LEGAL DISCLAIMER HomeGauge do not warrant that all the information provided is accurate. The information provided may change from time to time and we urge you to revisit the website.

CIE means Construction Inspection Express, Consultant means person carrying out the inspection. The “Report” means the results following from a Pre-Purchase Building Inspection. The disclaimers apply equally to HomeGauge and CIE.

The Report is not to be taken as an Insurance policy for the future performance of the building, materials and or workmanship. It is not a builder’s guarantee. The Report is not intended to provide information on every defect but is to be used as a guide only, based on the visual findings at sample points.

The report should be used in conjunction with a further inspection by the client, prior to any purchase contract becoming unconditional.

The Inspection excludes the surrounding grounds, landscaping, pools, fencing, driveways and paving and is limited to the Property as defined below.

The inspection of the property has been based on visual inspection only and in accordance with reasonable, safe and non destructive access.

For Roof Space (if present), is viewed from one safely accessible man hole if available. Ceilings are not crawled on to prevent damage.

For Sub Floor Access 500mm by 500mm clear, unobstructed safe access is required with 1400 mm vertical clearance from the underside of timber bearers or 500mm from the underside of concrete floors.

Elevated access permitting is with the safe use of a 3.2 metre ladder and/or 1.6 metre step ladder on a secure horizontal surface.

Property is defined as the primary sheltered habitable building structure only.

We are not a Termite or Pest inspection service. Where the presence of termite’s or pests is important to the client, to be determined including any damage that may have been caused, we recommend that an independent Pest Inspection be obtained by the client.

This report is limited as per AS4349.1 by any assessment or opinion in relation to:

(a) Any item which is the subject of a "special purpose" property report;
(b) Any area or item which was not, or could not be inspected by the consultant;
(c) A matter which is not within the consultants expertise; or
(d) A matter, the inspection or assessment of which is solely regulated by statute.

It is also advised where specialist advice is required that an appropriate specialist report be sought by the client, this includes trades or manufacturers. This specialist advice which is not covered in CIE's report would include that which is provided by the following examples: pest inspector, electrical authority, water authority, structural engineer tests, soil engineer tests, surveyor, solicitor and property valuer. Other areas of client interest or concern should be made known to CIE to enable forwarding of an appropriate referral where possible.

Any estimated costs are provided as an approximate guide only. The extent of these estimated costs is not guaranteeing to cover every defect. They should be used as a minimum guide of costs with each area identified being further investigated by the relevant specialist, trade or manufacturer. As stated previously the clients' second inspection with this report in hand is advised, prior to the contract to purchase becoming unconditional.

The use of "n/a" indicates that the building element was not primarily applicable or relevant to the building. Such as would occur for the check of Roof Tiles in a building that has an Iron Roof.

The report is strictly an appraisal as at the current date and conditions of the inspection only. Defects identified are those caused by bad workmanship and do not include materials defects or future deterioration and subsequent performance of building materials. Building material concerns should be addressed to the relevant manufacturer for performance and durability data.

The report does not necessarily refer to routine maintenance items (e.g. plaster cracks or jamming doors and windows).

No soil or material has been excavated or removed.
No plants, branches or trees have been removed.
No samples have been taken or tested.
No fixtures, fittings cladding, rubble, ducts or lining materials have been removed.
Building services have not been tested.
No items of furniture or chattels have been removed.
The roof has not been water tested.
Roof cover pitch is not checked.
No enquires of Drainage, Sewerage, Electrical or Water authorities have been made.
No plans, specifications, or other contract documentation have been sighted for the purpose of inspecting the building and providing this Report.

Accordingly the report does not necessarily identify defects in parts of the dwelling house not reasonably accessible or not apparent from usual inspection or only apparent in different climatic, environmental or visual conditions, nor indicate whether the roof and gutters may hold water. The Consultants carry 3.2 metre high ladders and any areas exceeding safe access by such a ladder are not accessible.

Where follow up inspection are required these are charged currently at 50% of original fee. Where inspections are cancelled within 24 hours of scheduled time, a refund of 50% of paid fee will be refunded.

No investigation of insect attack (eg. borer or termite) has been made by CIE. The independent Pest Control service, if engaged, does however.

