Nearly 30% of Australian homes inspected by Archicentre Architects for pre-purchase inspections have some form of illegal building which could leave the buyers and vendors exposed to health or safety hazards, Archicentre said today. 

Archicentre South Australian State Manager Edward Lukac said, "Archicentre Architects conducting pre-purchase property inspections have found the most dangerous situations are where people have undertaken illegal wiring, plumbing, structural changes or the construction of balconies and decks on the property".

"In many cases home buyers could be forced to pull down or rectify illegal structures."

Mr Lukac said one of the major problems for home buyers is that many illegal building activities have been covered up or are in in-accessible areas such as under the floor or in roof cavities which require an expert inspection to detect any problems.

"Often illegal building is covered up with quick make-overs, however, all home buyers should check the paperwork and permits of recent building additions or balcony / deck constructions before purchasing a home. Where new wiring and plumbing has taken place on a property certification by qualified tradespersons should be available."

Archicentre conducts thousands of pre-purchase property inspections every year and many of these are requested by people who have previously purchased properties and after moving in have discovered major faults, many of which are related to illegal building.

Common illegal building signs uncovered by Archicentre Architects during pre-purchase property inspections include: