Just as you would naturally take a car for a test drive before deciding whether to buy it, before purchasing a property you would not give a second thought to getting an independent building inspection, right? Given that buying a home, investment or business property is a huge financial outlay and commitment, it’s surprising that some people don’t use an independent building inspector who has no ties to the vendor or agent.
Using inspectors recommended by vendors and agents raises the risk of conflicts of interest and arguments over the veracity of reports. If you are borrowing funds to buy the property, the bank will need a building inspection to assess risk to their investment, so it’s best to hand them a report you trust.
Even when considering to sell your property, you can organise an inspection to warn you of any issues that might reduce your property’s value or make it hard to sell. Here are some key things that the inspection can tell you:
1. Structural Integrity
Unless you intend to demolish the building and start afresh, it almost goes without saying that structural integrity is paramount in any domestic or residential building. Ensure your building inspector thoroughly checks and reports all support structures for deformities and damage caused by the elements, ground movement, mould and pest infestation. As a seller, you will find out what (if anything) you need to do to increase the value or saleability of your property. Or, as a potential buyer, the structural integrity assessment will help you to avoid any nasty surprises.
2. Robust Pipes And Drains
Pipes and drains carry the lifeblood of a building, circulating fuel and essential fluids while quietly removing waste. Often, a problem can lurk undetected for a long time and only become apparent at the most inconvenient of times. As a seller, a detailed building inspection should uncover problems with your pipes and drains, allowing you to make repairs before it’s too late. As a prospective buyer, on the other hand, you will be forewarned and forearmed, helping to inform your buying decision.
Repairing blocked or leaky water pipes and drains doesn’t necessarily mean excavation or destruction. Drain and pipe repair professionals such as Nuflow Technologies use non-destructive methods to clear blockages and repair cracks and leaks while protecting against further damage and preserving the value of your property.
3. Pest Nests
Pests such as termites, rodents, cockroaches and possums are not only unsightly and sometimes noisy; they can also damage a building’s structure or create serious electrical hazards. Termites, also known as white ants, can slowly chew away at timber frames and supports. And repairs can be frightfully expensive. Rodents, meanwhile, have a well-earned reputation for gnawing through the insulation surrounding electrical wires. Although they usually come off second best upon reaching the copper, sometimes they satisfy their appetite for PVC and avoid a shock, leaving exposed wires behind and creating the risk of fire. A thorough building inspection should identify damage initiated by pests, enabling you to make decisions on further action.
The best way to be sure is not to risk it!
Image from here.