The bathroom would have to be one of the most complex rooms in the house. It’s here you have a combination of water and electricity, and it’s essential that you identify defects for safety purposes with a professional bathroom inspection. Also, water can play havoc with walls and can contribute to potential mould build up, another health risk.
The thing is, with the rise of DIY efforts thanks to television shows like The Block, some bathrooms may look beautiful but can hide some serious defects that could leave you out of pocket and far from enjoying your new home.
It’s not easy, walking into a gorgeously designed bathroom only to have to change your mindset and look beyond the style for ugly problems. The good news is that you don’t have to, you can enjoy the aesthetics while a professional inspector does the dirty work.
It’s certainly in your best interests to hire a qualified building inspector to inspect before you negotiate on the property. If defects are found, it can act as a negotiation tool or at least ensure repairs are carried out on the property before purchase.
Table of Contents
What’s involved in a professional bathroom inspection
There’s a lot an experienced inspector can uncover that you can easily miss, they also ensure the plumbing work abides by plumbing laws. Who wants to be left with massive outlays to repair water damage AFTER buying the property of your dreams?
Here’s what inspectors look for during a bathroom inspection:
- Cracks on wall and floor tiles
- Incorrectly laid floor tiles
- Moisture spots on the floor and walls
- Placement of taps and faucets
- Leaking taps and faucets
- Taps that don’t turn off properly
- Damaged taps and faucets
- Dripping shower roses
- Cracks and leaks in the shower tray
- Incorrect water proofing
- Proper water drainage in the bathroom sink, shower and bath
- Cracks and damaged seals in the shower screen
- Adequate bathroom ventilation and mould issues
- Damaged bath seals
- Intact floor waste
- Vanity cabinet moisture and leaks
- Water damage on walls
- Blown bulbs in bathroom lights
- Cracks in the toilet pan
- Leaking toilets
- Cistern leaks and filling mechanism in working order
- Leaking rubber seal connecting cistern to toilet pan
- Water damage in architraves
So before you sign on the dotted line on your dream home that a bathroom worthy of a home décor magazine, don’t be fooled and get a professional bathroom inspection done along with your building inspection, it’s the best way to be able to enjoy a stress-free bubble bath with champagne in hand!
Andrew Mackintosh is the owner and inspector at Action Property Inspections, Brisbane . Andrew has carried out over 20,000 building inspections, is a licensed builder, a licensed building inspector and a Member of Queensland Master Builders Association & Institute of Building Consultants.