Test before you buy – Mr Inspector recently conducted a house inspection in Melbourne and came across an engaged pier that had detached from the main wall.

An inspection of the sub floor is essential during any building inspection as this is where many defects can surface that no one actually sees.  The photo shoes the defect and this is considered a structural issue and floor loads (bearers/joists) and wall frames all load onto the area of the permitter wall.  Roof loads sit on the walls and thus if this got worse or other piers detached the expense to repair would be substantial.

Fortunately this did not cause to much grief as the span between the other piers was small.  A brick layer would be required to re-attach the pier at a small cost.

If you are looking at buying a home, it is important to have someone qualified, knowledgable and experienced to assess before you purchase.