Had a building inspection completed on a post-war raised home in Queensland and had this on the building report. Any ideas of the seriousness and costs involved in rectifying the posts? "SUBFLOOR Sub Floor - Other Defects or Issues: Details: The metal posts are rusting at the base. Treatment or repairs required. The under floor soil is damp. This may be due to a drainage problem or some other factor. Front drainage or water diversion recommended. The following action is recommended: A licensed builder should be called to make a further evaluation and repairs or rectification as needed."
Fixing the posts is not so big an issue.....can be as simple as proper anti rust treatment and bitumen/waterproof paint. Worst case is renew concrete post foundations and cut and weld new post sections....could be expensive depending on how many posts are beyond saving. The real problem is the drainage.... Where is the water coming from that allows the steel posts to corrode....??? No exterior drains or blocked...? That can be expensive. You need to get a better idea of the extent of the problem - did the inspector give any hints? Best get a trusted builder to check.
On old builder I knew swore by filling them with used oil. He'd drill a hole in top side of the posts and pour in used oil he got from a mechanic. Sounds good in theory, not sure about in practice
Typical building inspection report. Passed the buck by recommending further inspection. Could be serious, could be trivial. Marg
