Upper floor windows and other safety items buyers miss
Safety hazards are reported first in a pre-purchase inspection. These are the ones easiest to overlook at an open home.
In short: Some findings are about safety, not maintenance. They belong at the top of the report.
Window restrictors
Upper floor bedroom windows must limit their opening to 125mm where the drop outside is significant. A missing restrictor is a fall risk for children.
Balustrades and stairs
Balustrade height, gaps between balusters and handrails on stairs are all checked where accessible.
Exhaust fans
A bathroom fan venting into the roof space can cause moisture problems up there. The vent should go outside.
Roof water
A downpipe spreader discharging straight onto flashing concentrates water where the roof is least able to take it.
Written by our local inspection team from work carried out in Wyndham Vale. Licensed building practitioners, Building & Plumbing Commission registration CDB-U 53425.
