Preventative Inspection Guide
| Area of Home |
What to check |
Why to check it |
| Floors & Floor Coverings |
Check for worn carpets, uneven surfaces, architraves and trimmings that have become loose. |
Floors should be kept in good condition as to avoid and eliminate all potential trip hazards. |
| Exterior / Interior Walls |
Look for cracks and seams. Look for discoloured spots. |
Cracks and seams in the walls of a home may indicate foundation problems or just general movement. Discolourations generally indicate water damage and/or previously repaired damage. |
| Ceiling |
Check for stains, and look out for signs of bowing across the ceiling. |
Abnormalities on the ceiling generally indicate faulty plumbing or a leaking roof. |
| Guttering / Downpipes |
Check for leaks at all joints. Look out for rusting. Check that there is no backflow of water where downpipes enter the underground drainage system. |
Poorly maintained guttering and storm water drainage systems may cause flooding and roof damage particularly during a downpour. |
| Hot Water Service |
Check date of manufacture located near serial number to determine age of water heater. Search for rusted or corroded parts, such as the ventilation shaft. Check for constantly leaking valves. (discharge is normal during the heating process.) |
Water heaters generally last 8-12 years; older heaters with visible wear may require an inspection from a licensed plumber. Call 1300 ALLTRADES to have a plumber inspect your water heater. |
| All Taps / Drains |
Check that all taps do not drip when in the fully closed position. Check that drains are not blocked and free flowing. |
As water is one of our most precious resources, we need to preserve and reduce waste. Blocked drains can cause flooding. |
| Electrical Switches / Powerpoints |
Check for clean switching action. Pay attention to anything that sounds like arcing. Pay attention to loose switches. Beware of exposed wiring. |
Electrical faults are a high risk for fire and electrocution. Any abnormality should be checked by a licensed electrician immediately. Call 1300 ALLTRADES to have an electrician inspect your electrical system. |
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