Making the decision to buy a home can be pretty exciting. Whether you want to get an investment property, a place closer to town, or maybe something bigger for your growing family, it’s one of the largest and most significant purchases you can make. It’s important to think carefully about this decision. You could very well be living in it for a number of years (if not your entire life). Knowing if it can withstand the test of time is a must. A pre purchase building and pest inspection isn’t something new but unfortunately, a number of people choose to forgo it.
There are a number of things to check in a potential house. It’s always a good idea to get a professional to perform the relevant checks. Yes, it will cost you a few hundred dollars, but it’s worth the extra expenditure as opposed to ending up with a nightmare on your hands.
Here are a few pointers that can guide you on your next house purchase.
Building Inspection – What’s going on?
If a house looks good, then it must be good! Right?
What’s better than a keen eye is an expert’s opinion. A building inspection covers both what’s inside and outside the property. The latter includes the condition of the fence, windows, drains, gutters and roofing – even the shed if the property has one. This kind of inspection will save you from the shock of having to spend $40,000 to replace the roof like this unfortunate family.
The interior inspection is a bit trickier, but also very crucial. You have to inspect every room in the house. Cracks on walls seem to be quite common, but you have to know if the crack is easily fixed or if it’s cause for more concern. Just like your interior walls, there should be an evaluation of the flooring. Looking for if it is uneven or if the boards used are already springy. Moisture leaks and mould are serious issues and if they’re detected early it will save you a lot of trouble.
Pest inspection – Something bugging you?
Moving on to the pest inspection, thoroughly checking if a house has a termite problem is a must. It might not seem like a big deal or you might be tempted to remedy it yourself once you purchase the house. However, remember that it can be a recurring problem and often a silent killer. Homes with wooden foundations or floorboards are at risk, so this important inspection should not be overlooked.
Find Credible Inspectors
Now you know some of the details that you will find in a building and pest inspection report. But how do you know if the person you hired has done a thorough job? It’s imperative that your inspector is licensed, qualified and has professional indemnity insurance. Queensland is the only state that regulates this industry, so if you’re in another state it’s important to check this. Here are some things to consider when choosing an inspector.
Negotiating The Price
After getting the report and knowing how much you have to spend on the necessary repairs, it’s time to negotiate the price with the seller. Remember that not all properties have huge problems that will cost you thousands of dollars. The best way to get a reasonable discount is by showing the seller the amount you might spend on repairs, based on the building and pest inspection report you received.
Need More Information?
Get in touch with the team at Inspect My Home today to arrange an independent and comprehensive inspection of any prospective property. Servicing most areas through Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia, we will provide a detailed report within 24 hours of the inspection. Find out if we inspect in your area here.
If you need more information about our inspection services, give us a call on 1300 337 447. Alternatively, if you are ready to book an inspection, you can make a booking online.