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I N D E P E N D E N T P R O P E R T Y I N S P E C T I O N S
home owner’s manual
2 IPI home owner’s manual
Property Identification
	
Address________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
State ____________________________________________________ 	 Postcode ________________________________________________
Current Owner’s Name ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Contact Phone ____________________________________________ 	 Mobile __________________________________________________
Purchase Date ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Property Inspector’s Name _________________________________________________________________________________________________
Inspector’s Contact Phone _________________________________________________________________________________________________
First Inspection Date ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
3 IPI home owner’s manual
contents
welcome to your new home	 6
maintenance program	 7
specific areas of your home	 11
around your home	 15
inside your home	 17
home safety & emergency procedures	 24
home security	 26
energy efficiency	 27
other areas	 30
moving out	 32
discount vouchers	 37______			
Independent Property Inspections home owner’s maintenance manual
the information contained in this Manual is in the nature of a general
guide only and should not be relied upon in any critical situation.
Independent Property Inspections excludes all liability for any loss or
damaged incurred by any person directly or indirectly as a result of
usage of this Manual and the user of this Manual does so at their own
risk.
Disclaimer The Author/Publisher of this Manual advises readers that
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Police_____________________________________________________
Ambulance ________________________________________________
Fire Brigade ________________________________________________
Doctor ____________________________________________________
Independent Property Inspector________________________________
Independent Pest Inspector ___________________________________
Independent Property Inspections Adelaide
9 Burnett Drive One Tree Hill SA 5114
Phone 0403 997 961
Email neil@ipi.net.au
Website www.ipi.net.au
4 IPI home owner’s manual
Service Guarantee 
  We will arrange and complete your inspection as a priority
  We guarantee to stand by our quoted prices
  We will thoroughly inspect the property as required by Australian
Standard 4349.1
  We will use all our experience, knowledge and training to expertly
complete your inspection and report
  We will keep the findings of your report at all times
  Our comprehensive written report will be easily understood
  We will complete the report the same day
  We will afford you FREE ongoing consultancy on the report findings
until settlement
  We will inspect your home with expertise and diligence as if
it were our own
  We will ensure you don’t have a huge repair bill with your mortgagee
We are highly trained experienced inspectors
complying with current Australian standards
Our comprehensive and detailed reports will give
you guaranteed peace of mind on one of the
most important decisions you will ever make
Same day comprehensive written reports
Our inspections start from only $250
We use the latest technology
We are fully insured
Call your local Property Inspector
Neil 0403 997 961
Independent Property Inspections – Building
Confidence & Delivering Peace Of Mind
5 IPI home owner’s manual
Independent Property Inspections (IPI) –
Your Property Partners. We want to be your
Partners in caring for your home for life. As
a valued customer of Independent Property
Inspections we want to reward you and
become your“Property Partners”.
Why do we do it?
When you buy a property you’re on your own
and left to your own resources, at IPI Your
Property Partners we give you VIP priority
access to all the resources you will ever need.
We are offering you the benefit of all our years
of expertise in building to help you maintain
your property in good condition.
We can alert you to any future maintenance
that you might need to budget for.
We can advise you on all your renovation
and/or extension plans.
We can even refer you to reliable trade’s
people and service providers (who will
actually show up on time) from our exclusive
list of preferred contractors and service
providers.
We have put together the Property Partners
to ensure you only ever need one contact
you can trust to get anything you need to do
with your home.
You will receive:
	Discounted annual inspections to
help protect your greatest asset from
a significant Structural failure through
our annual inspection program, during
which we conduct a complete residential
building inspection and report any
changes to you and advise on what
needs to be done and what’s the best
way to do it, we can even supply you the
people to do it.
	FREE Building Consultancy until
settlement – helping you through all types
of maintenance, repairs, renovations and
extensions using our expertise and local
knowledge so you are not at the mercy
unknown suppliers or contractors.
	VIP Access to our exclusive list of
preferred contractors and service
providers, including all trades from
plumbers and painters to electricians and
builders, roofers to rose pruners. we have
personally selected these contractors and
service providers due to reliability and fair
pricing.
	Discount Vouchers for services that
include specialised inspections and
building diagnostics services exclusive to
Independent Property Inspections.
welcome
to Property
Partners
6 IPI home owner’s manual
welcome
to your
new home
We encourage you to take advantage of all
the benefits included in this Home Owner’s
Maintenance Manual and tap into the wealth
of experience offered exclusively to you as our
valued customer.
Annual inspections are strongly
recommended. Regular inspections will
not prevent defects, but will help early
detection and allow remedial treatment to
be commenced sooner and damage to be
minimised. 
Most Australians dream of owning their own
home. You have turned this dream into reality
and, with a little tender loving care, you and
your home will be lifelong friends. We have
produced this booklet in an effort to help you
enjoy your new home – not just today, but
always.
As a valued customer of Independent
Property Inspections (IPI) we will partner you
throughout this booklet and the life of your
home to help ensure your home remains a
significant asset for you and your family to be
proud of.
IPI believes prevention is always better
than cure, and with years of experience we
know prevention is also much cheaper than
the cure. As the home owner you have an
obligation to maintain your greatest asset.
Much like your car, with proper care and
maintenance, this home will serve you and
others that may one day live there – for an
unlimited number of years.
There are thousands of components
that make up your home and we don’t
expect anyone to have the expert working
knowledge of all these items.
IPI has introduced its‘Partnership Program’to
help guide you through
the life of your home. Some advantages
of this program include:
	IPI’s exclusive 5 star Condition Rating
	VIP access to our list of trades people and
service providers
	FREE building consultancy for 12 months
after each annual inspection
	Discounted Annual Building and Pest
Inspections.
7 IPI home owner’s manual
maintenance
program All buildings require regular maintenance
during their lifespan. Varying types of
maintenance can be required to keep your
home‘looking new’and serving you well for
years.
The following categories of maintenance
will assist in planning and undertaking your
maintenance program:
Cleaning
This is the simplest form of maintenance.
Besides giving a bright appearance, cleaning
can prevent build up of moulds and can stop
moisture being trapped which can cause rust,
rot or water damage.
Preventative Maintenance
Regular repainting of exposed timbers, sealing
of joints, keeping vents and pipes clear, etc,
can prevent damage occurring.
Whilst it may not be necessary to undertake
maintenance on a new home for some time, it
is essential you plan and budget for it.
You may also have had a Pre-Purchase or Pre-
Sale inspection completed that you can now
use as your reference to complete any repairs
needed.
At IPI, we agree it is also important to conduct
regular inspections to help detect early signs
of deterioration. Regular inspections will not
prevent defects occurring, however they will
prevent them from becoming costly major
defects or even causing a structural failure.
Rehabilitation or Replacement
When an item has reached the end of its
usable or economic lifespan, it must be
replaced. You will need to plan for the times
when it is convenient to undertake the
maintenance. The following Checklists may be
helpful.
8 IPI home owner’s manual
checklists
Weekly
	Check the operation of smoke
alarms and ensure the battery is not
flat. Remember: A hard wired alarm
can still test ok if the battery is flat, as
the alarm would use mains power,
so remove the battery and test it
elsewhere.
Monthly
	Check and clean guttering, spouting
and drains – it is necessary to
remove leaves and mud in gutters
and other foreign matter to prevent
premature deterioration.
	Check and remove rubbish
accumulating close to walls.
	Clean aluminum windows and door
frames.
	Check for leaking taps and replace
washers immediately.
	Check for buildup of insects in
brickwork weep holes and clean if
necessary.
	Check that water drains away from
the house after heavy rain.
Quarterly
	Check and clean grease traps of the
septic tank (if applicable)
	Clean anodised aluminum door and
window frames.
	Clean glass/glazing externally and
internally.
	Clean gutters – very important if you
are on tank water.
maintenance program/checklists
9 IPI home owner’s manual
Yearly
	Contact IPI to conduct your Annual
Building and Pest inspection,
using the previous years report
as a reference. Your Independent
Property Inspector will always cast a
more critical eye over your property
and is skilled in detecting defects
that are only visible to an expert
trained eye.
	Check and reseal if necessary –
showers, baths and bench tops
where a permanent water seal is
required. Ensure all tap penetrations
in the shower are also sealed.
	Where applicable, check septic tank,
sullage pit and pump.
	Clean smoke alarms and check their
general condition.
	Clean chimneys and wood heater
flues to prevent possible fire
damage.
Spring
	It’s planting season and this could
be your first chance to get into the
garden – remember if your planting
trees, make plant them at least their
mature height from your house.
	Make sure your drainage is right
– 50mm slope away over the first
metre is ideal. Don’t let water pool
near or against the house.
	If you have agricultural drains it’s a
good time to flush them out. Use a
garden hose down the inspection
opening to flush out any sediment
build up.
	Clean out the roof gutters and
consider installing a leaf guard
system.
	Check all your waste pipes for leaks
in your cupboards – hand tighten
is sufficient. Replace leaking tap
washers.
	When the clocks change for daylight
saving, change your smoke alarm
batteries.
Summer
	In bushfire-prone areas, check for
accumulation of bushfire hazards at
the start of summer and remove if
near house.
	Clean fascia/gutters/eaves to
remove mould or mildew to prevent
them spreading to timbers.
	Check paint finishes to outdoor
timbers and touch up if necessary.
	Check for any movement or cracking
in external brickwork and if evident,
seek expert advice from IPI.
maintenance program/checklists
10 IPI home owner’s manual
Autumn
	Autumn is usually a dormant period
in the garden, so it’s a good time
to mulch again, and there will be
plenty of leaves about.
	You must ensure all your gutters and
drains are clear of leaves and debris
before the rains start or this will
result in flooding or possible water
damage to your home.
	Autumn is always a good time
to check and clean your heating
systems, flues and chimneys.
	Also a great time to check and
install weather and draft seals to
your doors and windows before the
wetter colder months start.
	Now is also a good time to change
over your summer curtains for
heavier winter curtains as the
insulation value will save on heating
costs.
Winter
	Everyone hates working around the
house in winter so we hope you
have followed the tips for the other
seasons.
	If you have serviced the heating
system it will be working at
maximum efficiency and save your
energy costs, and now is when the
draft seals come into their own.
	Clean insect screens, check for
damage and replace mesh if
necessary.
	Check and repair air-conditioning
equipment if necessary
	Check for pests under floor spaces
and exterminate if necessary.
	Check for any movement in external
brickwork or timbers.
	When the clocks change for daylight
saving, change your smoke alarm
batteries.
Notes
	
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maintenance program/checklists
11 IPI home owner’s manual
specific
areas of
your home If you notice any subsidence or cracking in
your foundation walls, it is recommended you
seek the advice of your building consultant as
soon as possible to determine the appropriate
action. Although slight cracking (up to 1mm
wide) could be expected in most homes,
these are worth recording to monitor any
further more serious movement.
Your Independent Property Inspector will
have a record of the condition of your
foundation walls so he is the ideal consultant
to contact if any cracking is noted.
Concrete slabs
Because of the nature of the material it is
impossible to prevent some minor cracking
in concrete. However unanticipated cracking
can be a result of unequal ground settlement,
dramatic shrinkage of the sub-soils (common
in drought conditions), stress caused by trees
and tree roots (some tree roots can grow up
to two times the mature height of the tree),
foundation failure due to inadequate design
or simply excessive rainfall and/or flooding.
Whatever the extent of cracking you should
contact your building consultant to determine
its significance.
Brickwork and other
masonry walls
This section can include many types of
materials, for example, Clay or Concrete brick,
natural stones like Sandstone, Bluestone, and
combinations of concrete, mortar and stone.
All these are included the masonry walls
category.
Staining
These materials are generally used because
of their durability, price, colour and texture
differences, and all react to water and heat
in different degrees. Some will show signs
of discolouring that are harmless and easily
cleaned using the correct solutions and
cleaners, however some discolouring is a
sign of other more serious problems that will
need expert diagnosis by a trained inspector.
Problems like rising damp can lead to more
costly repairs if left unattended.
Foundations and Footings
The foundation is the rock or soil on which the
footing of the building sits. The footings can
also be concrete pads under the supporting
piers. The foundation walls and/or piers are
the structures that transfer the weight of the
building and also anchor the building to the
ground and in position. These are the most
important parts of the structure and require
the most protection and attention.
Care and maintenance of foundations and
footings
Most soils move with changes in moisture
content so our aim is to minimise such
changes by:
	 •	 Keeping gardens and trees away from
the house
	 •	 Draining the site
	 •	 Ensuring adequate but moderate
garden watering
	 •	 Repairing plumbing leaks.
12 IPI home owner’s manual
Cracking
This is the most common defect that puts
fear into every home owner. However, if a
crack appears, it may not mean your home
is about to collapse. In fact, there can be a
perfectly logical reason, as some masonry
walls are designed to move with construction
joints built into them to minimise unsightly
cracking.
