Surface Water Drainage... the hidden defect!
Most clients arrive at their pre-purchase building inspections unsure of what their inspector will be looking for and will indentify as a defect or maintenance issue.
Some of the main defects we are looking for are:
- Cracking to the external brickwork
- Water tightness of Wet areas
- Cracking to the internal plastering
- Inadequate surface water drainage
The most common defect we are finding at present is inadequate surface water drainage. Surface water drainage problems can cause serious damage to a dwelling.
Sometimes the problem can easily be rectified by the owner prior to settlement or it may require further inspection by a licenced drainer. If left unrectified the more serious cases can cause damage to the dwelling and could be extremely costly to repair.
Recently we have seen several properties were the owners had updated landscaping to modernise their home ready for the sale.
Stones and concrete stepping stones placed over old or existing surfaces are common options. While these areas look fresh and attractive to prospective purchasers they can also be covering up some serious surface drainage problems.
Pavers laid over existing surfaces may have drainage grate installed at the top level of the pavers. While it may appear the surface water drainage problem has been taken care of, this type of drainage is actually useless. When it rains water will flow through the pavers down to the surface they are laid on.
The surface water could still be pooling on the surface under the pavers or not draining away and can cause damage to the dwelling.
Your building inspector will be able to identify the hidden surface water drainage defects for you.
Article written by Allied Home Inspections - Queensland.
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