Are you worrying about an upcoming inspection on your property?
Don’t worry, the inspector will neither pass nor fail your property during the inspection. Rather, your inspector will guide you in improving your property’s overall condition and attractiveness to potential buyers.
To educate yourself further about what happens during a building inspection, read on and get across exactly what an inspection will and will not cover.
What a building inspection will cover
A standard building inspection is simply an exploration of a property’s conditions, sometimes requested before a property purchase. The building checkup seeks to prove whether a property lives up to the standard building codes and will assess the building’s condition and integrity.
A licensed and certified building inspector will be responsible for conducting a property inspection. A detailed written account, also known as a building report, will be created by the inspector according to the result of his rounds.
Inclusive in the report is the summary of the methods undertaken in examining the building. Specifically, it contains an individual report on collective minor defects, visible major damages and safety hazards. Wherever a major fault or hazard is pinpointed, the building inspector will indicate its location and detail the reason why it is considered a major problem.
The inspector will also provide advice on what repairs to prioritise and how to properly remediate the problems. He may even suggest another specialist for a more substantial analysis, depending on the seriousness of the defect and how much it may cost to repair. This is to help shed more light on the severity of the damage.
Also read: Questions to Ask Yourself Upon Receiving a Building Report
A building inspection covers all reachable sections of the asset and excludes areas that are obscured or blocked. Some of the areas and items included in the building inspection are:
- Interior
- Foundations
- Exterior
- Roof space
- Under-floor space
- Roof exterior
- Pathways and driveways
- Garage, carport and
- Garden and shed
- Steps
- Fencing
- Electrical safety switch
- Smoke alarms
- Laundry
- Toilet
- Water drainage
- Stormwater run-off
Why is it important to property buyers
A pre-purchase property inspection is important to potential buyers because it assures that defects and non-obvious issues are properly reported. This can help prevent future significant problems and possible extra costs for damage repairs.
The building inspection is also beneficial to you as the seller. The report serves useful in applying immediate repairs or remedies before the selling date arrives. This way, you can show that the property is safe and sound which guarantees its attractiveness to a potential buyer and may increase your profit.
Therefore, having an inspection will assist both the seller and the buyer in arriving at a fact-based decision whether to renegotiate in terms of immediate repair costs, market value adjustments, or contract termination in case of severe faults.
Also read: When To Walk Away From A Property
How to prepare your property before an inspection
Whenever a building inspector shows up at a property, many sellers are fearful of what might be the end result of the inspection. Though a site inspection can be daunting for the seller, there’s no need to feel stressed or overthink possible negative feedback.
Instead, methodically prepare your property for the inspection and make it appealing to the scrutinising eyes of the inspector. To help you dramatically spruce up your property before an in-depth inspection, here are some simple tips you can either do on your own or let a professional do it for you before the inspection.
1. Check on the small details
- Repair or replace old or defective screens.
- Check for broken glass panes and replace if needed.
- Refurbish wallpapers.
- Clean, repair, or replace faulty gutters.
- Check hinges, latches, windows, and doors if operational, and properly tightened or sealed.
- Test light bulbs and repair or replace faulty wires.
- Make sure that the attic, crawlspaces, basement, and the garage are readily accessible.
- Clear away wood debris in and around the house that might attract pests.
- Seal cracks or possible external wall entry.
- Ensure clean and operational vents.
- Clean roof coverings
- Keep your dogs tied up or caged securely.
2. Run a “beauty enhancement procedure”
- Maintain the tidiness of the house.
- Wash up house exterior walls and windows.
- Free up curtains and shades for a more conducive atmosphere.
- Ensure an inviting and comfortable kitchen.
- Uproot bushes and trim tree stumps around the house.
- Tidy up your garden from dried leaves and other debris.
- Cut down tall grass.
- Pave holes on the driveway and pressure clean if needed.
- Re-paint or varnish wood furniture and exteriors.
- Make sure fencing is in good shape.
- Lessen if not eliminate the presence of moisture to avoid mildew.
- Ensure bricks are on point.
3. Guarantee safety procedures
- Test the efficiency of smoke detectors.
- Ensure safe electrical installations.
- Comply with the pool fencing standards.
- Ensure adequate outdoor lighting.
- Store flammable materials properly.
- Repair pipe leaks and reroute waterways away from the property.
- Have heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems professionally serviced.
- Fix plumbing faults on your bathroom, shower, sink, and toilet.
- Ensure that septic tanks and water tanks are operational and working efficiently.
4. Lay Down all Important Documents
In preparation for your potential buyer’s questions, in case they come along with the inspector, a complete portfolio of receipts, warranties, titles, and certificates at hand are useful. The portfolio must include:
- Title of property and other property-related certificates.
- Previous records of contractual repairs, renovations, or remodeling.
- Certification of ownership and its duration.
- Appliance warranties and service logs.
- Proof of billing and expenses record in the past few months
Never skip an inspection
If you’re planning to sell a property, make sure to get that building inspection
done. Follow this guide on how to pass your building inspection and you’ll have peace of mind during the whole process.
For property inspections in QLD, NSW, or WA, Inspect My Home can provide you with a professional pre-sale building inspection service to help you assess the quality of your property.
We have a team of licensed and experienced inspectors that can give you a detailed building report, whether you’re selling a residential or commercial property. Call us on 1300 337 447 or book online to schedule a building inspection for your property today.