Most cracking can be repaired using simple
cosmetic treatments, and many are not
indications of a significant structural failure.
Independent expert advice should be sort to
determine the type and cause of the cracking
as this will determine the appropriate method
of correction needed. A lack of knowledge
and an inappropriate method of repair can
escalate damage.
IPI recommends you contact your
independent inspector to assess the defect at
your earliest convenience as there are many
types and causes of cracking and a correct
assessment is critical to ensuring the correct
repair methods are adopted.
Under Floor Space
Neglect of this area is common. But the cost
to your home and family’s health can be
significant. This area of the home, particularly
under a timber floor, often hides many serious
defects that not only affect your home but
can also have serious health consequences for
the occupants. It is vitally important that this
area is constantly monitored for any signs that
could lead to future problems.
Some typical problems that arise from
time to time are drainage issues caused by
inadequate site drainage, and ventilation
problems that can cause mould and fungi
problems – combined, they can contribute to
the Sick House Syndrome.
Most people are aware that damp under
floors can lead to mould, odour, termite
infestation, rotting timbers and subsequent
health problems, not to mention the damage
to your biggest asset.
It is essential the under floor space remains
well ventilated, dry and well drained at all
times.
A good time to inspect this area is following
a period of very wet weather. You should be
able to access all areas and find clean dry
soil conditions throughout. If this is not what
you find, then we strongly recommend you
seek expert advice from your Independent
Property Inspector.
Some symptoms that may indicate a sick
house include asthma, constant breathing
or bronchial problems, stinging or sore eyes,
allergies, headaches, tiredness and skin
irritations. Crying windows and mould stained
walls and ceilings are other tell tale signs of a
sick house.
Other common defects found in this area are
subsided piers (due to settlement) which can
cause the floors to sag or become springy. In
more extreme cases, this settlement can cause
doors to bind and not close, plaster to crack
and fracture, and in some areas can also cause
broken and leaking pipes. This defect is often
easily repaired by repacking the bearers over
the affected piers.
SPECIFIC AREAS OF YOUR HOME
13 IPI home owner’s manual
To recognise all these symptoms and design
a solution to achieve a Healthy House, it
will take an experienced expert to consider
the many and varied strategies needed for
a successful outcome. Some of these will
include drainage, the correct level of sub floor
ventilation, insulation, living space air quality,
humidity, mould and fungus detection, just to
name a few.
Another significant problem that frequently
occurs in the under floor space is pest
infestation. This area is often the front line of
attack for one the most devastating pests on
the planet – the infamous termite (white ant).
In all its various species, it has the potential
to eat your home right out from under you.
Without constant and diligent inspections by
a competent expert, your home will always
be at risk of attack and the under floor space
is one of the most common access points for
the termite.
Independent Property Inspections strongly
recommends you seek advice and annual
inspections from an independent pest
inspection expert. Although regular
inspections will not prevent termite attack,
regular inspections will increase the chances
of early detection and help to minimise the
damage caused by termites.
Exterior Claddings
All external claddings are very durable
but also should be regularly cleaned and
inspected at least annually to ensure you
can identify any cracking or deterioration of
materials and coatings.
It is important to maintain all claddings and
coatings in good condition to ensure water
tightness in all areas. Joint sealants must also
be regularly inspected and maintained.
Roofs
Sheet Roofing
Sheet roofing is designed to be as
maintenance free as possible. Maintenance
of roofing paintwork is the same as any other
exterior exposed painted surfaces. Modern
colourbond roofing products have been
guaranteed to last many years. However, older
galvanised roofing is often painted over to
hide surface rusting and deterioration. These
roofs need constant monitoring to determine
the extent of any rusting. Lap joints are often
the first areas to show signs of advanced
deterioration.
It is very difficult to halt the rusting process
and advanced and/or extensive rusting
usually results in complete replacement of the
affected sheets. Again, this is very common
in the old, short sheet style of corrugated
roofing.
SPECIFIC AREAS OF YOUR HOME
14 IPI home owner’s manual
Care must be taken not to patch or repair
roofing with different types of materials. For
example, you should never patch a galvanised
sheet with a zincalume sheet as this can
accelerate deterioration at the points of
contact between the two types.
Tiled Roofing
Although tiles are very durable, they are
also very brittle and easily cracked or even
broken when walked on. Tile fixing requires a
specialised skill and IPI recommends an expert
should carry out such repairs or replacement.
The best time to inspect the outside of the
roofing is when it is dry and safe to do so.
Sheet roofing can be inspected by walking
over it, however, tiled roofing should be
inspected from a ladder against the guttering
or eaves. From the inside, the best time to
inspect the roof space is when it is raining
heavily and preferably windy.
The advantage of inspecting the roofing
from the inside is that any small leaks will
be evident and discovered before the leaks
damage other parts of the home such as the
plaster ceilings.
Roof Drainage
The roof drainage system is critical for
discharging storm water away from the house.
The items that make up this system include
the guttering (spouting), valley flashings, and
downpipes.
It will always be important to keep these
clean, particularly for homes that rely on
rainwater from the roof catchments for
drinking water. Regular cleaning is important
to ensure they remain clear of obstructions
and blockages that are common if
overhanging trees are present.
Regular inspections for leaks in the guttering
and downpipes are also crucial to minimising
localised flooding that can cause foundation
damage. Any leaks noted should be repaired
as a matter of urgency.
SPECIFIC AREAS OF YOUR HOME
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15 IPI home owner’s manual
around
your home You should also give consideration to shading
and the effects your plantings may have on
the passive solar design of your home.
You should also bear in mind the mature size
of any trees and shrubs when considering
their location (tree roots can grow up to two
times the mature height of the tree). Too
many trees and shrubs close to the house can
cause rapid buildup of leaves and foliage in
the roof gutters.
Some trees and shrubs are noted for their
ability to damage homes and services.
You can check with your local nursery for
recommended species for planting in your
area.
Planning Your Garden
When arranging your garden and landscaping,
it is important that you plan ahead. There are
many problems that can be avoided with
some basic planning. Make sure there are no
garden beds against the house – this will help
minimise damp problems and termite entry
points. All vents and weepholes must be kept
clear of soil and plants.
You should also be aware of the exact
position of all your service connections
(sewer, stormwater, phone lines, water mains,
electrical and gas connections) to avoid future
root damage to these services.
Trees and Shrubs
Tree roots can cause damage to any
underground services as well as house
foundations. The foliage not only causes
blockages in drains and gutters, it can also
contribute to bush fire hazards around your
home.
Site Drainage
Maintaining good site drainage is crucial
to preventing water flowing to the under
floor spaces and causing more significant
problems. To prevent this, ensure that all areas
immediately adjacent to the house are well
drained and ensure that soil is graded away
from the external walls of the house.
Paths and driveways should also have
adequate grade of 50mm per metre away
from the exterior walls of the house.
If you are installing a sprinkler system near
your foundations, care must be taken not to
over water so that the performance of the
foundation system is not affected.
16 IPI home owner’s manual
Gates and Fencing
Most boundary fencing is a shared cost
with your neighbour so if any maintenance
is required it is recommended you consult
your neighbour and gain agreement before
starting any significant repairs.
Gates often need minor adjustments to
ensure correct operation and frequent
inspections are needed. Your front fence and
gates gives your visitors their first impression
of your home. By keeping these well
maintained you are showing the world you
care about your property.
General maintenance can be as simple as
keeping them clean and freshly painted,
clearing away debris and weeds, etc.
Decks, Pergolas and BBQ Areas
Timber decks and Pergolas are very
susceptible to termite attack and should be
regularly inspected for any signs of attack.
These areas are relatively maintenance free
and if kept clean and well maintained, will
serve you well. Care should be taken to
ensure all handrails and steps are in good
condition not only from an esthetic point
of view but from a safety point of view. You
have a responsibility to your family and guests
to ensure they are always kept safe on your
property.
Septic tanks and grease traps
To avoid problems, septic tanks require
cleaning and will need to be monitored.
(Check your Yellow Pages for companies who
are able to carry out this work.) Grease traps
need more frequent attention and should be
cleaned every two or three months. If due
care and attention has not been provided,
your septic will overflow. Precaution is the
most successful treatment:
	 •	 DON’T flush hair, grease substances, lint,
or other rubbish down the toilet pan.
These will block the sewer drains.
	 •	 DO choose disinfectants and toilet
papers carefully, making sure to select
only those types designed for septic
sewerage systems.
Septic tank problems should be referred to a
licensed Plumber/Drainer.
Water Meters
Your water meter is situated at the front of
your property and it is your responsibility to
keep it clear of weeds, trees and any other
obstructions. It is also important that the
Water Authority has easy access to the meter
at all times. It is also your responsibility to
protect the meter from damage.
Garden or Hose Taps
Non return valves are best fitted to these
taps to prevent contaminated water from
siphoning back into the house water system
from hoses left lying around.
AROUND YOUR HOME
17 IPI home owner’s manual
inside your
home sources. They are best placed well below the
level of the ceiling, or above it in suitably
recessed fittings. High gloss paint will give an
appearance of unevenness when the surface
can be seen at a wide angle. For this reason, it
should not be used on ceilings and long walls.
Water penetration of walls
Dampness on internal walls can be caused by
the follwoing:
	 •	 condensation, where water is generated
from within or under the home
	 •	 water entry from above (roof and
guttering)
	 •	 penetration across the wall cavity
(accidental bridging of the cavity
by mortar droppings or inadequate
flashing around windows and doors)
	 •	 rising damp (dampness above the
damp course in external brickwork)
	 •	 penetration behind wall tiling (moisture
can build up behind the wall tiling in
showers where pre-formed shower
bases are used)
cracks do not impair the structural soundness
of your home.
Do not attempt to repair these cracks for
the first two years, as shrinkage is likely to
continue for this period. At the expiration
of two years, re-decoration will probably be
necessary anyway and you can“kill two birds
with one stone”. Fill the cracks with a flexible
filling compound (available from any paint
store), smooth out with fine sandpaper and
then re-decorate the entire surface.
Scuffing or indentation
Scuffs and indentations may be filled with
two or three applications of joint cement used
for drywall taping, then paint or decorate as
usual.
Appearance of uneven walls
Always remember that no building surface
is perfectly flat. The aim in building is to
produce the appearance of flatness and, with
plaster surfaces, this appearance of flatness
can always be destroyed by glancing light.
Avoid using glancing lights from isolated
Walls
Regardless of whether your interior walls
are plaster or wallboard, they should last
without undue maintenance for the rest of
the life of the building. However, to prevent
undue concern, we have detailed a couple
of possible problem areas, but would remind
you first to always use special fasteners for
hanging pictures or lightweight fixtures
(available from hardware and building supply
stores) to fibrous plaster and plaster board
interiors.
Minor cracks in walls
Minor cracks may appear in interior walls but
these should be referred to your independent
property inspector to determine the cause.
In new homes, some of the possible causes
are heavy street traffic, shrinkage in framing
timbers, heating, expansion and contraction
of soil and, as in the case of concrete, the
expansion and contraction of the material
itself. Although they may be annoying, these
18 IPI home owner’s manual
Painting
The main climatic factors affecting paint are
rainfall, humidity and solar radiation. Climatic
conditions of the region must be taken into
account when an appropriate paint system
is being selected and when the service life of
that paint system is being predicted.
When drying of paint is retarded, mould
growth can proliferate and repainting is
needed more frequented than in temperate
regions.
Painted surfaces
Paints are not designed to be washed
regularly as some might believe.‘Washable’
simply means that accidental marks on walls
may be cleaned off with proper care.
This is done with soapy water and a soft cloth
which is dabbed on the marks until removed
– wiping or rubbing will cause a shiny patch
to develop.
Feature timber floors
Owners are advised that the builder cannot
guarantee a solid timber floor against any of
the following risks during its life: shrinkage,
splitting, or cracking or gaps opening
between boards.
Timber is a natural product and flaws or
cracks within and between boards may occur.
Such movement is caused by many factors
including seasonal change, sunlight, heating/
cooling appliances, applied floor finishes etc.
If you are planning to apply a floor finish
yourself then be aware that a selection of
finishes are available, each of which has a
different look and a different resistance to
wear. These include natural, stained, varnished,
polished, waxed, polyurethane and many
other finishes. IPI recommends you seek
professional advice when selecting your finish.
Maintenance of feature timber floors
should be carried out by a professional floor
sander and finishing contractor.
Some general points to consider are:
	 •	 Punched nail holes should be filled with
a rapid drying wood filler compatible
with the floor finish. Linseed oil
based fillers are not recommended if
polyurethane finishes are to be used.
	 •	 Fillers should not be used to fill gaps
between boards as seasonal movement
may squeeze the filler out of the gaps.
