Hitting the $1 Million Dollar mark
If you haven’t been paying attention to the property market, you may have missed the news that Melbourne’s property market is predicted to hit the $1 million median mark by June. As a result, buyers are flocking to Victoria’s regional areas attracted by housing affordability and more relaxed lifestyle. New figures indicate that growth is predicted to continue, and as a result our regional cities are booming and prices are escalating due to demand.
We’re there for you
Being within reasonable commuting distance to Melbourne with more affordable housing and appealing lifestyle options makes our regional cities more than a possible consideration – they’re a definite possibility. Civil infrastructure upgrades such as regional rail are making Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong prime sites for relocation and definitely an attractive proposition for homebuyers.
As well as being available across metropolitan Melbourne, Houspect Victoria Building Inspectors are available in Greater Geelong, Bellarine and Mornington Peninsula areas, Ballarat, Bendigo and several other main regional areas in Victoria. To find your local inspector, click here.
Postcards from Geelong
With easy access to the Surf Coast and a commuting distance around one hour by train to Melbourne, demand is ramping up for homes in Geelong’s suburbs, particularly those located close to the train stations. These are the suburbs to watch. Whilst train line upgrades may cause some travel delays, in the long run, any improvements will make it a better experience for commuters – and relocation to Geelong may be an ideal and affordable journey to take.
Expansion vs Exploitation
Whilst growth is usually good news for those looking for affordable housing, it is important to proceed with caution when shopping for properties. Many developers seek to exploit the boom by mass-producing properties that are not up to standard. Use our DIY guide for what to look for in a property and to know when it’d be prudent to seek independent professional advice.
Whether you are considering buying, building or developing a property in one of Victoria’s up and coming areas, be fully informed before you take that step and sign on the dotted line. Houspect Victoria can provide for all your inspection needs with our team of fully independent building inspectors and a complete range of inspection services, including Pre-Purchase and Construction inspection reports and more, suitable for both domestic and commercial clientele.
Stage Inspections and Standards in Construction
If you are constructing a new home you will obviously seek a reputable builder who will build to your plans and specifications. However, even highly experienced builders make mistakes, or poor design can create problems and defects. It is important to have stage inspections to ensure that the project conforms to relevant building codes and standards.
Stage inspections are a crucial aspect of any new build or major renovation. An independent building inspector can provide a report before your builder moves onto the next stage, helping to ensure that any defects are caught early and can be rectified with minimal stress.
We watch out for you
Houspect Victoria inspections include detailed reports and photographs, with helpful references to relevant building codes. Our reports are thorough and include details about incomplete works and defects found during the inspection. You will receive information in an easily digestible format, including:
- Slab Down or Base stage
- Frame
- Pre-plaster (or alternatively Lock up)
- Fixing (when plaster, waterproofing and cabinetry is ready)
- Final (Practical Completion and Handover)
Our reporting is accumulative, ensuring any visible previous defects and concerns are re-checked and reported on in each new report. We also provide a FINAL inspection, referred to as a Practical Completion or Handover. We watch out for you.
Just before you go…
Stage defects can impact on the structural integrity of your new home or renovation. Whilst it is important to inspect a new build at every key stage, the final stage inspection is especially important. If you allow your builders to do a Handover leave the site before having a final independent inspection there may be dire consequences. You may not be able to move into your new home if it is discovered that work does not comply with relevant Victoria building codes.
Raising disputes with builders after the fact is typically more stressful than discussing defects that are discovered during a stage inspection. Builders are generally receptive to feedback from a stage inspection when it has been carried out by a licensed and impartial third party such as Houspect.
The Houspect Approach
At Houspect, our fully qualified builders are licensed by the Victorian Building Authority (Domestic Builder Unlimited, or INL which means they have the Diploma of Building Surveying). Be wary of companies that have inspectors with no VBA registration. They may say they are licensed but may be referring to their own internal company ‘licence’ which is not the VBA industry standard. It’s possible they’ve studied building but haven’t passed the rigorous VBA registration process.
Houspect uses an accumulative methodology. As we conduct assessments at each stage of your build, items are marked for review. This means that your building inspector will re-assess previous defects to ensure that the contractor has rectified the problem and brought the build up to expected standards. We use a checklist system that allows our building inspectors to provide a methodical report.
Houspect building inspectors take an impartial approach meaning all reports are based on the building codes and tolerances. This ethos helps homeowners and developers avoid unnecessary disputes with builders. We understand that a new build is stressful, so our core value of independent assessment based on building codes and practice can ease any potential tensions between the parties involved.
We handle any type of new build or renovation inspection. We aim to provide local communities throughout Victoria with access to professional services from a building inspection company with over 35 years experience. If you need stage inspections from a building inspection company you can rely on, whether in Melbourne or regional Victoria, reach out to Houspect on 03 9808 4000 or email info@houspectvic.com.au.
