Saurus Constructions

What do inspectors check during a pre purchase building and pest inspection?

A pre-purchase building and pest inspection focuses on major structural defects as well as an extensive analysis of pest evidence and future protection from pesky blighters, such as termites, which can cause untold damage. Below is a breakdown of what most inspections provide.

1. An overview of structural issues

This is the big one, as some structural issues are nearly impossible to repair without major construction work and can cause collapses that lead to injuries.

Buildings must conform to the Building Codes and Standards of Australia. Which means that, if you purchase a home or commercial building that does not conform to these standards, you will be responsible for the cost of bringing the building up to code.

2. Insight into necessary repairs

If you opt for a pre-purchase building inspection, you will find out exactly what needs to be repaired to bring the building up to where you’d like it or in needs to be, meaning that you’ll be able to ask for quotes from appropriate builders and tradespeople.

As a result, you’ll be able to put together a comprehensive budget for repairs and in doing this step, you may even be able to influence the price at which you offer, to purchase the home.

3. Identification of hazardous areas

A pre-purchase building inspection will also reveal any areas of the home that are unsafe. For example, it might highlight the presence of asbestos and other dangerous materials, or pinpoint missing railings and cracks in walls.

Being made aware of such vulnerabilities allows you to make an informed decision on whether to buy the home.

4. Evaluation of miscellaneous structures

The building itself is not the only part of a property that may need the keen eye of a building inspector. Did you know sundry structures such as sheds and patios also must also be examined?

Local council regulations often dictate where these structures can be built, and so purchasing a building that does not conform to these regulations could mean you need to tear down one of these structures, which would be particularly bad news if their existence was a major reason behind your initially putting in an offer.

Should the inspection flag any particularly concerning issues, it’s worthwhile commissioning a more detailed assessment from an appropriate expert, such as an electrician, plumber or engineer, before making a final judgment call.

There is always a risk that your dream home comes with problems that you only discover after you move in. These faults can be difficult to identity if you don’t know what to look for and may be hiding behind cosmetic repairs. Also, any renovation that doesn’t meet Australian standards generally becomes your responsibility once you buy the property.

Therefore, it makes sense to engage an independent, qualified building inspector to check the property before you buy it.  Organising your own inspection is critical to ensure you are getting impartial and accurate information.

Saurus Constructions is an experienced and independent building company that provides written reports that list any faults with the property, renovations or extensions and provide an indication of whether they can be repaired.

Why do I need a building and pest inspector?

In the exciting process of buying a home, commissioning a building and pest inspection may seem like a tedious step, however it is a step that should never be overlooked.

Let’s look at it this way. Would you ever buy a car without having a roadworthy test? Same goes for houses – buying a house without a building a pest inspection is a recipe for disaster.

There are many hidden issues within a home’s walls, ceilings, and subfloors, and it takes a professional building and pest inspector to find them and advise appropriate next steps.

By shining a light on a property’s weaknesses, building and pest inspections can save new homeowners thousands of dollars. And, more importantly, they help keep people safe.

Here’s why a pre-purchase building and pest inspection is crucial.

What is a pre-purchase building and pest inspection?

Besides bringing you peace of mind, a pre-purchase building inspection is an assessment of a property’s condition that is conducted by a qualified inspector. This all-inclusive inspection covers everything from faulty roofs, rising damp and cracked walls to past, present and future pest damage. It generally includes information on whether these faults can be repaired and a general estimation of how much repairs might cost.

Buying a property is probably one of the most significant investments you will make in your life. Therefore, it’s important to make sure you are getting what you paid for. Organising a building and pest inspection is a fraction of the price to pay for peace of mind, and ultimately a lot less expensive than buying a home that needs extensive repairs.