It is strongly recommended that the floor
sanding contractor consult with the finish
manufacturer to determine the suitability
of the final product for use on timber floors.
In particular, the potential for the finish to
produce a‘gluing effect’within the tongue
and groove joints should be determined prior
to its use.
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19 IPI home owner’s manual
General maintenance
	 •	 Dirt and grit are a timber floor’s worst
enemy, and that goes for carpets and
vinyls also. Use dirt trapping mats
at all exterior doors to help prevent
sand, dust and grit from getting inside.
Small rugs and small carpet sections
just inside the door can also be of
assistance.
	 •	 Strong light, particularly direct sunlight
can cause a chemical reaction in wool
causing it to change colour (ageing
or weathering) so move your rugs
occasionally and protect the floor from
direct sunlight by curtains or blinds.
	 •	 Fit protective pads to the legs of chairs
and tables so that they can be moved
easily without the risk of scuffing the
floor. If you have furniture that is fitted
with castors it is preferable that the
castors are the barrel type as ball castors
may cause damage.
Cleaning
	 •	 Vacuum or sweep regularly. If you
prefer, use a damp mop and add a little
methylated spirits to the water for best
results (say half a cup to half a bucket of
water). Do not use a wet mop on timber
floors.
	 •	 Wipe up spills promptly with a dry
cloth or dry paper towel. For sticky
substances, moisten the cloth slightly.
Some floors may develop an occasional
squeak. The individual squeaking board
should be located and re-fixed or specialist
advice sought. This can often easily be
repaired from under the floor.
It is recommended that any maintenance
required to repair damaged boards or finishes
should be carried out by a professional floor
sander and finishing contractor.
Kitchen and bathroom
There are three components of kitchens and
bathrooms which require attention from
time to time – plumbing fixtures, enamel
and laminated surfaces. With good care and
attention, the life span of all three may be
extended.
Stains on plumbing fixtures
Most stains are caused by rust, water minerals,
dirt or grease. Regardless of whether or not
the surface is acid resistant, slice up half a
bar of naphtha-based soap in 1:1 litres of hot
water. Add two tablespoons of paint thinner
or dry cleaning fluid. Using gloves, apply the
solution to the fixture with a stiff bristled
brush to remove most simple stains.
Rust stains on acid resistant surfaces may be
removed with a solution of one part muriatic
acid to ten parts water. Again using gloves,
apply the solution with a cloth and wash off
promptly. Do not allow solution to come into
contact with chrome plated fittings as this will
damage these surfaces.
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20 IPI home owner’s manual
Hardened paint stains may be removed with
a razor blade, taking care to keep the blade
slanted against the fixture in order to avoid
gouging the surface. Once the worst of the
paint has been removed, use any ordinary
household cleaner to remove the remainder.
To remove fruit or food stains on plumbing
fixtures, make up a paste of peroxide and
equal parts of cream of tartar and a house
hold cleaner. Apply and allow soaking for 10
to 15 minutes before washing off.
Enamel
Enamel surfaces are easily scratched and
stained if misused. Shiny new fixtures can
soon become dulled through improper care
or excessive use of strong abrasive cleaners.
Laminates and Acrylics
These products are normally used on bench
tops, vanity units, etc. and although quite
tough and durable, a little care and attention
will extend the life of these units both in your
kitchen and bathroom.
Be careful not to place hot pans and pots
directly from the stove on to your laminated
bench top. Although the heat resistance of
this product is high, it is not designed to be
used as an ironing board.
Cutting or chopping should be done on a
bread board or similar, not on your bench
top. Abrasives will destroy the highly polished
finish of you bench top. Use a good wax
polish to clean and restore the surface.
Bench and wall cabinets
(including vanity)
Plastic laminates need no coating. Wood
veneers, timber cupboard doors, and timber
bench tops should all have a suitable moisture
resistant coating.
Laminated plastics are normally used on
bench tops, vanity tops etc, and have a high
degree of heat resistance. However, care
should be taken not to place hot pans and
pots directly from the stove onto these.
Do not use them as an ironing or cutting
board. It is recommended that all cutting
and chopping of food stuffs be done on an
appropriate board.
Maintenance information for other bench
top surfaces should be sought from the
manufacturer. Sliding cupboard doors should
be maintained to manufacturer’s instructions.
Sticking internal doors
If sticking is minor, first apply either a paste
wax, light coat of paraffin, or candle wax to
the binding surface.
A sticking door is sometimes caused by
movement of the door frame. Where this may
be the case, hold a block of wood against the
frame and tap with a hammer.
Only if the door continues to stick should
you use a plane – on the sticking edge
only, planning off a little at a time and then
repainting the raw edge. However this may be
a sign of more serious structural movement
and your IPI inspector should be called to
access the problem.
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21 IPI home owner’s manual
To fix a squeaking door hinge, rub the knuckle
of the hinge with a soft graphite pencil or
lubricate with a graphite tube (oil is not
satisfactory, as it accumulates dust and grease
around the hinge).
Aluminium windows and doors
Aluminium sliding windows and sliding doors
are easily cared for. Purchase a dry lube or dry
lube spray from any hardware store. Simply
apply the dry lube to the rollers at the bottom
of the window or door (or top in the case of
some sliding fly screen doors).
Drain holes located in the sill of the windows
allow water to drain and flow inside. These
need to be kept clean.
It is very important to keep the tracks of
sliding windows and doors clean from dirt
and grime to ensure ease in operation and
lasting life, and to avoid sticking.
Lack of attention can cause more costly
repairs.
Maintenance of hardware
General periodic maintenance is required on
all hardware supplied such as locks, hinges,
catches, closers, windows etc.
The external finish of all hardware must be
kept clean by removing any harmful residue
(especially salt spray) from the surface using a
non-abrasive cleaning agent.
Internal workings of locks, catches, windows
etc should be kept in good working order
by applying a light spray lubricant similar to
WD40 or RP7 or a dry lubricant spray.
All anodised aluminium surfaces should be
kept clean by prompt removal of all dirt, dust,
grime and any foreign matter, using clean
water and a small amount of mild detergent.
Do not use any abrasive type cleaning agent
as this will severely damage the anodised
surface. Thoroughly rinse off any residue of
detergent with clean water.
Powder coated windows and doors
Just as washing your car is important for
removing dirt and grime, your powder coating
also needs to be given a regular wash to keep
it looking good. The effects of exposure to
ultra violet light, general dirt, and atmospheric
pollution accumulate over time and should be
removed by washing about every six months.
It is recommended this frequency is increased
if your home is close to busy highways or
industrial areas.
Glazing
All glass surfaces should be kept clean by
washing with water and a small amount
of a mild detergent, thoroughly washing
off any detergent residue with clean water.
IPI recommends general window cleaning
quarterly.
Shower screens
It is important to ensure that hot water is
not sprayed directly on to the glass screens
as this action can cause cracking. The screen
should be adequately sealed and seals should
be checked regularly. The sliding door track
should be kept clean and free of soap and hair
build up.
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22 IPI home owner’s manual
Insect screens
Where the screens are fiberglass mesh, the
quickest and most effective way of cleaning
is to remove the screen from the frame and
hose the screen with a fine sharp spray of
water.
Garage doors
Garage doors require very little maintenance.
Wash painted metal, colourbond and
aluminium doors as frequently as you wash
your car. In areas where the doors are exposed
to salt spray or pollution, they should be
washed at least every two weeks, including
the rolled section not exposed to the
elements.
Lubricate hinges and rollers regularly and
clean out tracks where oil tends to collect
dust. Mineral turpentine is the best cleaner,
but be sure that the door is dry before
operating it or rollers may be damaged.
If you have roller doors, do not lubricate doors
installed with nylon tape talcum powder.
Leave any adjustment to the experts.
Sanitary plumbing
Burst pipes and joints
Stop the water supply at the stop tap, usually
situated at the front of your property, or at
the entry point to the dwelling, then call an
emergency plumbing service.
Toilet Cistern
If your cistern overflows, turn off the water
at the stop tap and empty the cistern by
flushing, then call an emergency plumbing
service.
If your cistern continually leaks into the bowl,
remove the lid and adjust the screw on the
float arm to lower the water level.
For toilet pan blockages, you will need to call
an emergency plumbing service.
Blockages
All sinks, baths, basins, troughs and showers
have a grate over the waste outlet to prevent
solid objects from blocking the trap or waste
pipe. However some small solids like hair,
tea leaves, and vegetable peelings can pass
through the grate and cause blockages.
If a blockage does occur, it may necessary to
dismantle the trap and waste pipe below. It
might be worth trying a plunger to dislodge
the blockage.
Odours
The most common causes of odours in homes
originate from wastes. These areas should
be cleaned regularly to prevent buildup of
bacteria. Flushing out with a garden hose can
often be sufficient to clear any odours.
Grease traps are also a common cause of
house hold odours and regular cleaning can
help minimise the occurrence of odours.
Hot Water System
A hot water system should give you many
years of reliable service and any adjustments
should be done by a licensed plumber or the
manufacturer’s representative.
A notable part of any hot water system is
the overflow pipe and pressure relief valve
setup. The overflow pipe is designed to drip
INSIDE YOUR HOME
23 IPI home owner’s manual
occasionally to maintain a constant pressure
in the cylinder, however regular checking
of the pressure relief valve is recommended
every four to six months. To test the pressure
relief valve, simply pull the lever until the hot
water streams from the overflow pipe.
Solar Hot Water System
Generally, a solar hot water system requires
little maintenance; however, the safety valve
should be released every six months. If your
safety valve drips regularly, this only means
it is doing its job of maintaining constant
pressure in your system.
IPI recommends your solar hot water system is
serviced every five years.
Water Hammer
Water hammer is the thumping in the pipes
when the water is running and not the rattle
of pipes when the water is turned off. Contact
your plumber to fit a suppression valve to
minimise water hammer.
Tapware
Most taps have a washer of some form which
can wear out with age, or can be crushed by
over tightening. This can cause the tap to drip
or leak constantly and the washer will require
replacement.
Remember to turn the water supply off at
the stop tap before attempting to replace the
washer.
Shower bases
Pre-formed shower bases are usually made
from an acrylic or enamel material. Cleaning
should be carried out the same as for
baths and other similar types of fixtures.
Most modern bathroom cleaning agents
are suitable for this purpose, however it is
always advisable to follow the manufacturer’s
cleaning instructions.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles can be found in many areas like
floors, splashbacks behind benches, basins,
showers and baths etc. Although tiles appear
to be hard and tough, care must be taken
to prevent surface damage whilst cleaning.
Before cleaning your tiles, it is important to
know what the tile is. Ask your supplier what
cleaning methods are to be used. Generally,
you should use liquid cleaners, so that the
surface does not get damaged.
Oven/Cooktop
The working surfaces of your cooktop or your
oven can be glass or enamel. You should not
use abrasive or gritty cleaners, you should use
soapy water and a clean cloth, and you can
also get purpose made cleaners from your
local supermarket. Stubborn stains may be
removed by soaking in hot soapy water.
INSIDE YOUR HOME
24 IPI home owner’s manual
home safety
 emergency
procedures If you suspect leaks, you should immediately
open all doors and windows, vacate the house
and call your gas plumber.
Switchboard  Meter Box
The meter box must be available for the
relevant authority to access and read the
meters at all times. If there is a power failure,
check the switchboard for any circuit breakers
that may have tripped due to overloading.
Reset a tripped switch and if it continues
to trip there is either a faulty appliance,
an overload of the circuit or a fault. IPI
recommends you consult a licensed
electrician for any fault. If an overload, simply
reduce the load by turning some appliances
off. The appliances that use a lot of power
are those with heating elements like jugs,
radiators, stoves, air conditioners, hair
dryers, etc. IPI recommends you take faulty
appliances to an authorised dealer.
WARNING: Do not attempt any electrical
repairs at all unless you are a licensed
electrician. Remember: ELECTRICITY KILLS.
A Fire Extinguisher and Fire Blanket are
always a sensible addition to your kitchen
and should be easily accessible at all times.
IPI recommends your children should also be
taught how to use these effectively. In the
case of an electrical fire, first turn the power
off, then water or a fire extinguisher can be
used.
In the case of a fat or oil fire in the kitchen, a
fire blanket should be used to smother the
flames.
Poisoning accidents
The key to minimising poisoning accidents is
to store all medicines, drugs and household
cleaning materials in locked cabinets and well
out of reach of inquisitive children.
Gas leaks
All gas appliances can develop leaks and
should be regularly checked and serviced.
Typical gas appliances found around the
home include your cooker, oven, heaters, hot
water service and BBQs.
Falls and trip hazards
One of the most common accidents in the
home are falls by the elderly and children.
