Buying a twenty year old house in Rouse Hill
What age does to a late 1990s or 2000s home, and what a pre-purchase inspection looks for.
In short: Most Rouse Hill resale houses date from the late 1990s and 2000s. They look young, but twenty years is long enough for the things that keep water out to start failing.
Young but not new
Brick veneer homes from this era were generally built well, but the parts that weather, such as sealants, flashings and downpipe connections, have a life of their own.
Cracking
Settlement cracks through walls, cornices and around door frames are common. Most are minor; some point to drainage or footing movement. The report separates them.
Water
Ceiling stains, failed sealant at wet areas and window flashings that have lifted are the usual signs that water is getting where it should not.
Drainage
Downpipes come away from the stormwater system and discharge at the slab. On reactive clay that is a slow cause of movement.
What you get in writing
A clear list of significant defects, conditions that could lead to damage, and safety hazards, written before your cooling off period ends.
Written by our local inspection team from work carried out in Rouse Hill. Licensed building practitioners, NSW Fair Trading licence 366177C.
