owner inspections logo
1 300 471 805

How Weather Affects Property Inspection Reports

Every property tells a story, and property inspections are a crucial chapter in that narrative, offering prospective buyers insights into potential problems before they make an offer. However, the inspection results are not solely reliant on the property itself; external environmental factors can notably influence the accuracy of property inspection reports. Understanding these influences can help you interpret the report more effectively.

 

Weather

Weather is a key player in property inspections, often determining the level of access inspectors can have and thus, influencing the outcome of the reports. Extreme conditions like heavy rain or snow can hinder thorough inspections.

  • Rain:
    • Heavy rainfall can make the inspection of outdoor areas challenging due to waterlogged ground or pooling water. This might obscure potential issues such as poor drainage or grading problems.
    • If there’s rain during the inspection, it might be difficult to properly assess roof conditions as wet surfaces may hide or exaggerate potential issues.
    • On the positive side, rainy weather can highlight water intrusion issues in basements or roofs, which may not be evident in dry conditions.
  • Snow:
    • Deep snow can cover up various features of the property. For instance, if there’s significant snow on the roof, it can be nearly impossible to assess its condition accurately.
    • If the property has a garden, inspectors might not be able to evaluate the landscaping or any outdoor structures like a shed or detached garage.

 

Seasonal Changes

Seasons have a significant impact on the condition of properties and can sometimes hide or highlight issues that might not be apparent otherwise.

  • Spring/Summer:
    • During these seasons, an inspection might overlook structural issues hidden by vegetation in full bloom, which can obstruct an inspector’s view of the property’s exterior.
    • High temperatures can cause some materials to expand, which might hide certain structural issues that become evident in colder months.
    • Excessive humidity can lead to condensation on windows or other surfaces, which may be mistaken for leaks.
  • Fall/Winter:
    • In these seasons, fallen leaves can block gutters and downspouts leading to potential water damage which is crucial for an inspector to note.
    • The lack of foliage can give inspectors an unobstructed view of the property’s exterior, which might not be possible in the spring or summer.
    • Lower temperatures can make it easier to identify issues with the heating system or insulation inefficiencies.

 

Geographic Location

Geographic location significantly influences the types of issues a property might face, and this influences what an inspector will focus on during the inspection.

  • Coastal properties:
    • They are susceptible to salt damage. Salt can accelerate the corrosion of metals and damage the exterior paint of a property.
    • Coastal properties may be more prone to mould and mildew due to the high humidity levels, something an inspector would pay special attention to.
  • High-wind or earthquake-prone areas:
    • These properties need to have a robust structural integrity to withstand the environmental pressures. An inspector would place extra focus on the property’s foundation, walls, roof, and other structural components.
    • The geographical location might also influence the type of materials used in construction. For example, properties in high-wind areas might use more sturdy and wind-resistant materials.

 

Proximity to Industrial Areas

Properties situated near industrial areas face a unique set of challenges, which property inspectors need to consider during their assessments.

  • Air quality:
    • Properties near industrial areas might face issues with air quality due to pollution, something that could be part of an inspector’s checklist.
    • There might be potential problems related to soot deposit on the property’s exterior or interior, which can lead to staining and deterioration of materials over time.
  • Soil Contamination:
    • If the property has a garden, soil contamination could be a concern. Certain industries might emit pollutants that can contaminate the soil, affecting the health of the garden or even the property’s inhabitants.
    • In some cases, soil contamination can also lead to structural problems. For example, acidic soils can accelerate the corrosion of metal elements in the property’s structure.
  • Noise pollution:
    • While not a physical attribute, noise pollution from nearby industries can affect a property’s livability. Although not a standard part of most property inspections, it’s something potential buyers should be aware of when considering properties near industrial areas.

 

Understanding the Inspector’s Perspective

When considering a property, it’s critical to understand the potential impact of environmental factors on the property inspection report. Don’t hesitate to ask the inspector about their experience with properties in the area and any concerns they may have about the environmental factors that may affect the property. A clear understanding of these impacts can aid in making an informed decision about the property purchase.

Our team at Owner Inspections, with highly experienced and certified inspectors, are well-versed in how environmental factors can influence property inspection reports. Servicing NSW, VIC, and QLD, we are dedicated to providing detailed and comprehensive property inspections to aid your decision-making process.

Back To Top