Many falls occur in sleeping areas, cluttered
steps and stairways, and living areas. Many of
these falls can be avoided by following these
simple steps:
	 •	 keep traffic areas free and clear of
obstructions and children’s toys
	 •	 maintain good lighting
	 •	 ensure floor finishes are dry and skid
resistant.
Electrical hazards
Please remember ELECTRICITY KILLS!
The first precaution should always be to install
an Earth Leakage Safety Switch if not already
installed. Circuit breakers can also be installed
on all electrical circuits. Never overload outlets
or use appliances near water.
25 IPI home owner’s manual
Lighting
If light bulbs continually blow you should
have the wiring and connections checked.
IPI recommends using energy saving bulbs
where ever possible.
Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms must be adequately maintained
to remain effective. You can easily test them
by pressing the test button and this should
be done weekly. IPI recommends all smoke
alarms are cleaned and batteries changed
every six months (changing batteries when
you change your clocks for daylight savings is
a good reminder for you).
HEATING
There are a number of ways to heat your
home:
	 •	 gas – reticulated of portable
	 •	 solid fuel heating – fire places –
which can be the traditional fireplace,
or metal fire places and solid fuel
combustion stoves
	 •	 oil
	 •	 electrical heaters, air-conditioners,
solar heating systems
Note: if you have had any of these installed in
your home, be aware that air conditioning or
heating one room can cause uneven moisture
levels in adjoining rooms which in turn can
cause distortion of connecting room doors.
Keep doors open as much as possible to even
the air temperature and humidity.
EMERGENCY  SAFETY PROCEDURES
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26 IPI home owner’s manual
Windows
Windows are also very popular for gaining
access to your house. Suitable window locks
should be fitted to ALL windows. Don’t forget
small windows such as those in toilets or
ensuites, as children are often used to gain
access through these so that they can then
open doors for thieves.
Gates
Thieves always look for easy access. Even a
locked side gate will act as a deterrent.
Sheds
Sheds often contain valuable tools, including
tools which can be used to obtain access to
your house. Ensure that adequate locks are
fitted.
Alarm Systems
The strongest deterrent to would-be thieves
is a properly installed alarm system. When
activated, an alarm system will normally
sound a very loud siren. The noise will scare
off thieves and also alert neighbours who
can contact the police on your behalf. An
alarm system can be used to monitor doors,
windows and internal areas where you may
have valuables. The range of alarms varies
from localised units sounding a siren through
to units that can be monitored 24 hours a day
by the large security companies.
home
security
It is estimated that one in five homes will
be broken into over the next five years.
Possessions such as a DVD player and
television, if stolen, can usually be replaced
under household contents insurance.
However, there is no compensation for the
violation of your privacy or the loss of personal
items with significant sentimental value. You
cannot, in most cases, make your home totally
burglar proof, however, by taking a few basic
precautions, would-be thieves can be strongly
deterred from violating your home.
Doors
Rear door and patio doors (particularly sliding
type) are very popular with thieves for gaining
access. Secure locks are necessary. Front
doors are most popular amongst thieves
for removing your possessions; therefore,
inside security is an important as outside
security. A good quality dead latch type lock is
recommended.
27 IPI home owner’s manual
the hardware store to buy something
and do a little physical work to get it
done)
		 Level 3 – Easy
Will require more work and may take
several hours to complete
		 Level 4 – High
High cost items that may need
professional installation (this could
be water storage tanks, solar heating
systems, more efficient split system air
conditioning etc).
Level 1 – Things you can do immediately.
1.	 Turn down the temperature on your hot
water heater (so you no longer have to
add cold water to cool it down for use)
2.	 Turn off and unplug appliances when not
in use (including battery chargers when
your phone is fully charged)
3.	 Turn off all lights when not in use
energy
efficiency
Is Your Home Energy Efficient? This quick
guide will help you improve your energy
efficiency immediately. The outcome of
following this guide is three fold.
	 Cut household energy bills
	Help save the Environment
	 Improve your comfort and health
For your convenience we have arranged this
guide in order of ease and cost:
    		 Level 1 – Childs Play
Dead Simple to adopt immediately
at no cost (meaning all you have to do
is change a habit or unplug something
that is really easy)
		 Level 2 – Very Easy
Very Easy to implement but may require
some physical work and minor expense
(which means you might have to run to
4.	 Cook with smaller appliances (did you
know a microwave uses 50% less energy
than a conventional oven, and toaster
ovens use 75% less than a conventional
oven)
5.	 Wash full loads in your dishwasher. Your
dishwasher user the same amount of
water and energy whether you have
half a dozen plates and cups or if its
full. You can also save up to 7% energy
consumption simply by turning off the
heat dry setting and letting the dishes
air dry
6.	 Turn your heating down and put warmer
clothes on. You can save up to 10%
of your heating cost every couple of
degrees
7.	 Only heat the rooms your in and close
the doors
8.	 Close the blinds and curtains at night to
prevent heat loss
9.	 Run ceiling fans in reverse during the
winter months, doing this consistently
will make significant savings in your
heating costs
28 IPI home owner’s manual
Level 2 – Things you can do immediately
but may require a little work.
1.	 Switch your bulbs to CFL’s (compact
fluorescent lamp) they are much more
efficient and last 10 times longer, (each
light being used on average of 4 hours
per day can save $30 per year on your
energy bill)
2.	 Plug all the holes in your home. This is
one of the best ways to save on your
winter heating bills, and deserves more
specific detail, the problem areas include
3.	 Door and window frames and sashes
4.	 Wall and ceiling vents and fans
5.	 Electrical, gas and water lines
6.	 Air conditioning units
7.	 Check heater ducting for gaps and good
seals
8.	 Phone and TV cables
9.	 Draft seal all external doors
10.	 Fireplace chimneys and flues
11.	 Gaps in floors, around skirting boards and
architraves
12.	 Seal all plumbing pipe penetrations in
floors and walls
13.	 Around the foundations
14.	 Products to help you plug all the gaps
include, weather stripping (foam or
rubber), caulking and sealants, foam
fillers, and the good old draft sausage for
the bottom of the doors.
15.	 Install low-flow shower heads. This can
save up to 4 litres per minute and that’s
also less water that needs heating
Level 3 – Things that are easy but will take
several hours to complete or cost a little
more.
1.	 Insulate your roof space or ceilings. When
this is properly done it can save up to
10% of your heating and cooling costs
2.	 Dry clothes on the line and stop using
the dryer
3.	 Check and replace the fridge seals if
needed
4.	 Buy energy efficient appliances according
to the Energy Star Ratings
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
29 IPI home owner’s manual
Level 4 – These are high cost items that will
need professional installation.
1.	 Install solar hot water heating
2.	 Install double glazed windows or insulate
your existing
3.	 Install Water storage tanks
4.	 Install more efficient heating.
If you make these changes, you will save
hundreds, possibly thousands of dollars a
year on your energy bills. You will literally stop
tons of carbon from being pumped into the
atmosphere each year
Saving energy doesn’t have to be an
expensive, involved project. As you can see, all
these steps are easy to implement into your
home and lifestyle.
Whether your planning to be self sufficient or
just looking to save money and help reduce
your carbon footprint, reducing energy
consumption has to be everyone’s first step.
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY
30 IPI home owner’s manual
condensation
When you consider the many litres of water
in the materials such as concrete, plaster, wall
paper paste, tile work and even some types of
paint used during construction of your home,
and then when you home is occupied, all the
extra moisture introduced into the home from
the bathrooms, laundries and the kitchen, it
is hardly surprising that condensation is most
apparent in many homes.
As a result of the amount of water in building
materials, droplets of moisture will appear
and, although quite normal, this often causes
new home owners some concern.
To help reduce the amount of condensation
in your home:
	 •	 aid the drying out process by ensuring
adequate ventilation at all times.
	 •	 use an exhaust fan in the kitchen,
bathrooms and laundry areas or, failing
this, open windows whilst cooking,
showering and drying clothes.
	 •	 ensure bedrooms are also well
ventilated after each night.
	 •	 maintain proper surface drainage
around your home to prevent moisture
vapours rising inside the house.
	 •	 ensure there are no damp problems in
the under floor space if you have timber
floors.
Ensure that equipment such as space heaters
and clothes dryers are properly vented.
BUSHFIRES
If you live in a bushfire-prone area, there
are a number of measures you can take to
protect your home and perhaps save it from
destruction in a bushfire.
It is important to clear hazards from around
and under the house:
	 •	 protect all external openings –
windows, doors, vents, chimneys – with
metal flywire screens or shutters to
prevent glass breakage which would
allow embers to enter the house.
	 •	 seal all exterior gaps for the same
reason – eaves, around windows and
doors etc.
	 •	 protect the sub-floor area.
	 •	 provide some sort of break between the
house and any vegetation.
	 •	 keep undergrowth down to a
manageable level.
	 •	 clean leaves out of guttering and make
plugs so that roof gutter downpipes can
be blocked quickly and gutters filled
with water if a fire is approaching.
	 •	 make sure there is an adequate supply
of water to put out spot fires.
	 •	 further information is available from
your local Fire Service.
PETS
Allergens are found in the sweat, saliva, hair,
urine and dead skin flakes of pets. Cats tend to
produce a more severe allergic reaction than
dogs but birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, mice and
rats can also trigger asthma.
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31 IPI home owner’s manual
If anyone comes into your home who suffers
from asthma, it is important to remember that
putting the pet outside will not reduce the
trigger as pet danger (dead skin flakes) still
remains as part of the dust on the furniture.
You can minimise the risk of triggering asthma
if you have your pet live outside the house,
and especially out of your bedroom.
Proper, thorough and regular cleaning
can also help minimise reactions. More
information can be found on asthma websites
such as www.nationalasthma.org.au
TERMITE PROTECTION
Independent Property Inspections strongly
recommends you seek advice and annual
inspections from an independent pest
inspection expert. Although regular
inspections will not prevent termite attack,
regular inspections will increase the chances
of detection and minimise the damage
caused by termites due to their early
detection.
If your home has a termite control system
installed, it is your responsibility to comply
with the warranty conditions of that system.
When you are landscaping around your home
you must ensure that:
	 •	 any termite barriers are not broken
	 •	 all weepholes and sub-floor vents are
not covered
	 •	 wood is not stored close to your home
	 •	 regular inspections for termite
infestations are completed by an
independent pest inspector.
Wood borers
Power post beetles attack only the sapwood
of eucalypt timber and certain other
hardwoods. Normally, sapwood does not
appear in home construction but even when
eaten out, the strength of remaining sections
is not usually affected.
Only if more than one third of the cross
section size of the member is affected then it
is recommended it should be replaced.
We suggest that if you have any queries or
doubts regarding borers, you contact your
local independent pest inspector as a matter
of urgency.
OTHER AREAS
32 IPI home owner’s manual
moving
out
WHO TO TELL
When you are going to move house, you will
need to update your address details with
many people and organisations, and probably
deal with more companies than you think.
Spend time on collating a list of those
organisations that may need to know
that you’re moving – we’ve made a start for
you:
❏ Australian Electrical Commission
❏ Australia Post - Redirect Mail.
❏ Australian Taxation Office
❏ Accountant
❏ Banks
❏ Centrelink
❏ Charities
❏ Clubs
❏ Credit Card Suppliers
❏ Dentist
❏ Doctors
❏ Employers
❏ Employees
❏ Financial Institutions
❏ Health Fund
❏ Household Services
❏ Insurance Companies
❏ Internet Service Provider
❏ Local Council
❏ Newspapers/Magazine Subscriptions
❏ Phone Suppliers Land Line  Mobile
❏ Schools
❏ Solicitor
❏ Superannuation Funds
❏ Water, Gas  Electrical Companies
❏ Vehicle Licensing and Registration
Authorities
Australia Post also offers an online Address
Notification service, where you can select
from a list of companies with whom you may
need to update your details.
You can visit www.auspost.com.au/
movingservices for more information.
