What Is A Building Inspection?
A building inspection primarily checks for defects in a property. Whilst it is not compulsory to have an inspection before you purchase a property, it would be foolhardy to proceed without one. In some instances, your insurance company and bank may even insist on it. If problems are found you’ll be able to organise specialist advice before you sign on the dotted line – and open negotiations with the seller to cover some of the costs for repairs.
What does a pre-purchase property inspection cover?
A building inspection is designed to cover very specific elements of the property.
A standard review will look for any defects in areas of your property including:
- The roof, guttering and roof space
- External walls, stairs and verandas etc
- Internal walls, floors, ceilings and windows
- Doors and fittings
- Carport and Garage structures
- Wet Areas
- Underfloor areas, stumps and foundations
- Driveways, retaining walls and paths
- Termite barriers/ant caps
- Structural issues
- Safety issues and violations
- Ventilation
- Limited inspection of services
- Evidence of tree damage, distortion, warping, twisting, water penetration, and many other issues.
An Action Property Inspection (API) goes one step further. All defect reports exceed Australian Standards with regards to the areas reviewed and also include free thermal imaging scanning, look for any moisture and also provide you with digital photographs. We provide an easy to understand report, with images demonstrating the issues, where possible.
What happens after a building inspection is concluded?
At the conclusion of an inspection, a detailed building report will be prepared regarding the condition of the property. Using the services of a quality company will ensure that all terms used in the report are easy to understand and completely accurate. Whilst it is not a requirement, API go above and beyond by advising how you can tackle any issues identified and providing time frames that the faults should be repaired within. This is essential information to help with your planning. The detail and accuracy of an Action Property Inspection report enables easier renegotiation to cover the costs of repairing issues discovered during the inspection.
Who is qualified to do a building inspection?
Before securing the services of a building inspector, ensure that they are qualified, fully licensed and insured.
When you are dealing with something that will no doubt be a large investment, you will want to ensure they have experience so that they know exactly what to look for and be able to find things that may otherwise remain hidden.
All building inspectors must hold a license with the Queensland Building and Construction Commission formerly known as the Building Services Authority. Don’t be afraid to ask to see the inspector’s license and take note of the expiry date.
A building inspection is an essential step in the purchase of any property. Don’t leave anything to chance. Seek the advice of the experts to give you the truth, and nothing but the truth.
This FREE checklist provides some questions you should consider asking any prospective building inspector prior to engaging their services.