection tools. Thermal images added to the Inspect It FIRST reports including narrative to identify issues. A thermal scan is optional and can be added to our inspections. Inspect It FIRST recommends thermal imaging for the following circumstances.
When thermal imaging cameras when mentioned in association with building inspections are synonymous live termites comes. However, a thermal scan is not a reliable “all clear” when it comes to pre-purchase property inspections.
Many thermal imaging providers over-state the uses of thermal imaging giving the impression that it’s an x-ray machine – a magical device that can see inside walls, under floors and into ceilings. To be clear thermal imaging is not an x-ray machine. It only measures the temperature of the surface of the wall. It’s the structural damage termites cause that we are looking for and damage has no thermal trace. When it comes to thermal scanning, termite detection is a hit or miss process. Apart from termite detection thermal scanning has several other benefits and Inspect It FIRST offers all these options to their clients.
If an active water leak is identified as we are inspecting the building the option of providing a thermal scan is offered. This could be leaking showers, ceilings under bathrooms or roof leaks. A scan of the area can help in identifying the extent of the problem.
Where termite damage has been identified or a high moisture level is detected, and we believe it may be a sign of termites thermal imaging is offered. A thermal scan of the area can confirm the presence of live termites in the building.
Ideal for new homes thermal imaging can help to confirm that the builder has provided insulation in the external walls and all ceilings. Offered as an option to a Practical Completion Inspection (PCI) / Handover inspection of a new home. A lack of insulation increases the cost of energy to heat or cool the home.
Thermal imaging of external windows and doors is offered as an option when inspecting a home. Poor seals to openings increases the cost of energy to heat or cool the home. Preventing air leaks around openings also improves the comfort level of a home. A scan around windows and doors will show areas where heat or cool is escaping or entering the building.
Accurate Termite Detection Equipment
To eliminate most of the guesswork during termite inspections, experts use a variety of new tools such as:
Radars that emit calibrated signals to confirm the existence of termites. These are capable of detecting termites through drywall, plywood, plasterboard, bricks and other building materials.
Tools that can differentiate between ants and termites without the need of accessing building cavities.
Advanced equipment is used that does not require any physical penetration of the walls. It helps to identify the exact location of the termite infestation and gives accurate readings. Since the termite nests are not disturbed in any way during the inspection, termite control applications can be used while the pests are in
Moisture Detection Equipment
Excess humidity or moisture in interior spaces of buildings results in the build-up of mould, algae, rot, and mildew. These elements can cause extensive damage to features like roofing, flooring, walls, and insulation when left untreated. In order to avoid such significant issues, proper inspection of the entire structure has to be carried out efficiently and professionally.
The amount of moisture in the building needs to be measured. A moisture metre can easily detect moisture within tiles or vinyl. This device helps identify concealed leaks in bathrooms or shower floors and provides readings of moisture levels within the structure.
This helps the inspector trace the leak to the point of origin and determine the cause of entry. The building inspector must have complete knowledge of various building materials and components to carry out the inspection effectively.
The expert also needs to understand Australian Building Standards and reference guides for water damage restoration. When the inspector gives the client the building and pest inspection report, they also need to provide recommended solutions for the problem.