33 IPI home owner’s manual
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34 IPI home owner’s manual
annual building inspection
certificate
Property Address
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
1st annual building inspection		 DUE: ____ / ____ / ________
Inspected by: ________________________________________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / ________
2nd annual building inspection		 DUE: ____ / ____ / ________
Inspected by: ________________________________________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / ________
3rd annual building inspection		 DUE: ____ / ____ / ________
Inspected by: ________________________________________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / ________
4th annual building inspection		 DUE: ____ / ____ / ________
Inspected by: ________________________________________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / ________
Please note these inspections are essential in maintaining your home and identifying defects before they become major and costly
35 IPI home owner’s manual
annual pest inspection
certificate
Property Address
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
1st annual PEST inspection		 DUE: ____ / ____ / ________
Inspected by: ________________________________________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / ________
2nd annual PEST inspection		 DUE: ____ / ____ / ________
Inspected by: ________________________________________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / ________
3rd annual PEST inspection		 DUE: ____ / ____ / ________
Inspected by: ________________________________________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / ________
4th annual PEST inspection		 DUE: ____ / ____ / ________
Inspected by: ________________________________________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / ________
Please note these inspections are essential in maintaining your home and identifying defects before they become major and costly
36 IPI home owner’s manual
Notes
	
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37 IPI home owner’s manual
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This Voucher is only valid for the
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This Voucher is only valid for the
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43 IPI home owner’s manual
Notes
	
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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44 IPI home owner’s manual
www.ipi.net.au

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IPI Home Owner's Manual

  • 1. I N D E P E N D E N T P R O P E R T Y I N S P E C T I O N S home owner’s manual
  • 2. 2 IPI home owner’s manual Property Identification Address________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ State ____________________________________________________ Postcode ________________________________________________ Current Owner’s Name ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Contact Phone ____________________________________________ Mobile __________________________________________________ Purchase Date ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Property Inspector’s Name _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Inspector’s Contact Phone _________________________________________________________________________________________________ First Inspection Date ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
  • 3. 3 IPI home owner’s manual contents welcome to your new home 6 maintenance program 7 specific areas of your home 11 around your home 15 inside your home 17 home safety & emergency procedures 24 home security 26 energy efficiency 27 other areas 30 moving out 32 discount vouchers 37______ Independent Property Inspections home owner’s maintenance manual the information contained in this Manual is in the nature of a general guide only and should not be relied upon in any critical situation. Independent Property Inspections excludes all liability for any loss or damaged incurred by any person directly or indirectly as a result of usage of this Manual and the user of this Manual does so at their own risk. Disclaimer The Author/Publisher of this Manual advises readers that EMERGENCY NUMBERS Police_____________________________________________________ Ambulance ________________________________________________ Fire Brigade ________________________________________________ Doctor ____________________________________________________ Independent Property Inspector________________________________ Independent Pest Inspector ___________________________________ Independent Property Inspections Adelaide 9 Burnett Drive One Tree Hill SA 5114 Phone 0403 997 961 Email neil@ipi.net.au Website www.ipi.net.au
  • 4. 4 IPI home owner’s manual Service Guarantee    We will arrange and complete your inspection as a priority   We guarantee to stand by our quoted prices   We will thoroughly inspect the property as required by Australian Standard 4349.1   We will use all our experience, knowledge and training to expertly complete your inspection and report   We will keep the findings of your report at all times   Our comprehensive written report will be easily understood   We will complete the report the same day   We will afford you FREE ongoing consultancy on the report findings until settlement   We will inspect your home with expertise and diligence as if it were our own   We will ensure you don’t have a huge repair bill with your mortgagee We are highly trained experienced inspectors complying with current Australian standards Our comprehensive and detailed reports will give you guaranteed peace of mind on one of the most important decisions you will ever make Same day comprehensive written reports Our inspections start from only $250 We use the latest technology We are fully insured Call your local Property Inspector Neil 0403 997 961 Independent Property Inspections – Building Confidence & Delivering Peace Of Mind
  • 5. 5 IPI home owner’s manual Independent Property Inspections (IPI) – Your Property Partners. We want to be your Partners in caring for your home for life. As a valued customer of Independent Property Inspections we want to reward you and become your“Property Partners”. Why do we do it? When you buy a property you’re on your own and left to your own resources, at IPI Your Property Partners we give you VIP priority access to all the resources you will ever need. We are offering you the benefit of all our years of expertise in building to help you maintain your property in good condition. We can alert you to any future maintenance that you might need to budget for. We can advise you on all your renovation and/or extension plans. We can even refer you to reliable trade’s people and service providers (who will actually show up on time) from our exclusive list of preferred contractors and service providers. We have put together the Property Partners to ensure you only ever need one contact you can trust to get anything you need to do with your home. You will receive:  Discounted annual inspections to help protect your greatest asset from a significant Structural failure through our annual inspection program, during which we conduct a complete residential building inspection and report any changes to you and advise on what needs to be done and what’s the best way to do it, we can even supply you the people to do it.  FREE Building Consultancy until settlement – helping you through all types of maintenance, repairs, renovations and extensions using our expertise and local knowledge so you are not at the mercy unknown suppliers or contractors.  VIP Access to our exclusive list of preferred contractors and service providers, including all trades from plumbers and painters to electricians and builders, roofers to rose pruners. we have personally selected these contractors and service providers due to reliability and fair pricing.  Discount Vouchers for services that include specialised inspections and building diagnostics services exclusive to Independent Property Inspections. welcome to Property Partners
  • 6. 6 IPI home owner’s manual welcome to your new home We encourage you to take advantage of all the benefits included in this Home Owner’s Maintenance Manual and tap into the wealth of experience offered exclusively to you as our valued customer. Annual inspections are strongly recommended. Regular inspections will not prevent defects, but will help early detection and allow remedial treatment to be commenced sooner and damage to be minimised. Most Australians dream of owning their own home. You have turned this dream into reality and, with a little tender loving care, you and your home will be lifelong friends. We have produced this booklet in an effort to help you enjoy your new home – not just today, but always. As a valued customer of Independent Property Inspections (IPI) we will partner you throughout this booklet and the life of your home to help ensure your home remains a significant asset for you and your family to be proud of. IPI believes prevention is always better than cure, and with years of experience we know prevention is also much cheaper than the cure. As the home owner you have an obligation to maintain your greatest asset. Much like your car, with proper care and maintenance, this home will serve you and others that may one day live there – for an unlimited number of years. There are thousands of components that make up your home and we don’t expect anyone to have the expert working knowledge of all these items. IPI has introduced its‘Partnership Program’to help guide you through the life of your home. Some advantages of this program include:  IPI’s exclusive 5 star Condition Rating  VIP access to our list of trades people and service providers  FREE building consultancy for 12 months after each annual inspection  Discounted Annual Building and Pest Inspections.
  • 7. 7 IPI home owner’s manual maintenance program All buildings require regular maintenance during their lifespan. Varying types of maintenance can be required to keep your home‘looking new’and serving you well for years. The following categories of maintenance will assist in planning and undertaking your maintenance program: Cleaning This is the simplest form of maintenance. Besides giving a bright appearance, cleaning can prevent build up of moulds and can stop moisture being trapped which can cause rust, rot or water damage. Preventative Maintenance Regular repainting of exposed timbers, sealing of joints, keeping vents and pipes clear, etc, can prevent damage occurring. Whilst it may not be necessary to undertake maintenance on a new home for some time, it is essential you plan and budget for it. You may also have had a Pre-Purchase or Pre- Sale inspection completed that you can now use as your reference to complete any repairs needed. At IPI, we agree it is also important to conduct regular inspections to help detect early signs of deterioration. Regular inspections will not prevent defects occurring, however they will prevent them from becoming costly major defects or even causing a structural failure. Rehabilitation or Replacement When an item has reached the end of its usable or economic lifespan, it must be replaced. You will need to plan for the times when it is convenient to undertake the maintenance. The following Checklists may be helpful.
  • 8. 8 IPI home owner’s manual checklists Weekly  Check the operation of smoke alarms and ensure the battery is not flat. Remember: A hard wired alarm can still test ok if the battery is flat, as the alarm would use mains power, so remove the battery and test it elsewhere. Monthly  Check and clean guttering, spouting and drains – it is necessary to remove leaves and mud in gutters and other foreign matter to prevent premature deterioration.  Check and remove rubbish accumulating close to walls.  Clean aluminum windows and door frames.  Check for leaking taps and replace washers immediately.  Check for buildup of insects in brickwork weep holes and clean if necessary.  Check that water drains away from the house after heavy rain. Quarterly  Check and clean grease traps of the septic tank (if applicable)  Clean anodised aluminum door and window frames.  Clean glass/glazing externally and internally.  Clean gutters – very important if you are on tank water. maintenance program/checklists
  • 9. 9 IPI home owner’s manual Yearly  Contact IPI to conduct your Annual Building and Pest inspection, using the previous years report as a reference. Your Independent Property Inspector will always cast a more critical eye over your property and is skilled in detecting defects that are only visible to an expert trained eye.  Check and reseal if necessary – showers, baths and bench tops where a permanent water seal is required. Ensure all tap penetrations in the shower are also sealed.  Where applicable, check septic tank, sullage pit and pump.  Clean smoke alarms and check their general condition.  Clean chimneys and wood heater flues to prevent possible fire damage. Spring  It’s planting season and this could be your first chance to get into the garden – remember if your planting trees, make plant them at least their mature height from your house.  Make sure your drainage is right – 50mm slope away over the first metre is ideal. Don’t let water pool near or against the house.  If you have agricultural drains it’s a good time to flush them out. Use a garden hose down the inspection opening to flush out any sediment build up.  Clean out the roof gutters and consider installing a leaf guard system.  Check all your waste pipes for leaks in your cupboards – hand tighten is sufficient. Replace leaking tap washers.  When the clocks change for daylight saving, change your smoke alarm batteries. Summer  In bushfire-prone areas, check for accumulation of bushfire hazards at the start of summer and remove if near house.  Clean fascia/gutters/eaves to remove mould or mildew to prevent them spreading to timbers.  Check paint finishes to outdoor timbers and touch up if necessary.  Check for any movement or cracking in external brickwork and if evident, seek expert advice from IPI. maintenance program/checklists
  • 10. 10 IPI home owner’s manual Autumn  Autumn is usually a dormant period in the garden, so it’s a good time to mulch again, and there will be plenty of leaves about.  You must ensure all your gutters and drains are clear of leaves and debris before the rains start or this will result in flooding or possible water damage to your home.  Autumn is always a good time to check and clean your heating systems, flues and chimneys.  Also a great time to check and install weather and draft seals to your doors and windows before the wetter colder months start.  Now is also a good time to change over your summer curtains for heavier winter curtains as the insulation value will save on heating costs. Winter  Everyone hates working around the house in winter so we hope you have followed the tips for the other seasons.  If you have serviced the heating system it will be working at maximum efficiency and save your energy costs, and now is when the draft seals come into their own.  Clean insect screens, check for damage and replace mesh if necessary.  Check and repair air-conditioning equipment if necessary  Check for pests under floor spaces and exterminate if necessary.  Check for any movement in external brickwork or timbers.  When the clocks change for daylight saving, change your smoke alarm batteries. Notes __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ maintenance program/checklists
  • 11. 11 IPI home owner’s manual specific areas of your home If you notice any subsidence or cracking in your foundation walls, it is recommended you seek the advice of your building consultant as soon as possible to determine the appropriate action. Although slight cracking (up to 1mm wide) could be expected in most homes, these are worth recording to monitor any further more serious movement. Your Independent Property Inspector will have a record of the condition of your foundation walls so he is the ideal consultant to contact if any cracking is noted. Concrete slabs Because of the nature of the material it is impossible to prevent some minor cracking in concrete. However unanticipated cracking can be a result of unequal ground settlement, dramatic shrinkage of the sub-soils (common in drought conditions), stress caused by trees and tree roots (some tree roots can grow up to two times the mature height of the tree), foundation failure due to inadequate design or simply excessive rainfall and/or flooding. Whatever the extent of cracking you should contact your building consultant to determine its significance. Brickwork and other masonry walls This section can include many types of materials, for example, Clay or Concrete brick, natural stones like Sandstone, Bluestone, and combinations of concrete, mortar and stone. All these are included the masonry walls category. Staining These materials are generally used because of their durability, price, colour and texture differences, and all react to water and heat in different degrees. Some will show signs of discolouring that are harmless and easily cleaned using the correct solutions and cleaners, however some discolouring is a sign of other more serious problems that will need expert diagnosis by a trained inspector. Problems like rising damp can lead to more costly repairs if left unattended. Foundations and Footings The foundation is the rock or soil on which the footing of the building sits. The footings can also be concrete pads under the supporting piers. The foundation walls and/or piers are the structures that transfer the weight of the building and also anchor the building to the ground and in position. These are the most important parts of the structure and require the most protection and attention. Care and maintenance of foundations and footings Most soils move with changes in moisture content so our aim is to minimise such changes by: • Keeping gardens and trees away from the house • Draining the site • Ensuring adequate but moderate garden watering • Repairing plumbing leaks.