Electrical and Plumbing inspections are not carried out. Only licensed Electricians and Plumbers can do this.

Any amount shown as the likely cost of rectifying defects noted in the report is an approximate estimate only.

Clients are responsible for ensuring access is made available to the property and dwelling components.

The Consultant may decline without penalty, to inspect a property in their sole opinion, if it is unsafe for what ever reason.

The Consultant may broaden the scope of the inspection at their sole discretion.

The Report is copyright. CIE have the sole rights to the contents use. The copy of the Report that is held by CIE is deemed to be the only original.

Pictures produced remain copyright CIE.

The Report format is copyright CIE.

The named client on the report has use of the report until the sale transaction becomes unconditional or the client no longer proceeds with the purchase.

Any Third Parties should not rely on the report and should obtain their own Inspection.

The inspection of roof and sub floor space is undertaken (viewed) only from readily accessible man holes or trap doors.

The reference to "Sample point" within the report is an accessible single point of an item within the Building being inspected. It is determined by the Consultant, at the time of the inspection, to typically represent the rest of the same items within the building. It is not a guarantee that all the same items will be of the same condition but provides for an educated generalisation.

No check has been made on the ground neither of the subject property, nor as to whether the ground is contaminated or not. The client should seek soil testing / geotechnical services.

Comments on Footing performance result from reasonable interpolation of other manifestations such as severe brickwork cracking and the like. These comments should be followed up by appropriate specialists.

No investigation has made for the identification of asbestos materials.

If power and or gas has been disconnected or not working, the relevant authority should be contacted to establish the reason for its disconnection in case it was not typically for the purpose of being vacated.

The testing of services, appliances or wood burning fireplaces is not carried out for functioning or operation.

No check has been made regarding flood levels.

The Report is not a guarantee but an opinion on the condition of the inspected property. No claim is made that all defects will be discovered. Our intention is to provide advice and opinions on the overall condition of the home based on comparison with similar homes. Opinions and advice derived are valid for the inspection date and its conditions only. Note: the Report does not include individual defect items of a minor nature unless at the discretion of CIE.

We have not inspected woodwork on other parts of the structure which are covered, unexposed or inaccessible and we are therefore unable to report that any such part of the structure is free from defect.

CIE do not take any responsibility for damage, cost of repairs, rectification, construction and/or replacement of property and/or any aspect of premises as a result of damage to the property due to Pest/Termite infestation/fungus/lichen/mould or water whether visible or not.

The work suggested within this report should be regarded as the minimum starting point and each item that is identified or was discussed for attention should be investigated further by the relevant trade or manufacturer.

There is no warranty current or future implied or expressed and no liability is accepted whatsoever regarding the future performance of either the dwelling or that all faults have been discovered and reported. We have however attempted to inspect the dwelling visually(line of sight only from sub floor and roof space access points) within the reasonable constraints of access limitations, lighting, safety issues and prevailing weather and climatic conditions to mention a few.

Bookings are taken verbally and no exchange of documentation takes place prior to us commencing on our client’s needs.

The information provided and any estimates are merely opinions, particularly of possible cost. The cost of work is ultimately dependent on what a contractor is prepared to do the work for and what you the client are prepared to pay. We do not claim to discover every defect whether or not it may be considered obvious but do try to do our best in helping clients understand the dwelling better. CIE are not Pest/Termite Inspectors.

The report is not intended as a confirmation or certificate of compliance of the dwelling with in the requirements of any Act, Regulation, Ordinance, By-Law or a Warranty or an Insurance Policy against problems developing with the dwelling in the future.

A number of issues can also affect a dwelling in the future, for example geological disturbances, climate changes and weather patterns, soil composition and vegetation growth and minor and major changes in landscaping to mention a few.

Where a Termite Inspection has been organised on your behalf at your request, the fees are forwarded on your behalf, less Administration, Bank and Government charges. The Termite inspections are carried out by independent Pest Control services and they are Independent of CIE and CIE accept no liability for their work and visa versa.

Information and reports regarding the Termite Inspection results will be provided by the independent Pest Control Service.

We urge you to read their Disclaimers.

We also urge you to read and make yourself familiar with Visual Termite and Visual Timber Pest Inspections, their scope and disclaimers – refer to Rapid Solutions website.