Although pre-purchase building inspections are one of the most crucial aspects to have performed before buying a home, it is also one of the most commonly overlooked. Many people think that the amount of money they will need to spend on having an inspection carried out will be a waste of money. However, it is strongly recommended that you invest in a pre-purchase inspection, as it will most likely save you thousands of dollars at a later stage.
What a Standard Pre-Purchase Inspection Entails
During a pre-purchase inspection, a property will be inspected for structural defects, wiring and other electrical issues, drainage problems and numerous other aspects. These can include, but may not be limited to walls, roofing, fascias, guttering, and flashings, chimneys, down pipes, air vents, garages, eaves retaining walls and much more.
The above mentioned items are not only checked to ensure that they conform to current Australian Standards with regards to health and safety; they are also carefully inspected to ensure that they have been constructed in accordance with local council regulations. In cases where parts of a building or additional structures don’t conform, you can be asked to either perform the necessary repairs or even demolish the affected sections.
In cases where properties were erected prior to 1985, it is strongly recommended that an additional inspection be carried out to check for the presence of asbestos or even lead-based paint products. Areas that are prone to flooding should be carefully checked for signs of water damage as well.
Who is allowed to Perform Building Inspections?
The two most suitable and experienced people who are permitted to perform building inspections are qualified building certifiers and qualified building inspectors. In cases where these inspectors come across serious issues, they can then in turn enlist the help of more specialized people who will be able to assist further.
When enlisting the help of a qualified building inspector or certifier, it’s also essential to see that they are able to provide you with a report that is easy to read and understand – many have report systems that can only be read and interpreted by fellow inspectors or builders. Another crucial aspect to follow up on is whether your chosen building inspector is appropriately registered or not.
Determining the Cost of Building Inspections
Various factors will determine the price of a building inspection. For example, the larger and more complex a structure is, the more the inspection will cost. Other factors affecting the cost include whether the home is situated in a regional or metropolitan area and if a pest inspections is being performed at the same time or not.
In most cases, though, potential buyers can expect to pay anywhere from around $300 to approximately $1,200 to have a pre-purchase inspection performed on properties ranging between $500,000 and $3 million.
Although a few hundred dollars may seem like a lot of cash to drop ‘just for an inspection,’ it will provide you with complete peace of mind in knowing that you’d be buying a property that is structurally sound. Contact us today to find out more about our inspection processes and pricing.
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