Buying any sort of property can be an exciting, yet nerve-racking period of time. You want to ensure you are making a smart investment without any unexpected or unwanted surprises. In some cases, buying a home or property can in fact cost more to renovate or fix any overlooked issues, than the actual cost of the property itself. If you have little knowledge in the building industry, it can be easy to overlook issues without knowing what to be weary of. This is why it’s absolutely crucial to organise a pre-purchase building inspection before you make any major purchasing decisions. It’s probably the most worthwhile investment you could ever make and one that will guarantee you peace of mind, saving you money in the long run.
WHAT IS A PRE-PURCHASE BUILDING INSPECTION?
No matter what type of property you’re looking to purchase, it’s very important to have an expert examine the property to either conduct a house inspection or a building inspection prior. Most reputable pre-purchase inspection companies, will send a registered builder to visit your home. The experienced inspector will check for major defects, structural defects or identify any potential hazards. The inspector will provide an easy to read report and pinpoint any urgent repairs or renovations which must be done, along with the not so important areas and give you an idea of how much it will all cost to repair.
WHY DO I NEED IT?
Property inspectors are registered builders who have been trained in accordance with the Australian Inspection standards. What this means is, you have a builder who is well-equipped with knowledge and can identify any issue with your property, even if its minor, they will help you to make an informed decision before you buy. Sometimes even the smallest of issues can pose the biggest safety concerns and your house or building inspector will make you aware of everything you need to know. They are also able to safely access areas of the house or property you may not be able to. By knowing what potential defects the home or property has, you can even factor this into the negotiation phase, which could in fact save you thousands of dollars. The reality is, no matter how much you might think you know about buying properties, there will always be areas only an experienced inspector can pick up on.
WHAT DO BUILDING & HOUSE INSPECTORS CHECK FOR?
- Aim to check structural issues of the house or property
- Check for necessary repairs
- Check for fire hazards (e.g. smoke alarm tests, and any faulty electrical wiring)
- Look for issues on the interior and exterior of the home/building
- Potential hazards from the driveway, to the roof, bathroom, kitchen etc.
- Look for unsafe spaces of your home which might contain asbestos in the walls
- Check if the home/building is made of any other toxic materials
If you don’t have a pre-purchase inspection conducted on your home prior to purchasing it, you run the risk of buying a property which could potentially put your safety, along with the safety of anyone else entering the property at risk. You could also set yourself back thousands in future repairs or renovations. Seeking an experienced property inspection company, with exceptional knowledge like House Inspect Australia, will not only ensure you’re purchasing a stable investment, but also enables safety and eliminates any unexpected surprises.