  • 12. 12 IPI home owner’s manual Cracking This is the most common defect that puts fear into every home owner. However, if a crack appears, it may not mean your home is about to collapse. In fact, there can be a perfectly logical reason, as some masonry walls are designed to move with construction joints built into them to minimise unsightly cracking. Most cracking can be repaired using simple cosmetic treatments, and many are not indications of a significant structural failure. Independent expert advice should be sort to determine the type and cause of the cracking as this will determine the appropriate method of correction needed. A lack of knowledge and an inappropriate method of repair can escalate damage. IPI recommends you contact your independent inspector to assess the defect at your earliest convenience as there are many types and causes of cracking and a correct assessment is critical to ensuring the correct repair methods are adopted. Under Floor Space Neglect of this area is common. But the cost to your home and family’s health can be significant. This area of the home, particularly under a timber floor, often hides many serious defects that not only affect your home but can also have serious health consequences for the occupants. It is vitally important that this area is constantly monitored for any signs that could lead to future problems. Some typical problems that arise from time to time are drainage issues caused by inadequate site drainage, and ventilation problems that can cause mould and fungi problems – combined, they can contribute to the Sick House Syndrome. Most people are aware that damp under floors can lead to mould, odour, termite infestation, rotting timbers and subsequent health problems, not to mention the damage to your biggest asset. It is essential the under floor space remains well ventilated, dry and well drained at all times. A good time to inspect this area is following a period of very wet weather. You should be able to access all areas and find clean dry soil conditions throughout. If this is not what you find, then we strongly recommend you seek expert advice from your Independent Property Inspector. Some symptoms that may indicate a sick house include asthma, constant breathing or bronchial problems, stinging or sore eyes, allergies, headaches, tiredness and skin irritations. Crying windows and mould stained walls and ceilings are other tell tale signs of a sick house. Other common defects found in this area are subsided piers (due to settlement) which can cause the floors to sag or become springy. In more extreme cases, this settlement can cause doors to bind and not close, plaster to crack and fracture, and in some areas can also cause broken and leaking pipes. This defect is often easily repaired by repacking the bearers over the affected piers. SPECIFIC AREAS OF YOUR HOME
  • 13. 13 IPI home owner’s manual To recognise all these symptoms and design a solution to achieve a Healthy House, it will take an experienced expert to consider the many and varied strategies needed for a successful outcome. Some of these will include drainage, the correct level of sub floor ventilation, insulation, living space air quality, humidity, mould and fungus detection, just to name a few. Another significant problem that frequently occurs in the under floor space is pest infestation. This area is often the front line of attack for one the most devastating pests on the planet – the infamous termite (white ant). In all its various species, it has the potential to eat your home right out from under you. Without constant and diligent inspections by a competent expert, your home will always be at risk of attack and the under floor space is one of the most common access points for the termite. Independent Property Inspections strongly recommends you seek advice and annual inspections from an independent pest inspection expert. Although regular inspections will not prevent termite attack, regular inspections will increase the chances of early detection and help to minimise the damage caused by termites. Exterior Claddings All external claddings are very durable but also should be regularly cleaned and inspected at least annually to ensure you can identify any cracking or deterioration of materials and coatings. It is important to maintain all claddings and coatings in good condition to ensure water tightness in all areas. Joint sealants must also be regularly inspected and maintained. Roofs Sheet Roofing Sheet roofing is designed to be as maintenance free as possible. Maintenance of roofing paintwork is the same as any other exterior exposed painted surfaces. Modern colourbond roofing products have been guaranteed to last many years. However, older galvanised roofing is often painted over to hide surface rusting and deterioration. These roofs need constant monitoring to determine the extent of any rusting. Lap joints are often the first areas to show signs of advanced deterioration. It is very difficult to halt the rusting process and advanced and/or extensive rusting usually results in complete replacement of the affected sheets. Again, this is very common in the old, short sheet style of corrugated roofing. SPECIFIC AREAS OF YOUR HOME
  • 14. 14 IPI home owner’s manual Care must be taken not to patch or repair roofing with different types of materials. For example, you should never patch a galvanised sheet with a zincalume sheet as this can accelerate deterioration at the points of contact between the two types. Tiled Roofing Although tiles are very durable, they are also very brittle and easily cracked or even broken when walked on. Tile fixing requires a specialised skill and IPI recommends an expert should carry out such repairs or replacement. The best time to inspect the outside of the roofing is when it is dry and safe to do so. Sheet roofing can be inspected by walking over it, however, tiled roofing should be inspected from a ladder against the guttering or eaves. From the inside, the best time to inspect the roof space is when it is raining heavily and preferably windy. The advantage of inspecting the roofing from the inside is that any small leaks will be evident and discovered before the leaks damage other parts of the home such as the plaster ceilings. Roof Drainage The roof drainage system is critical for discharging storm water away from the house. The items that make up this system include the guttering (spouting), valley flashings, and downpipes. It will always be important to keep these clean, particularly for homes that rely on rainwater from the roof catchments for drinking water. Regular cleaning is important to ensure they remain clear of obstructions and blockages that are common if overhanging trees are present. Regular inspections for leaks in the guttering and downpipes are also crucial to minimising localised flooding that can cause foundation damage. Any leaks noted should be repaired as a matter of urgency. SPECIFIC AREAS OF YOUR HOME Notes __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________
  • 15. 15 IPI home owner’s manual around your home You should also give consideration to shading and the effects your plantings may have on the passive solar design of your home. You should also bear in mind the mature size of any trees and shrubs when considering their location (tree roots can grow up to two times the mature height of the tree). Too many trees and shrubs close to the house can cause rapid buildup of leaves and foliage in the roof gutters. Some trees and shrubs are noted for their ability to damage homes and services. You can check with your local nursery for recommended species for planting in your area. Planning Your Garden When arranging your garden and landscaping, it is important that you plan ahead. There are many problems that can be avoided with some basic planning. Make sure there are no garden beds against the house – this will help minimise damp problems and termite entry points. All vents and weepholes must be kept clear of soil and plants. You should also be aware of the exact position of all your service connections (sewer, stormwater, phone lines, water mains, electrical and gas connections) to avoid future root damage to these services. Trees and Shrubs Tree roots can cause damage to any underground services as well as house foundations. The foliage not only causes blockages in drains and gutters, it can also contribute to bush fire hazards around your home. Site Drainage Maintaining good site drainage is crucial to preventing water flowing to the under floor spaces and causing more significant problems. To prevent this, ensure that all areas immediately adjacent to the house are well drained and ensure that soil is graded away from the external walls of the house. Paths and driveways should also have adequate grade of 50mm per metre away from the exterior walls of the house. If you are installing a sprinkler system near your foundations, care must be taken not to over water so that the performance of the foundation system is not affected.
  • 16. 16 IPI home owner’s manual Gates and Fencing Most boundary fencing is a shared cost with your neighbour so if any maintenance is required it is recommended you consult your neighbour and gain agreement before starting any significant repairs. Gates often need minor adjustments to ensure correct operation and frequent inspections are needed. Your front fence and gates gives your visitors their first impression of your home. By keeping these well maintained you are showing the world you care about your property. General maintenance can be as simple as keeping them clean and freshly painted, clearing away debris and weeds, etc. Decks, Pergolas and BBQ Areas Timber decks and Pergolas are very susceptible to termite attack and should be regularly inspected for any signs of attack. These areas are relatively maintenance free and if kept clean and well maintained, will serve you well. Care should be taken to ensure all handrails and steps are in good condition not only from an esthetic point of view but from a safety point of view. You have a responsibility to your family and guests to ensure they are always kept safe on your property. Septic tanks and grease traps To avoid problems, septic tanks require cleaning and will need to be monitored. (Check your Yellow Pages for companies who are able to carry out this work.) Grease traps need more frequent attention and should be cleaned every two or three months. If due care and attention has not been provided, your septic will overflow. Precaution is the most successful treatment: • DON’T flush hair, grease substances, lint, or other rubbish down the toilet pan. These will block the sewer drains. • DO choose disinfectants and toilet papers carefully, making sure to select only those types designed for septic sewerage systems. Septic tank problems should be referred to a licensed Plumber/Drainer. Water Meters Your water meter is situated at the front of your property and it is your responsibility to keep it clear of weeds, trees and any other obstructions. It is also important that the Water Authority has easy access to the meter at all times. It is also your responsibility to protect the meter from damage. Garden or Hose Taps Non return valves are best fitted to these taps to prevent contaminated water from siphoning back into the house water system from hoses left lying around. AROUND YOUR HOME
  • 17. 17 IPI home owner’s manual inside your home sources. They are best placed well below the level of the ceiling, or above it in suitably recessed fittings. High gloss paint will give an appearance of unevenness when the surface can be seen at a wide angle. For this reason, it should not be used on ceilings and long walls. Water penetration of walls Dampness on internal walls can be caused by the follwoing: • condensation, where water is generated from within or under the home • water entry from above (roof and guttering) • penetration across the wall cavity (accidental bridging of the cavity by mortar droppings or inadequate flashing around windows and doors) • rising damp (dampness above the damp course in external brickwork) • penetration behind wall tiling (moisture can build up behind the wall tiling in showers where pre-formed shower bases are used) cracks do not impair the structural soundness of your home. Do not attempt to repair these cracks for the first two years, as shrinkage is likely to continue for this period. At the expiration of two years, re-decoration will probably be necessary anyway and you can“kill two birds with one stone”. Fill the cracks with a flexible filling compound (available from any paint store), smooth out with fine sandpaper and then re-decorate the entire surface. Scuffing or indentation Scuffs and indentations may be filled with two or three applications of joint cement used for drywall taping, then paint or decorate as usual. Appearance of uneven walls Always remember that no building surface is perfectly flat. The aim in building is to produce the appearance of flatness and, with plaster surfaces, this appearance of flatness can always be destroyed by glancing light. Avoid using glancing lights from isolated Walls Regardless of whether your interior walls are plaster or wallboard, they should last without undue maintenance for the rest of the life of the building. However, to prevent undue concern, we have detailed a couple of possible problem areas, but would remind you first to always use special fasteners for hanging pictures or lightweight fixtures (available from hardware and building supply stores) to fibrous plaster and plaster board interiors. Minor cracks in walls Minor cracks may appear in interior walls but these should be referred to your independent property inspector to determine the cause. In new homes, some of the possible causes are heavy street traffic, shrinkage in framing timbers, heating, expansion and contraction of soil and, as in the case of concrete, the expansion and contraction of the material itself. Although they may be annoying, these
  • 18. 18 IPI home owner’s manual Painting The main climatic factors affecting paint are rainfall, humidity and solar radiation. Climatic conditions of the region must be taken into account when an appropriate paint system is being selected and when the service life of that paint system is being predicted. When drying of paint is retarded, mould growth can proliferate and repainting is needed more frequented than in temperate regions. Painted surfaces Paints are not designed to be washed regularly as some might believe.‘Washable’ simply means that accidental marks on walls may be cleaned off with proper care. This is done with soapy water and a soft cloth which is dabbed on the marks until removed – wiping or rubbing will cause a shiny patch to develop. Feature timber floors Owners are advised that the builder cannot guarantee a solid timber floor against any of the following risks during its life: shrinkage, splitting, or cracking or gaps opening between boards. Timber is a natural product and flaws or cracks within and between boards may occur. Such movement is caused by many factors including seasonal change, sunlight, heating/ cooling appliances, applied floor finishes etc. If you are planning to apply a floor finish yourself then be aware that a selection of finishes are available, each of which has a different look and a different resistance to wear. These include natural, stained, varnished, polished, waxed, polyurethane and many other finishes. IPI recommends you seek professional advice when selecting your finish. Maintenance of feature timber floors should be carried out by a professional floor sander and finishing contractor. Some general points to consider are: • Punched nail holes should be filled with a rapid drying wood filler compatible with the floor finish. Linseed oil based fillers are not recommended if polyurethane finishes are to be used. • Fillers should not be used to fill gaps between boards as seasonal movement may squeeze the filler out of the gaps. It is strongly recommended that the floor sanding contractor consult with the finish manufacturer to determine the suitability of the final product for use on timber floors. In particular, the potential for the finish to produce a‘gluing effect’within the tongue and groove joints should be determined prior to its use. INSIDE YOUR HOME
