As the founder and lead building inspector at WA Building Inspections, I’ve witnessed some shocking cases, but none quite like the one where a brand-new house had to be demolished due to serious construction flaws. In this article, I’ll take you through the details of this jaw-dropping inspection, where poorly secured beams and dodgy workmanship led to the ultimate consequence—demolition. The story is a wake-up call for anyone thinking about skipping a professional building inspection.
How One Inspection Uncovered Fatal Flaws in a New Build
When I first arrived at the property that was all bricked up, ready for the roof to be installed, everything looked pristine from the outside. But as soon as I stepped inside, I knew something was off. It wasn’t just one minor issue; it was a cascade of red flags, and by the time I finished my inspection, it was clear the entire house was a ticking time bomb. However, the scariest thing was a floagting steel beam. Yes, I said floating!
“Just a small detail sometimes means a lot to a customer. So let’s have a look at this beam. It’s a big beam. It’s got all these struts coming down your primary beam. It’s not even secured down. No bolts. I can move that. I don’t want to move that.”
Why Every Home Needs a Building Inspection
You’d be surprised at how many homeowners assume a brand-new house is free of flaws. But the truth is, even new builds can hide serious problems. Without a thorough new construction building inspection, these problems usually go unnoticed until it’s too late. The cost? Potentially your entire home, as seen in this shocking case.
Dodgy Construction Can Lead to Catastrophic Results
In the case of this new home, one of the main structural beams was not properly secured. In fact, it wasn’t secured at all. The consequences of this could have been deadly if left undetected.
“There’s nothing holding that beam down nor on the other side. Just before the comments quickly come flying in, that’s off-centre. You can see the brick pier there, right? That’s where that beam should be sitting, and it’s completely off to the side.”
This wasn’t just a cosmetic flaw; it was a fundamental error that compromised the entire structure.
The Hidden Dangers Lurking in New Homes
Even when a house is brand-new, problems like poor workmanship, structural errors, or code violations can still exist. In this case, we discovered beams that were improperly placed and unsecured, walls that were not built to code, and subpar materials being used throughout.
The Cost of Ignoring Building Inspections
Homeowners who skip a building inspection for a new house being built may think they’re saving money upfront, but in reality, they’re gambling with their safety—and their finances. In the case of this new build, the builder was forced to demolish the house entirely and start over, all because of issues that would have been preventable with proper oversight.
What Does a Building Inspector Look For?
At WA Building Inspections, we leave no stone unturned. Whether you’re buying a new home or conducting routine maintenance, we check every inch of the property. Our inspections focus on:
- Structural integrity: Ensuring beams, walls, and foundations are correctly positioned and built to code.
- Safety hazards: Identifying risks that could pose immediate danger to the occupants.
- Code compliance: Verifying that all work adheres to Australian building standards.
An In-Depth Look at Beams and Load-Bearing Structures
In the video above, I show you just how dangerous an unsecured beam can be.
“Now we’re on the other side. Beam comes down, beams come across, no fixings… this is the underside. Look at this beam; it has seven struts coming off it, but it’s not secured down.”
A beam like this could have led to the collapse of the roof, causing untold damage to the house and anyone inside. Read more about beams and beam bearing lengths.
The Importance of Video Evidence in Building Inspections
One of the reasons our clients trust WA Building Inspections is our use of video evidence. In cases like this one, where the problems are not immediately visible to the untrained eye, having video proof can make all the difference.
Check out our building inspection services in Perth to see how we can provide peace of mind for your property.
Why Local Expertise Matters
Building inspections are not a one-size-fits-all service. Each region has its own unique challenges when it comes to construction. That’s why our local expertise in areas like Rockingham to Mandurah and Midland is invaluable.
Discover our services in Rockingham to Mandurah, where we’ve helped countless homeowners avoid costly mistakes.
Learn more about our expert building inspections in Midland, where our attention to detail has saved homes from dangerous flaws.
What Happens After the Inspection?
Once we’ve completed an new building inspection, we provide a detailed report with our findings. If there are serious issues, like in the case of the new build, we work with both the homeowner and the builder to ensure the problem is resolved, whether that means repairs or, in this case, complete demolition.
My Final Words
Skipping a building inspection is a gamble no homeowner should take. As this case clearly shows, even brand-new homes can hide significant structural issues that could cost you more than just money. Always ensure that a professional, detailed inspection is part of your Perth home-buying process—it could save you from disaster.
FAQs
1. Why is a building inspection important for new homes?
Even new homes can have significant structural problems that go unnoticed without a professional inspection. Skipping an inspection could lead to expensive repairs or, in this case, a total demolition.
2. What does a building inspection cover?
A building inspection covers structural integrity, safety hazards, and code compliance to ensure your home is built to last.
3. How can video evidence from a building inspection help?
Video evidence provides undeniable proof of construction issues, helping homeowners address problems with builders or legal action.
4. How often should I have a building inspection?
It’s recommended to have a building inspection every few years, especially after major renovations or if you’re buying a new home.
5. Can a building inspection prevent costly repairs?
Yes! A thorough inspection can identify potential problems early, saving you thousands in future repairs or, in extreme cases, preventing structural failure.