Behind the facade of what seems to be a dream home, problematic issues may be lurking. Before spending hard-earned money on purchasing property, it’s imperative to have a professional building inspection conducted to ensure the home is in reasonable shape. Pre-purchase inspection reports can help uncover potential problems which may not be immediately obvious, thus saving purchasers from exorbitant hidden expenses in the long term. Building inspections are common practice when purchasing an existing home, but they can also be important for new constructions, renovation and commercial properties. Inspections may help to facilitate problem solving and building disputes, with the inspector acting as a neutral, unbiased third party.
Conflict of Interest – Because professional building inspectors should not provide repairs or service estimates, you can rest assured there will be no conflict of interest when it comes to the accurate reporting of potential issues. Building inspectors should be, by necessity, a thoroughly neutral party whose job is only to find and reveal things which may cause problems in the future.
Dispelling Common Myths – Building inspections can be a bit nerve-wracking, especially if sellers and purchasers aren’t sure what to expect from the process. Also, it’s important to understand a few commonly-held myths about the inspection process. First and foremost, a professional building inspection is intended to help potential buyers and homeowners uncover major faults, not to find every minor cosmetic issue. The roof and overall structure will be scrutinised in order to uncover any cause for major concern. An inspector will not give the property a passing or failing grade, instead they provide a thorough report on the actual condition of the property enabling the purchaser to make an informed decision by themselves but should ultimately state whether the property is structurally sound and free of significant or major defects.
What to Expect on Inspection Day – Over the course of a home inspection, the inspector will examine key aspects of the structure to ensure its soundness and identify any areas in which attention may be required. This includes the general condition of mortar joints, plaster, retaining walls, gutters, downpipes and roofing materials. An inspector will also ascertain the structural integrity of a home, and look for sources of water damage, water entry and drainage problems. Routine inspections include checking and examinations of storm water disposal methods. In most cases, the average building inspection will require anywhere from one to three hours. Very large properties may require a bit longer, but the entire process will almost always be completed within one to two days, including the return of a full report.
Choosing a Professional Building Inspection Company – To ensure a smooth and simple process, its wise to choose a reputable and experienced building inspector . The NSW government suggests choosing a building inspection company that utilises licensed registered builders , surveyors or architects who have extensive experience within the building trade. Ideally, a licensed registered builder will also be a member of the Master Builders Association or the Housing Industry Association. Also, look for an inspection company who are fully covered with professional indemnity and public liability insurance. They should be able to ensure the report is compliant with the Australian Standard (AS 4349.1) for Building Inspections, as well.
The ideal building inspection company will take the time to truthfully answer any questions you may have about the report itself, or the building inspection process in general. This includes going over the final findings of the inspection report, and any information relevant to the condition of the property. By choosing a reputable and experienced building inspection business, you’re guarding the largest and most important investment you’ll make
Houspect Building Inspections – Buy, Build and Invest with Confidence
08 9240 8855
