Don’t rush into buying your new property!
You’ve probably set your sights on a particular property and labelled it “the one” while also hoping it doesn’t have any hidden faults and issues.
No property is free of problems, but as a buyer, you want to take note of certain alarm bells in your pest and building inspection report. Building and Pest Inspections are standard practice to identify any faults before you seal the deal.
Why you want a Building and Pest Inspection
Building and Pest Inspection should be part of any prospective buyer’s due diligence to help avoid investing in fault-ridden properties.
- Building and Pest Inspections help set your expectations regarding any problems with the property.
- Your Building and Pest Inspection report can direct you to the right experts if there is a need for a specialist.
- You can use the report to negotiate the price of the property, so you’ll have a budget for any repairs that may be needed.
Items on Building and Pest Inspection reports that may ring alarm bells
Structural Issues
Structural problems can cause massive financial headaches for a buyer because fixing them can cost you a huge amount of money. If your inspector sees serious problems with the structure, he/she may refer you to an engineer for a more detailed assessment.
Structural issues can include:
- Cracking associated with movement of the footings or slab
- Insufficient drainage
- Ground movement
- Under-design and poor construction methods
Safety Issues
Building and Pest Inspection reports can also reveal any safety issues in the property, even though the inspection is not a safety audit. Inspectors note any safety issues on the report and may recommend a professional to deal with the removal of these hazards.
Non-compliant Buildings
Building and Pest Inspectors will take note of non-compliant structures inside the home, like renovations and extensions.
The inspector will forward these details to a certified professional for further investigation. Non-compliant structures can have costly consequences if your local council orders you to rectify or demolish the building or parts of it.
Drainage or Water Issues
Water issues are among the most common problems that come up on inspections. Water issues can compromise a home’s integrity. Excessive moisture can also make your home a breeding ground for pests and can cause health hazards. Water issues usually stem from poor home maintenance like a leaky roof or poor plumbing.
Common water issues that can cause severe damage include:
- Standing water
- Fungal decay
- Water staining
Termite activity
You should look for any reference to termite activity in your report. Your Building and Home inspector should be thorough since termites are often not detected until the damage is visible.
Mould
Black mould typically found in basements and other areas can cause health issues like asthma and other more dangerous conditions. Mould removal can also be expensive.
Building and Pest Inspection should be part of any prospective buyer’s due diligence to help avoid investing in fault-ridden properties.