Does the thought of an impending building inspection leave you anxious and feeling ill-prepared? If so, you’re not alone. Many homeowners find themselves dreading the inspection when their properties are on the market. The best line of defence against this particular type of stress is to simply be prepared. In today’s competitive buyers’ market, prospective buyers can afford to be much pickier about the properties they settle on in the end. With more demanding attitudes regarding regular maintenance for older homes and higher expectations, homeowners are advised to make the most of their situations by doing their best to ensure a favorable inspection report. Here’s how you can do just that, helping to ensure your home makes the grade for a special buyer.
Understanding Building Inspections
The first step to adequately preparing for a professional building inspection is to simply understand what an inspection report is, and how it can affect the outcome of an otherwise promising sale. There are a number of misconceptions regarding inspections, one of the more common being that your home will get a “pass or fail” grade at the end of the process. This is not the case. A reputable building inspector is a neutral third party, and does not advise potential buyers to purchase or pass on a home. There’s no chance your house will “fail” an inspection, because the reports aren’t structured that way. The report will simply contain an objective, unbiased evaluation of the condition of your property. Any major defects, drainage issues or concerns will be noted in the interest of full disclosure, not to discourage a purchase.
Pre-Purchase Building Inspections: Getting Ready
While many homeowners will choose to wait until a buyer orders a pre-purchase inspection in order to avoid the expense, others find it helpful to have a report prepared as part of the selling process. Whether you’ve ordered an inspection report to share with potential buyers or you’re waiting for a buyer-ordered inspection to be conducted, it’s always a good idea to be prepared.
If you know there are areas of routine maintenance you’ve neglected, now is the time to address those concerns. Schedule a gutter cleaning, or take the time to clear your guttering yourself. Address minor repairs you’ve been putting off before the inspector arrives. It’s also a good idea to get organised and tidy up a bit, which will make your move much easier when your home does sell. Clear clutter out of basement and attic spaces so the building inspector has clear access. Make sure your fire and smoke alarms are in good working order, and replace any burned out light bulbs.
While it’s a good idea to handle routine maintenance before your inspection, don’t be tempted to secure fast and cheap repairs for more serious issues. This can raise some suspicion with buyers by sending the message that you’re actively working to hide defects. By sprucing up and organising a bit, you’re already ahead of the curve when it comes to your building inspection.
Houspect Building Inspections– Buy, Build, Invest and Sell with Confidence
08 9240 8855
info.wa@houspectwa.com.au