  • 19. 19 IPI home owner’s manual General maintenance • Dirt and grit are a timber floor’s worst enemy, and that goes for carpets and vinyls also. Use dirt trapping mats at all exterior doors to help prevent sand, dust and grit from getting inside. Small rugs and small carpet sections just inside the door can also be of assistance. • Strong light, particularly direct sunlight can cause a chemical reaction in wool causing it to change colour (ageing or weathering) so move your rugs occasionally and protect the floor from direct sunlight by curtains or blinds. • Fit protective pads to the legs of chairs and tables so that they can be moved easily without the risk of scuffing the floor. If you have furniture that is fitted with castors it is preferable that the castors are the barrel type as ball castors may cause damage. Cleaning • Vacuum or sweep regularly. If you prefer, use a damp mop and add a little methylated spirits to the water for best results (say half a cup to half a bucket of water). Do not use a wet mop on timber floors. • Wipe up spills promptly with a dry cloth or dry paper towel. For sticky substances, moisten the cloth slightly. Some floors may develop an occasional squeak. The individual squeaking board should be located and re-fixed or specialist advice sought. This can often easily be repaired from under the floor. It is recommended that any maintenance required to repair damaged boards or finishes should be carried out by a professional floor sander and finishing contractor. Kitchen and bathroom There are three components of kitchens and bathrooms which require attention from time to time – plumbing fixtures, enamel and laminated surfaces. With good care and attention, the life span of all three may be extended. Stains on plumbing fixtures Most stains are caused by rust, water minerals, dirt or grease. Regardless of whether or not the surface is acid resistant, slice up half a bar of naphtha-based soap in 1:1 litres of hot water. Add two tablespoons of paint thinner or dry cleaning fluid. Using gloves, apply the solution to the fixture with a stiff bristled brush to remove most simple stains. Rust stains on acid resistant surfaces may be removed with a solution of one part muriatic acid to ten parts water. Again using gloves, apply the solution with a cloth and wash off promptly. Do not allow solution to come into contact with chrome plated fittings as this will damage these surfaces. INSIDE YOUR HOME
  • 20. 20 IPI home owner’s manual Hardened paint stains may be removed with a razor blade, taking care to keep the blade slanted against the fixture in order to avoid gouging the surface. Once the worst of the paint has been removed, use any ordinary household cleaner to remove the remainder. To remove fruit or food stains on plumbing fixtures, make up a paste of peroxide and equal parts of cream of tartar and a house hold cleaner. Apply and allow soaking for 10 to 15 minutes before washing off. Enamel Enamel surfaces are easily scratched and stained if misused. Shiny new fixtures can soon become dulled through improper care or excessive use of strong abrasive cleaners. Laminates and Acrylics These products are normally used on bench tops, vanity units, etc. and although quite tough and durable, a little care and attention will extend the life of these units both in your kitchen and bathroom. Be careful not to place hot pans and pots directly from the stove on to your laminated bench top. Although the heat resistance of this product is high, it is not designed to be used as an ironing board. Cutting or chopping should be done on a bread board or similar, not on your bench top. Abrasives will destroy the highly polished finish of you bench top. Use a good wax polish to clean and restore the surface. Bench and wall cabinets (including vanity) Plastic laminates need no coating. Wood veneers, timber cupboard doors, and timber bench tops should all have a suitable moisture resistant coating. Laminated plastics are normally used on bench tops, vanity tops etc, and have a high degree of heat resistance. However, care should be taken not to place hot pans and pots directly from the stove onto these. Do not use them as an ironing or cutting board. It is recommended that all cutting and chopping of food stuffs be done on an appropriate board. Maintenance information for other bench top surfaces should be sought from the manufacturer. Sliding cupboard doors should be maintained to manufacturer’s instructions. Sticking internal doors If sticking is minor, first apply either a paste wax, light coat of paraffin, or candle wax to the binding surface. A sticking door is sometimes caused by movement of the door frame. Where this may be the case, hold a block of wood against the frame and tap with a hammer. Only if the door continues to stick should you use a plane – on the sticking edge only, planning off a little at a time and then repainting the raw edge. However this may be a sign of more serious structural movement and your IPI inspector should be called to access the problem. INSIDE YOUR HOME
  • 21. 21 IPI home owner’s manual To fix a squeaking door hinge, rub the knuckle of the hinge with a soft graphite pencil or lubricate with a graphite tube (oil is not satisfactory, as it accumulates dust and grease around the hinge). Aluminium windows and doors Aluminium sliding windows and sliding doors are easily cared for. Purchase a dry lube or dry lube spray from any hardware store. Simply apply the dry lube to the rollers at the bottom of the window or door (or top in the case of some sliding fly screen doors). Drain holes located in the sill of the windows allow water to drain and flow inside. These need to be kept clean. It is very important to keep the tracks of sliding windows and doors clean from dirt and grime to ensure ease in operation and lasting life, and to avoid sticking. Lack of attention can cause more costly repairs. Maintenance of hardware General periodic maintenance is required on all hardware supplied such as locks, hinges, catches, closers, windows etc. The external finish of all hardware must be kept clean by removing any harmful residue (especially salt spray) from the surface using a non-abrasive cleaning agent. Internal workings of locks, catches, windows etc should be kept in good working order by applying a light spray lubricant similar to WD40 or RP7 or a dry lubricant spray. All anodised aluminium surfaces should be kept clean by prompt removal of all dirt, dust, grime and any foreign matter, using clean water and a small amount of mild detergent. Do not use any abrasive type cleaning agent as this will severely damage the anodised surface. Thoroughly rinse off any residue of detergent with clean water. Powder coated windows and doors Just as washing your car is important for removing dirt and grime, your powder coating also needs to be given a regular wash to keep it looking good. The effects of exposure to ultra violet light, general dirt, and atmospheric pollution accumulate over time and should be removed by washing about every six months. It is recommended this frequency is increased if your home is close to busy highways or industrial areas. Glazing All glass surfaces should be kept clean by washing with water and a small amount of a mild detergent, thoroughly washing off any detergent residue with clean water. IPI recommends general window cleaning quarterly. Shower screens It is important to ensure that hot water is not sprayed directly on to the glass screens as this action can cause cracking. The screen should be adequately sealed and seals should be checked regularly. The sliding door track should be kept clean and free of soap and hair build up. INSIDE YOUR HOME
  • 22. 22 IPI home owner’s manual Insect screens Where the screens are fiberglass mesh, the quickest and most effective way of cleaning is to remove the screen from the frame and hose the screen with a fine sharp spray of water. Garage doors Garage doors require very little maintenance. Wash painted metal, colourbond and aluminium doors as frequently as you wash your car. In areas where the doors are exposed to salt spray or pollution, they should be washed at least every two weeks, including the rolled section not exposed to the elements. Lubricate hinges and rollers regularly and clean out tracks where oil tends to collect dust. Mineral turpentine is the best cleaner, but be sure that the door is dry before operating it or rollers may be damaged. If you have roller doors, do not lubricate doors installed with nylon tape talcum powder. Leave any adjustment to the experts. Sanitary plumbing Burst pipes and joints Stop the water supply at the stop tap, usually situated at the front of your property, or at the entry point to the dwelling, then call an emergency plumbing service. Toilet Cistern If your cistern overflows, turn off the water at the stop tap and empty the cistern by flushing, then call an emergency plumbing service. If your cistern continually leaks into the bowl, remove the lid and adjust the screw on the float arm to lower the water level. For toilet pan blockages, you will need to call an emergency plumbing service. Blockages All sinks, baths, basins, troughs and showers have a grate over the waste outlet to prevent solid objects from blocking the trap or waste pipe. However some small solids like hair, tea leaves, and vegetable peelings can pass through the grate and cause blockages. If a blockage does occur, it may necessary to dismantle the trap and waste pipe below. It might be worth trying a plunger to dislodge the blockage. Odours The most common causes of odours in homes originate from wastes. These areas should be cleaned regularly to prevent buildup of bacteria. Flushing out with a garden hose can often be sufficient to clear any odours. Grease traps are also a common cause of house hold odours and regular cleaning can help minimise the occurrence of odours. Hot Water System A hot water system should give you many years of reliable service and any adjustments should be done by a licensed plumber or the manufacturer’s representative. A notable part of any hot water system is the overflow pipe and pressure relief valve setup. The overflow pipe is designed to drip INSIDE YOUR HOME
  • 23. 23 IPI home owner’s manual occasionally to maintain a constant pressure in the cylinder, however regular checking of the pressure relief valve is recommended every four to six months. To test the pressure relief valve, simply pull the lever until the hot water streams from the overflow pipe. Solar Hot Water System Generally, a solar hot water system requires little maintenance; however, the safety valve should be released every six months. If your safety valve drips regularly, this only means it is doing its job of maintaining constant pressure in your system. IPI recommends your solar hot water system is serviced every five years. Water Hammer Water hammer is the thumping in the pipes when the water is running and not the rattle of pipes when the water is turned off. Contact your plumber to fit a suppression valve to minimise water hammer. Tapware Most taps have a washer of some form which can wear out with age, or can be crushed by over tightening. This can cause the tap to drip or leak constantly and the washer will require replacement. Remember to turn the water supply off at the stop tap before attempting to replace the washer. Shower bases Pre-formed shower bases are usually made from an acrylic or enamel material. Cleaning should be carried out the same as for baths and other similar types of fixtures. Most modern bathroom cleaning agents are suitable for this purpose, however it is always advisable to follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Ceramic Tiles Ceramic tiles can be found in many areas like floors, splashbacks behind benches, basins, showers and baths etc. Although tiles appear to be hard and tough, care must be taken to prevent surface damage whilst cleaning. Before cleaning your tiles, it is important to know what the tile is. Ask your supplier what cleaning methods are to be used. Generally, you should use liquid cleaners, so that the surface does not get damaged. Oven/Cooktop The working surfaces of your cooktop or your oven can be glass or enamel. You should not use abrasive or gritty cleaners, you should use soapy water and a clean cloth, and you can also get purpose made cleaners from your local supermarket. Stubborn stains may be removed by soaking in hot soapy water. INSIDE YOUR HOME
  • 24. 24 IPI home owner’s manual home safety emergency procedures If you suspect leaks, you should immediately open all doors and windows, vacate the house and call your gas plumber. Switchboard Meter Box The meter box must be available for the relevant authority to access and read the meters at all times. If there is a power failure, check the switchboard for any circuit breakers that may have tripped due to overloading. Reset a tripped switch and if it continues to trip there is either a faulty appliance, an overload of the circuit or a fault. IPI recommends you consult a licensed electrician for any fault. If an overload, simply reduce the load by turning some appliances off. The appliances that use a lot of power are those with heating elements like jugs, radiators, stoves, air conditioners, hair dryers, etc. IPI recommends you take faulty appliances to an authorised dealer. WARNING: Do not attempt any electrical repairs at all unless you are a licensed electrician. Remember: ELECTRICITY KILLS. A Fire Extinguisher and Fire Blanket are always a sensible addition to your kitchen and should be easily accessible at all times. IPI recommends your children should also be taught how to use these effectively. In the case of an electrical fire, first turn the power off, then water or a fire extinguisher can be used. In the case of a fat or oil fire in the kitchen, a fire blanket should be used to smother the flames. Poisoning accidents The key to minimising poisoning accidents is to store all medicines, drugs and household cleaning materials in locked cabinets and well out of reach of inquisitive children. Gas leaks All gas appliances can develop leaks and should be regularly checked and serviced. Typical gas appliances found around the home include your cooker, oven, heaters, hot water service and BBQs. Falls and trip hazards One of the most common accidents in the home are falls by the elderly and children. Many falls occur in sleeping areas, cluttered steps and stairways, and living areas. Many of these falls can be avoided by following these simple steps: • keep traffic areas free and clear of obstructions and children’s toys • maintain good lighting • ensure floor finishes are dry and skid resistant. Electrical hazards Please remember ELECTRICITY KILLS! The first precaution should always be to install an Earth Leakage Safety Switch if not already installed. Circuit breakers can also be installed on all electrical circuits. Never overload outlets or use appliances near water.
  • 25. 25 IPI home owner’s manual Lighting If light bulbs continually blow you should have the wiring and connections checked. IPI recommends using energy saving bulbs where ever possible. Smoke Alarms Smoke alarms must be adequately maintained to remain effective. You can easily test them by pressing the test button and this should be done weekly. IPI recommends all smoke alarms are cleaned and batteries changed every six months (changing batteries when you change your clocks for daylight savings is a good reminder for you). HEATING There are a number of ways to heat your home: • gas – reticulated of portable • solid fuel heating – fire places – which can be the traditional fireplace, or metal fire places and solid fuel combustion stoves • oil • electrical heaters, air-conditioners, solar heating systems Note: if you have had any of these installed in your home, be aware that air conditioning or heating one room can cause uneven moisture levels in adjoining rooms which in turn can cause distortion of connecting room doors. Keep doors open as much as possible to even the air temperature and humidity. EMERGENCY SAFETY PROCEDURES Notes __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________
  • 26. 26 IPI home owner’s manual Windows Windows are also very popular for gaining access to your house. Suitable window locks should be fitted to ALL windows. Don’t forget small windows such as those in toilets or ensuites, as children are often used to gain access through these so that they can then open doors for thieves. Gates Thieves always look for easy access. Even a locked side gate will act as a deterrent. Sheds Sheds often contain valuable tools, including tools which can be used to obtain access to your house. Ensure that adequate locks are fitted. Alarm Systems The strongest deterrent to would-be thieves is a properly installed alarm system. When activated, an alarm system will normally sound a very loud siren. The noise will scare off thieves and also alert neighbours who can contact the police on your behalf. An alarm system can be used to monitor doors, windows and internal areas where you may have valuables. The range of alarms varies from localised units sounding a siren through to units that can be monitored 24 hours a day by the large security companies. home security It is estimated that one in five homes will be broken into over the next five years. Possessions such as a DVD player and television, if stolen, can usually be replaced under household contents insurance. However, there is no compensation for the violation of your privacy or the loss of personal items with significant sentimental value. You cannot, in most cases, make your home totally burglar proof, however, by taking a few basic precautions, would-be thieves can be strongly deterred from violating your home. Doors Rear door and patio doors (particularly sliding type) are very popular with thieves for gaining access. Secure locks are necessary. Front doors are most popular amongst thieves for removing your possessions; therefore, inside security is an important as outside security. A good quality dead latch type lock is recommended.
