Coffs Harbour Building Inspection reveals hidden moisture behind damaged cladding
At a Glance
Issue identified
Hidden moisture behind damaged cladding.
Location
Coffs Harbour
Equipment used
✔ Moisture Meter
✔ Visual Inspection
Recommendation
Further investigation by an appropriate tradesperson before settlement.At a Glance
What we found
At a recent pre-purchase inspection, we noticed what looked like a relatively minor impact mark to the external cladding of a granny flat. To most people it may have appeared to be nothing more than cosmetic damage.
As part of our inspection, we looked beyond the obvious. Inside the granny flat we found damage to the wall lining behind the affected area. We then used a moisture meter which detected elevated moisture levels within sections of the wall even though there were no visible signs of staining or mould.
At this stage, it wasn’t possible to determine the exact cause during a visual inspection alone so we recommended further investigation by an appropriate tradesperson before settlement.
Impact damage to external cladding found
Water damage to the internal plasterboard
Why it matters
One of the biggest misconceptions buyers have is that if a wall looks fine, everything behind it must be fine too.
Hidden moisture can exist long before visible signs appear. That’s why we don’t rely solely on what we can see, we use specialised equipment and years of building experience to identify areas that may require further investigation. Sometimes the outcome is minor but sometimes it isn’t.
Either way we want our client to have that information before settlement to help them make informed decisions with confidence.
Key takeaways for buyers
✔ Cosmetic damage can sometimes indicate a bigger issue
✔ Moisture isn’t always visible to the naked eye
✔ A thorough inspection is about identifying risks, not making assumptions.
Sam’s insight
“One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is assuming that if everything looks neat, there can’t be underlying issues. Our job is to investigate beyond what’s immediately visible.”
Buying a property in Coffs Harbour or the Mid North Coast?
Every inspection tells a different story. If you’re purchasing a home we’ll provide a detailed and independent assessment so you can make an informed decision before settlement.
Book your building and pest inspection today.