You need the right team around you when dealing with purchasing a building. For expert advice in building inspections, you have to go local and credible. The right company can prove invaluable knowledge and save you a lot of time, money and stress.
Figuring out what sort of condition a property is in before you purchase it is something that requires skill and a level of expertise that the right building inspector will be able to offer you.
What is a Building Inspection?
Before you buy a property, it’s highly advisable to have a pre purchase building inspection. This is an account of the current state of the property and will include whether there are any significant issues to be aware of such as a damaged roof or cracking in the walls.
A building inspector should always be qualified to Australian standards and ideally have experience in the type of building that you are asking them to inspect.
So if you’re looking for say a townhouse in Noarlunga, you’d want to get an inspection first!
Do They Have Professional Indemnity Insurance?
Another way to find out if your building inspector is right for you, is if they have professional indemnity insurance. They must have good insurance in place if you are to even consider them!
Word of Mouth
There are a number of people who may be able to help recommend the right building inspector for you:
- Friends and Family in the area
- Other homeowners on the street where you’re buying – don’t be afraid to ask them
- Your Mortgage Lender or Real Estate Agent
When asking people for recommendations for building inspectors, feel free to ask them things such as were the inspectors pleasant and accommodating, what sort of equipment did they use for the inspection, were they punctual and was their report easy to comprehend.
Qualifications Matter
Ultimately, purchasing a home is likely to be one of the biggest investments of your life. You want to make sure that the person who inspects it for potential problems is highly qualified and experienced. Do not be afraid to ask them for proof of certifications or to provide references of other clients they have worked for.
Equally, you want to make sure that the person who inspects your potential home has experience with the type of building that it is. If you’re purchasing a New Construction, try to find a building inspector with an expertise in this area rather than one who is known for their excellent knowledge of historical buildings!
Reports and Write Ups
It’s essential that you fully understand the report that is given to you by your building inspector. If you’re feeling anxious about whether you’ll be able to understand the information, ask for an example copy of the type of report that will be provided to you to check that you’re happy with the format and will find it easy to translate into what action needs taking.
A building inspector should be prepared to take the time to go through their findings with you and explain anything that is unclear or that you need clarification on.
Costs:
There’s no denying that the costs connected to buying a home can really mount up. It’s tempting to try to cut corners or find the cheapest person to do each job.
However a building inspection is a crucial part of the home buying process and by employing a cheaper inspector with fewer skills or less experience, you could end up with bigger costs in the long term if they miss something or make a mistake. Always go to the top end of your budget when choosing a building inspector.
Next post we’ll cover simple ways you can update the look and functionality of your investment property using custom made blinds or awnings from the team at Bob Burns Blinds.
