Before you invest in property, invest in a house inspection. But not just any property inspection, one that is conducted by qualified professionals who independently verify the safety and structure of your intended home before you sign on the dotted line. At a time when your budget may be tight, considering yet another financial outlay may seem exorbitant. But consider this…
Good House Inspections Save You Money
Wouldn’t you like to get your hands on an unbiased detailed report complete with photographs, empowering you with information on the ins and outs of the house you are keen to purchase?
The power of such a document can actually end up saving you money in the long run. Let’s take a look at how a good house inspection can make you money.
Inspections can uncover hidden costs
When we visit an ‘open for inspection’ we very often get swept away with the ambience that is created by the homeowners and real estate team. A house on the market will always be presented in the most pristine manner with aromas and décor placement that work to tantalize your senses and give you that instant feeling of being at home.
You may walk through the property from room to room and imagine yourself and your family living there and enjoying the space. But there is nothing quite like having a complete stranger, with no vested interest in the property, dissecting every cupboard, corner, shelf and wall, purposefully seeking out problems. And this is exactly what the team at Action Property Inspections will do on your behalf.
Inspections are detailed and take time. Every available corner of a home will be analysed and critiqued and a series of photographs will be taken as solid evidence of what is, and what is not, present on the day. Every part of the home including the foundation, roof, perimeter of the property and even the surrounding outbuildings will be inspected. Let’s not forget turning on taps to check for pressure issues, flushing toilets, checking appliances and even window frames. Every square inch of your intended purchase, where accessible, will be closely scrutinised. That fresh coat of paint, scent of brewing coffee and puffed up pillows on the sofa are not going to distract from what’s truly going on with this home.
It is these hidden costs that will be uncovered and presented to you in your unbiased report. Armed with an analysis of what is considered cosmetic versus major structural damage, you can compile a list of future expenses should you decide to proceed with the purchase. Without this, these hidden costs could pop up when you least expect them.
How much money can a house inspection save you?
There isn’t a magic wand that can give you an exact figure on how much a house inspection can save you. The closest thing to having access to a crystal ball is access to a qualified house inspector. The depth of inspection can differ depending who you employ to undertake your pre-purchase property inspection, so it pays to choose well. The more specialised the inspection and the more experienced the inspector, the more you can and will save, depending on what is identified.
Plumbing – in and round the home
Whilst you may not witness a leaking tap or hear any strange noises when you run the shower, it’s the other tell-tale signs that can be of concern. Water stains inside cupboards or beneath benchtops, discolouration on walls or ceilings and even warped flooring can indicate plumbing concerns. Depending on the severity of the leaks, repair bills can lead into the thousands of dollars and require extensive renovations if there are resulting foundation problems.
Structure and foundations
Talking about the foundation, the structure of the home relies on a sturdy base so an inspection that identifies windows that are hard to open or close, cupboard doors that jam, or cracks in the internal or external walls can indicate some major problems ahead. What may look to be surface level could in fact be a very dangerous safety concern that makes the house a money pit to repair, or worse still, unsafe to reside in.
Roof – inspecting inside and out
No one knows what’s really hidden within the roof until it is inspected. Action Property Inspections examine more than the tiles. They will look at the chimney and surrounding flashing, the gutters and downpipes and the condition of the roof itself. Finding out you need to undertake substantial roof repairs months after settling on a property would be devastating given it can set you back many thousands of dollars.
Gain bargaining power during negotiations
A good house inspection can also become a powerful bargaining tool when it comes to negotiating the purchase price. Yes! It can save you money on the property of your dreams. Armed with an unbiased detailed report that spells out the nitty gritty details of the home, as a homebuyer, you are in a strong position for negotiation.
Depending on the issues uncovered, the severity of the repairs and the potential outlay needed to rectify them, you have the ability to stipulate that particular concerns are repaired prior to a deal being struck, or work to drop the price of the property in light of what you are required to outlay once you take ownership. You may find that the effort to repair the home greatly exceeds any price reduction. Depending on your intentions for the property a flawed property can work in your favour and allow you to get the best purchase price possible.
A house inspection undertaken by a professional qualified and reputable team will give you peace of mind. An easy to understand report will be presented to you at the completion of the comprehensive inspection, complete with images and details of what has been identified. Problems that are structural and significantly concerning as well as surface level maintenance will be noted.
This inspection will ensure that before you take the next step towards owning a property, you will have knowledge about all hidden problems and know exactly what you may or may not be required to outlay to rectify them. Organise a house inspection and save money!
