Pre purchase building inspection is a visual assessment that uncovers potential issues, safety risks and maintenance defects on a property prior to its purchase.
An inspection can reveal illegal additions such as sheds or decks. Furthermore, it can identify asbestos or other hazards. It also allows buyers to renegotiate based on what their inspector uncovered during his or her assessment.
Preparing for the Inspection
Pre Purchase Building Inspections are an integral component of the property buying process, as they can have a profound effect on a buyer’s decision to buy, negotiations with sellers and additional specialised evaluationspre purchase inspection melbourne
Preparing for your inspection means clearing away any clutter that might obstruct an inspector from accessing various systems within the house and its systems, such as stored items, plant growth, rubbish bins or clutter in crawl spaces and basements so an inspector can check for leaks or termite damage.
Structural Mechanical and Electrical (SME) inspection is one of the most frequently performed pre purchase building inspections. This involves conducting an in-depth analysis of both structural integrity as well as plumbing, electrical wiring and mechanical systems in a home. An SME inspector with great reputation should be able to quickly spot any issues, make recommendations for repairs where necessary and verify compliance with regulations or codes that apply to it.
Choosing the Right Inspector
Your mortgage finances are set up, you’ve done some browsing of properties and you have found one you wish to buy. A pre purchase inspection may reveal structural issues, safety hazards and minor maintenance problems which you weren’t aware of before signing the dotted line.
Make sure to select an inspector with qualifications and experience in your region. Your real estate agent should be able to recommend someone, but don’t be intimidated into conducting your own research – read reviews online, ask friends and family members for referrals, check certifications and qualifications, etc.
Your building inspector should be open to answering any of your queries and inviting you to accompany them while inspecting the property. Although this might feel awkward at first, being present for this process is an invaluable opportunity to gain more information on the state of the home and learn how to maintain it effectively in the future.
Getting the Inspection Report
Pre-purchase inspections typically result in the production of written reports that include photos and comments by the inspector about what they observed during their inspection. They should also detail compliance with Australian standards and regulations, noting any areas which don’t conform.
Based on the level of detail you select, you may also receive information regarding repairs or maintenance needed. Be sure to read your report thoroughly – if unfamiliar with terminology used by inspectors, ask them for clarification of any terms used that don’t make sense to you.
A good report will identify issues that could erode the value of the property and highlight any repairs necessary. If repairs cost are significant, consider renegotiating the price to account for this cost; otherwise consider walking away from sale unless the seller agrees to address structural problems before you move in.
Getting the Inspection Done
Pre purchase building inspections provide an accurate evaluation of a property, outlining any major structural defects, safety hazards and maintenance concerns in order to assist potential buyers with making an informed decision as they evaluate whether to proceed with their purchase or negotiate with the vendor.
However, a home inspector’s report won’t inform you if renovation work was carried out without council consent – for this information consult LIM reports instead. You should request proof from the seller that their works have been carried out correctly, or check council records to see what else you can discover about this situation.
Some inspectors offer you the chance to accompany them during building inspections, allowing you to take photos and see problems for yourself. Although doing this may add cost to the overall inspection price tag, doing it gives peace of mind and helps you negotiate fair deals with sellers and landlords alike.
