In this episode of "WA Property Q&A" we dive into the intricacies of building inspections and defects with special guest building inspector Jason Cotton from Select Property Inspections.Key topics discussed in this episode:* how tie-down straps are treated within the context of a structural inspection.* the core responsibilities of a building inspector, the expectations that clients should have when hiring a professional for a building inspection, highlighting the importance of identifying safety, maintenance and structural defects.* valuable insights into how inspectors deal with confined spaces in ceilings and how they affect what ends up in a building inspection report.* different categories of building defects and the criteria that determine whether a defect qualifies as a major structural defect, a crucial distinction in real estate transactions.* Identifying defects, whether they are non-structural or maintenance-related* an unpopular alternative to the REIWA Major Structural Defects clauseWho is Jason Cotton?Jason Cotton, originally from Castlemaine, Victoria, is a Registered Building Surveyor and the founder of Select Property Inspections. He specializes in pre-purchase property inspections across the Greater Perth metro area, with an impressive portfolio of over 7000 completed building inspections. In addition to his building surveyor credentials, Jason holds a restricted Electrical Workers License and a Cert 4 in Mechanical Engineering - Maintenance, showcasing his diverse expertise in property assessment and maintenance. Beyond his professional life, Jason is an avid cricket fan.

In this episode, we explore the topic of cash offers in real estate and the risks involved.Key Points Discussed:1.    The role of risk in making cash offers: While some buyers may be willing to take the risk and put down a cash offer, it is crucial to consider their financial situation before proceeding.2.    Securing properties in a competitive market: With multiple offers being submitted simultaneously, it can be challenging to make your offer stand out. 3.    The unknown factor: Making a cash offer involves accepting the unknowns associated with the property. 4.    Pre-approval terms and conditions: Banks typically have specific terms and conditions for pre-approvals, including loan devaluation ratios.Please note that these show notes are a summary of the interview transcript and should not be considered financial advice. To listen to the full episode and gain more insights, we encourage you to tune in to our podcast.

A lack of pre-purchase due diligence is a recipe for unwanted surprises. In this episode, Jason and I look at the importance of checking a property for maintenance defects BEFORE making an offer.In this episode:* Common non-structural building defects that aren’t covered by the REIWA Major Structural Defects clause.* Damp related building defects. No, they’re not usually structural defects. * The impact of maintenance defects on property values.* Tools and techniques for identifying common building defects that a layperson can use.  * How knowing the defects up front will empower you to make a decision.  About Jason CottonJason Cotton has over 12 years of experience as a property inspector in WA. Jason is the founder and principal of Select Property Inspections and has completed over 7000 property inspections. He is a certified Building Surveyor.The key moments in this episode are:00:00:01 - Introduction00:02:48 - Non Structural Defects00:04:49 - Major Structural Defects00:07:01 - Exclusions to Major Structural Defects00:10:30 - Non-Structural Damp Issues00:15:31 - Signs of Gutter Problems00:16:55 - Importance of Knowing About Leaking Gutters00:17:19 - Non-Structural Decorative Finishes00:18:58 - General Maintenance and Fretting Mortar00:23:38 - Ceilings as Maintenance and Safety Concerns00:29:46 - Importance of Building Inspectors00:30:56 - Understanding Moisture Meters00:32:53 - Testing for Moisture in Showers00:35:37 - The Role of power point (GPO) testing devices00:38:25 - Limitations of Building Inspections

In this week’s episode I talk to Jason Cotton from Select Property Inspections about major structural defects and we discuss chemical delignification, which is present in thousands of homes across Perth.We discuss the causes of chemical delignification, how it can be avoided and how it’s treated in the context of the REIWA Major Structural Defects annexure.Jason and I also discuss structural defects and common maintenance defects that aren’t considered structural.About Jason CottonJason Cotton has over 12 years of experience as a property inspector in WA.  Jason is the founder and principal of Select Property Inspections and has completed over 7000 property inspections. He is a certified Building Surveyor.The key moments in this episode are:00:00:01 - Introduction00:01:03 – Jason’s background00:02:12 – What is chemical delignification?00:04:27 – How to identify chemical delignification  00:09:41 -  The impact of chemical delignification on roof batons00:15:20 - Roof coverings vs. structural elements00:17:19 – What is a Major Structural Defect?00:21:43 - Chemical delignification as a Material Defect00:23:45 - Ceilings and other safety defects

Welcome to the WA Property Q&A. We are delighted to bring to you some valuable insights into the Western Australia Property market. We understand the different challenges faced by first time home owners and property investors, that's why we bring leading experts in the industry to chime in on different topics.We post new episodes every week, so be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast or any of your favorite podcast players.8AnkhlEqeyNuV53BF3Sx