  • 27. 27 IPI home owner’s manual the hardware store to buy something and do a little physical work to get it done) Level 3 – Easy Will require more work and may take several hours to complete Level 4 – High High cost items that may need professional installation (this could be water storage tanks, solar heating systems, more efficient split system air conditioning etc). Level 1 – Things you can do immediately. 1. Turn down the temperature on your hot water heater (so you no longer have to add cold water to cool it down for use) 2. Turn off and unplug appliances when not in use (including battery chargers when your phone is fully charged) 3. Turn off all lights when not in use energy efficiency Is Your Home Energy Efficient? This quick guide will help you improve your energy efficiency immediately. The outcome of following this guide is three fold. Cut household energy bills Help save the Environment Improve your comfort and health For your convenience we have arranged this guide in order of ease and cost:     Level 1 – Childs Play Dead Simple to adopt immediately at no cost (meaning all you have to do is change a habit or unplug something that is really easy) Level 2 – Very Easy Very Easy to implement but may require some physical work and minor expense (which means you might have to run to 4. Cook with smaller appliances (did you know a microwave uses 50% less energy than a conventional oven, and toaster ovens use 75% less than a conventional oven) 5. Wash full loads in your dishwasher. Your dishwasher user the same amount of water and energy whether you have half a dozen plates and cups or if its full. You can also save up to 7% energy consumption simply by turning off the heat dry setting and letting the dishes air dry 6. Turn your heating down and put warmer clothes on. You can save up to 10% of your heating cost every couple of degrees 7. Only heat the rooms your in and close the doors 8. Close the blinds and curtains at night to prevent heat loss 9. Run ceiling fans in reverse during the winter months, doing this consistently will make significant savings in your heating costs
  • 28. 28 IPI home owner’s manual Level 2 – Things you can do immediately but may require a little work. 1. Switch your bulbs to CFL’s (compact fluorescent lamp) they are much more efficient and last 10 times longer, (each light being used on average of 4 hours per day can save $30 per year on your energy bill) 2. Plug all the holes in your home. This is one of the best ways to save on your winter heating bills, and deserves more specific detail, the problem areas include 3. Door and window frames and sashes 4. Wall and ceiling vents and fans 5. Electrical, gas and water lines 6. Air conditioning units 7. Check heater ducting for gaps and good seals 8. Phone and TV cables 9. Draft seal all external doors 10. Fireplace chimneys and flues 11. Gaps in floors, around skirting boards and architraves 12. Seal all plumbing pipe penetrations in floors and walls 13. Around the foundations 14. Products to help you plug all the gaps include, weather stripping (foam or rubber), caulking and sealants, foam fillers, and the good old draft sausage for the bottom of the doors. 15. Install low-flow shower heads. This can save up to 4 litres per minute and that’s also less water that needs heating Level 3 – Things that are easy but will take several hours to complete or cost a little more. 1. Insulate your roof space or ceilings. When this is properly done it can save up to 10% of your heating and cooling costs 2. Dry clothes on the line and stop using the dryer 3. Check and replace the fridge seals if needed 4. Buy energy efficient appliances according to the Energy Star Ratings ENERGY EFFICIENCY
  • 29. 29 IPI home owner’s manual Level 4 – These are high cost items that will need professional installation. 1. Install solar hot water heating 2. Install double glazed windows or insulate your existing 3. Install Water storage tanks 4. Install more efficient heating. If you make these changes, you will save hundreds, possibly thousands of dollars a year on your energy bills. You will literally stop tons of carbon from being pumped into the atmosphere each year Saving energy doesn’t have to be an expensive, involved project. As you can see, all these steps are easy to implement into your home and lifestyle. Whether your planning to be self sufficient or just looking to save money and help reduce your carbon footprint, reducing energy consumption has to be everyone’s first step. Notes __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ ENERGY EFFICIENCY
  • 30. 30 IPI home owner’s manual condensation When you consider the many litres of water in the materials such as concrete, plaster, wall paper paste, tile work and even some types of paint used during construction of your home, and then when you home is occupied, all the extra moisture introduced into the home from the bathrooms, laundries and the kitchen, it is hardly surprising that condensation is most apparent in many homes. As a result of the amount of water in building materials, droplets of moisture will appear and, although quite normal, this often causes new home owners some concern. To help reduce the amount of condensation in your home: • aid the drying out process by ensuring adequate ventilation at all times. • use an exhaust fan in the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry areas or, failing this, open windows whilst cooking, showering and drying clothes. • ensure bedrooms are also well ventilated after each night. • maintain proper surface drainage around your home to prevent moisture vapours rising inside the house. • ensure there are no damp problems in the under floor space if you have timber floors. Ensure that equipment such as space heaters and clothes dryers are properly vented. BUSHFIRES If you live in a bushfire-prone area, there are a number of measures you can take to protect your home and perhaps save it from destruction in a bushfire. It is important to clear hazards from around and under the house: • protect all external openings – windows, doors, vents, chimneys – with metal flywire screens or shutters to prevent glass breakage which would allow embers to enter the house. • seal all exterior gaps for the same reason – eaves, around windows and doors etc. • protect the sub-floor area. • provide some sort of break between the house and any vegetation. • keep undergrowth down to a manageable level. • clean leaves out of guttering and make plugs so that roof gutter downpipes can be blocked quickly and gutters filled with water if a fire is approaching. • make sure there is an adequate supply of water to put out spot fires. • further information is available from your local Fire Service. PETS Allergens are found in the sweat, saliva, hair, urine and dead skin flakes of pets. Cats tend to produce a more severe allergic reaction than dogs but birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, mice and rats can also trigger asthma. other areas
  • 31. 31 IPI home owner’s manual If anyone comes into your home who suffers from asthma, it is important to remember that putting the pet outside will not reduce the trigger as pet danger (dead skin flakes) still remains as part of the dust on the furniture. You can minimise the risk of triggering asthma if you have your pet live outside the house, and especially out of your bedroom. Proper, thorough and regular cleaning can also help minimise reactions. More information can be found on asthma websites such as www.nationalasthma.org.au TERMITE PROTECTION Independent Property Inspections strongly recommends you seek advice and annual inspections from an independent pest inspection expert. Although regular inspections will not prevent termite attack, regular inspections will increase the chances of detection and minimise the damage caused by termites due to their early detection. If your home has a termite control system installed, it is your responsibility to comply with the warranty conditions of that system. When you are landscaping around your home you must ensure that: • any termite barriers are not broken • all weepholes and sub-floor vents are not covered • wood is not stored close to your home • regular inspections for termite infestations are completed by an independent pest inspector. Wood borers Power post beetles attack only the sapwood of eucalypt timber and certain other hardwoods. Normally, sapwood does not appear in home construction but even when eaten out, the strength of remaining sections is not usually affected. Only if more than one third of the cross section size of the member is affected then it is recommended it should be replaced. We suggest that if you have any queries or doubts regarding borers, you contact your local independent pest inspector as a matter of urgency. OTHER AREAS
  • 32. 32 IPI home owner’s manual moving out WHO TO TELL When you are going to move house, you will need to update your address details with many people and organisations, and probably deal with more companies than you think. Spend time on collating a list of those organisations that may need to know that you’re moving – we’ve made a start for you: ❏ Australian Electrical Commission ❏ Australia Post - Redirect Mail. ❏ Australian Taxation Office ❏ Accountant ❏ Banks ❏ Centrelink ❏ Charities ❏ Clubs ❏ Credit Card Suppliers ❏ Dentist ❏ Doctors ❏ Employers ❏ Employees ❏ Financial Institutions ❏ Health Fund ❏ Household Services ❏ Insurance Companies ❏ Internet Service Provider ❏ Local Council ❏ Newspapers/Magazine Subscriptions ❏ Phone Suppliers Land Line Mobile ❏ Schools ❏ Solicitor ❏ Superannuation Funds ❏ Water, Gas Electrical Companies ❏ Vehicle Licensing and Registration Authorities Australia Post also offers an online Address Notification service, where you can select from a list of companies with whom you may need to update your details. You can visit www.auspost.com.au/ movingservices for more information.
  • 33. 33 IPI home owner’s manual Notes _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
  • 34. 34 IPI home owner’s manual annual building inspection certificate Property Address _________________________________________________________________________________________________ 1st annual building inspection DUE: ____ / ____ / ________ Inspected by: ________________________________________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / ________ 2nd annual building inspection DUE: ____ / ____ / ________ Inspected by: ________________________________________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / ________ 3rd annual building inspection DUE: ____ / ____ / ________ Inspected by: ________________________________________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / ________ 4th annual building inspection DUE: ____ / ____ / ________ Inspected by: ________________________________________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / ________ Please note these inspections are essential in maintaining your home and identifying defects before they become major and costly
  • 35. 35 IPI home owner’s manual annual pest inspection certificate Property Address _________________________________________________________________________________________________ 1st annual PEST inspection DUE: ____ / ____ / ________ Inspected by: ________________________________________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / ________ 2nd annual PEST inspection DUE: ____ / ____ / ________ Inspected by: ________________________________________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / ________ 3rd annual PEST inspection DUE: ____ / ____ / ________ Inspected by: ________________________________________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / ________ 4th annual PEST inspection DUE: ____ / ____ / ________ Inspected by: ________________________________________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / ________ Please note these inspections are essential in maintaining your home and identifying defects before they become major and costly
  • 36. 36 IPI home owner’s manual Notes _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
  • 37. 37 IPI home owner’s manual 50% OFF $50 $50 Pre-Settlement Inspection Building Advisory Service Depreciation Schedule ✁ ✁✁ VOUCHER VOUCHER To Make Absolutely Sure, Before You Hand Over Your Money Talk To the Experts Who Already Know Your Property Intimately Maximise Your Savings Tax Return On Your Investment Property
  • 38. 38 IPI home owner’s manual Pre-Settlement Inspection Building Advisory Service Depreciation Schedule www.ipi.net.au www.ipi.net.auwww.ipi.net.au To redeem this Voucher, contact your local Independent Property Inspector To redeem this Voucher, contact your local Independent Property Inspector To redeem this Voucher, contact your local Independent Property Inspector ✁✁ ✁ This Voucher is only valid for the owner of the property registered with IPI Property Partners This Voucher is only valid for the owner of the property registered with IPI Property Partnerswith IPI Property Partners This Voucher is only valid for the owner of the property registered ☎0403 997 961 ☎0403 997 961 ☎0403 997 961
  • 39. 39 IPI home owner’s manual $50 $50 Asbestos Audit ✁ ✁ ✁ VOUCHER VOUCHER Essential In Maintaining Your Home Identify The Silent Killer In Your Home $50 Annual Building Inspection VOUCHER Essential In Maintaining Your Home Annual Building Inspection
  • 40. 40 IPI home owner’s manual ✁✁✁ Annual Building Inspection Asbestos Audit Annual Building Inspection www.ipi.net.au www.ipi.net.auwww.ipi.net.au To redeem this Voucher, contact your local Independent Property Inspector To redeem this Voucher, contact your local Independent Property Inspector To redeem this Voucher, contact your local Independent Property Inspector This Voucher is only valid for the owner of the property registered with IPI Property Partners This Voucher is only valid for the owner of the property registered with IPI Property Partners This Voucher is only valid for the owner of the property registered with IPI Property Partners ☎0403 997 961 ☎0403 997 961 ☎0403 997 961
  • 41.
  • 42. 42 IPI home owner’s manual Annual Pest Inspection ✁ Pre-Sale Inspection ✁✁ www.ipi.net.au www.ipi.net.auwww.ipi.net.au To redeem this Voucher, contact your local Independent Property Inspector To redeem this Voucher, contact your local Independent Property Inspector To redeem this Voucher, contact your local Independent Property Inspector This Voucher is only valid for the owner of the property registered with IPI Property Partners This Voucher is only valid for the owner of the property registered with IPI Property Partners This Voucher is only valid for the owner of the property registered with IPI Property Partners Annual Pest Inspection ☎0403 997 961 ☎0403 997 961 ☎0403 997 961
  • 43. 43 IPI home owner’s manual Notes _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
  • 44. 44 IPI home owner’s manual www.ipi.net.au