SCOPE OF THE INSPECTION & THE REPORT:
1. All the inspections will be carried out in accordance with Appendix C of AS 4349.1-2007 and AS 4349.0 -2007 The AS 4349.0 -2007 provides information concerning safe and reasonable access: Only areas where reasonable and safe access was available were inspected: Access will not be gained where there are safety concerns, or obstructions, or the space available is less than the following:
Roof Void: - The dimensions of the access hole must be at least 500mm x 400mm, and, reachable by a 3.6M ladder, and, there is at least 600mm x 600mm of space to crawl:
Roof Exterior - must be accessible by a 3.6M ladder placed at ground level:
Safe Access: - Is at the inspectors discretion and will take into account conditions existing on the property at the time of inspection:
2. A copy of these Standards may be obtained from RAPID Solutions at Your cost by phoning (02) 4954 3655 or from Standards Australia.
3. All inspections will be a non-invasive visual inspection and will be limited to those areas and sections of the property to which Reasonable Access (Clause 20 Definitions page 3) is both available and permitted on the date and time of the inspection.
4. The Inspection WILL NOT involve any invasive inspection including cutting, breaking apart, dismantling, removing or moving objects including, but not limited to, roofing, wall and ceiling sheeting, ducting, foliage, moldings, debris, roof insulation, sarking, sisalation, floor or wall coverings, sidings, fixtures, floors, pavers, furnishings, appliances or personal possessions.
5. The inspector CANNOT see or inspect inside walls, between floors, inside skillion roofing, inside the eaves, behind stored goods in cupboards, in other areas that are concealed or obstructed. Insulation and sisalation in the roof void will conceal timbers and may make inspection of the area unsafe for the inspector. The inspector WILL NOT dig, gouge, force or perform any other invasive procedures. An invasive inspection will not be performed unless a separate contract is entered into.
6. The inspection WILL NOT report on the presence or not of Timber Pest activity. You should have an inspection carried out in accordance with AS 4349.3-1998 Timber Pest Inspections, by a fully qualified, licensed and insured Timber Pest Inspector.
7. If Timber Pest damage is found then it will be reported. The inspector will only then report on the damage which is readily visible. There may be concealed damage in walls etc and We strongly recommend You arrange for Us to carry out an invasive inspection to discover the full extent of the damage. If any evidence of Timber Pest damage is reported then Timber Pest activity may also be present. It is very important that You have an AS 4349.3-1998 Timber Pest Inspection carried out by a fully qualified, licensed and insured Timber Pest Inspector.
8. If the property to be inspected is occupied then You must be aware that furnishings or household items may be concealing evidence of problems, which may only be revealed when the items are moved or removed.
9. Subject to reasonable access (Clause 20 Definitions page 3) the Inspection will report on the condition of areas as specified in the preceding report section: - 'Brief Description of Structure(s) Inspected' As it is deemed relevant to the scope of report:
10. The inspection Will not cover or report on the following conditions (see AS 4349.1-2007 Appendices D) Exclusion of items from inspection…Footings below ground, concealed damp-proof course, electrical installations such as operation of smoke detectors, light switches and fittings, TV, sound, communications and security systems, concealed plumbing, adequacy of roof drainage as installed, gas fittings and fixtures, air-conditioning, automatic garage door mechanisms, swimming pools and associated filtration and similar equipment, the operation of fireplaces and solid fuel heaters including chimneys and flues, alarm systems, intercom systems, soft floor coverings, electrical appliances including dish washers, incinerators, ovens, ducted vacuum systems, paint coatings, except external protective coatings, health hazards (e.g. allergies, soil toxicity, lead content, radon, presence od asbestos or urea formaldehyde), timber and metal framing sizes and adequacy, concealed tie downs and bracing, timber pest activity, other mechanical or electrical equipment (such as gates, inclinators), soil conditions, control joints, sustainable development provisions, concealed framing-timbers or any area concealed by wall linings/sidings, landscaping, rubbish, floor cover, furniture and accessories, stored items, insulation, environmental matters (e.g. BASIX, water tanks, BCA Environmental Provisions), energy efficiency, lighting efficiency.
11. The inspector will report on the conditions that on the day and at the time of the inspection were evident and visible. The Australian Standard AS4349.0- 2007 warns that the report must not be seen as an all-encompassing report but rather as a "reasonable attempt to identify significant defects". Minor defects and imperfections will not be reported. Such defects and imperfections would in most cases be readily viewable by You.
12. The inspection and report CANNOT report on any defects which may not be apparent due to prevailing weather conditions at the time of the inspection. Such defects may only become apparent in differing weather conditions.
13. You agree that We cannot accept any liability for Our failure to report a defect that was concealed by the owner of the building being inspected and You agree to indemnify Us for any failure to find such concealed defects.
14. The following inspections are not included in this report:
Timber Pest Inspection report in accordance with AS 4349.3-2007 Timber pest inspections by a fully qualified, insured and licensed Timber Pest Inspector.
An inspection, testing and report of all electrical installations and wiring by an insured and licensed electrician.
Any other inspection and report on such matters as plumbing, Pool condition, lift hydraulics, mechanical services and geotechnical conditions by an appropriately qualified, insured and licensed person.
15. Where Our report recommends another type of inspection and report or an invasive inspection and report then You should have such an inspection carried out. If You fail to follow Our recommendations then You agree and accept that You may suffer a financial loss and indemnify Us against all losses that You incur resulting from Your failure to act on Our advice.
16. In the event of a dispute or a claim arising out of, or relating to the inspection or the report, or any alleged negligent act, error or omission on Our part or on the part of the inspector conducting the inspection, either party may give written notice of the dispute or claim to the other party. If the dispute is not resolved within twenty 0ne (21) days from the service of the written notice then either party may refer the dispute or claim to an independent mediator. The cost shall be met equally by both parties or as agreed as part of the mediation settlement. Should the dispute or claim not be resolved by mediation then one or other of the parties may refer the dispute or claim to the Institute of Arbitrators and Mediators of Australia who will appoint an Arbitrator who will resolve the dispute by arbitration. The Arbitrator will also determine what costs each of the parties are to pay.
COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION. In the event any litigation is started as a result of the inspection and/or report, you indemnify us against any legal fees and expenses incurred where you have not first allowed Us the opportunity to visit the property to investigate the complaint and provide you with a written response within 28 days: