Independent Property Inspections In Brisbane Are Essential
Independent property inspections are essential if you’re buying in Brisbane. Not all inspectors are created equal – and some have the interests of your real estate agent, not you, as their priority. Buying a home is a big decision. Read on to find out more about why it’s so important to go independent!
Conflict of interest
The most important reason to choose an independent party to inspect a property you’re looking to buy is that they can work without a conflict of interest. An independent pre-purchase property inspector’s responsibility is first and foremost to you as their paying customer. Their job is to fully investigate the property and assure you that the house complies with any relevant rules and regulations and that there aren’t any major issues that might cause you a headache in the future.
A real estate agent will be looking to make a sale, so you can’t really assume that they’ll give you the whole story about the history and condition of a property. If you choose a building inspector recommended by the real estate agent, there’s a risk that they may gloss over certain problems so as not to jeopardise the sale.
Experience, knowledge and know-how
When undertaking a property inspection, an independent perspective is crucial. You want to find a property inspector with experience and knowledge in the industry, so they’ll know exactly what to look for in a house of the age and design of your intended purchase.
A quality building inspector should be fully qualified, accredited and licensed with the Queensland Building and Construction Commission and hold adequate insurance. A builder or real estate agent do not fulfil those requirements. An experienced local property inspector will be familiar with common issues that occur in Brisbane and the surrounding areas, such as flooding or sun damage and specific kinds of pests.
For a reasonable fee, an experienced property inspector can pick up the things you won’t see but that might cost you a bundle in renovations or repairs in the future – especially if you’re caught unaware.
What to expect from a building inspection report
An independent inspector will identify any serious defects or structural issues prior to settlement. This will give you, as the buyer, the opportunity to ask the seller for repairs or a reduced price, or give you time to walk away altogether. You need to find an experienced and knowledgeable inspector because the scope of problems that could occur with any home is so huge. There could be problems with the roof, the foundations, leaks and mould, or even with the electrical wiring or gas. These can be costly and dangerous concerns and all need to be checked meticulously before a building inspection report can be made.
Many real estate agents will offer a basic structural report, but these simple documents do not guarantee the structural integrity of the building. You’ll want to avoid inspectors offering this as their only service. These simplistic reports are generally used to give the house a good rating to ensure the sale goes ahead. Independent inspectors will offer you a thorough, unbiased opinion and a detailed, unbiased report.
Personalised service
A pre-purchase building inspection should always be personalised. You’ll be buying a specific house, with a specific history and specific faults. Your inspection report should reflect the distinct issues of your intended purchase – a generalised, ‘tick a box’ report is not enough to give you peace of mind.
The inspection and the resulting report should be tailored to suit the age of the property. For example, with a recently built home, the property’s fixtures and fittings, as well as the cabinet making and tiling, should be thoroughly inspected to ensure they’re of a high quality. In an older home, the primary concern should be with structural faults that could lead to expensive repairs in the future, like damage to the foundations.
An independent inspector should also be honest about what they can and cannot verify during their inspection. If certain areas of the house are not accessible, such as portions of the foundations, concealed plumbing or gas fittings or a garage packed with clutter, your inspector should note that they cannot guarantee the condition of these facets of the house.
Similarly, if they have not turned on taps or tested the functioning of appliances like air conditioning or heating units, the report should reflect that. Some inspectors have no qualifications in areas like plumbing, but good independent inspectors will be able to recommend an expert if they notice concerns in that area.
Professionalism
Inspecting a house for purchase requires a level of professionalism and expertise you’ll find only in an independent inspector. Not getting an independent inspection done can be one of the most expensive mistakes you make – and yet, it’s one of the easiest to avoid. The quality of the inspection depends entirely on the inspector’s efforts, experience and professionalism. The way they present their report and the qualifications they possess are an important part of helping you to make a decision about the house you’re looking at. The industry itself is so unregulated that you really have to rely on your inspector. No one else in the real estate business has the skills, training and experience necessary for the protection of your interests.
Here at Action Property Inspections, we’ll provide you with independent property inspections anywhere in Brisbane, carried out by a fully qualified, experienced inspector. We have years of experience within the Brisbane property market and we know what to look for. Ensure your next home purchase is the house of your dreams with Action Property Inspections. Call us today on 1800 642 465 and book an appointment!