Imagine buying a house and then realising it’s a dud. It’s not so fun when you end up spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on repairs to your new property and can’t get your money back. Fortunately, there’s a way to avoid this horror scenario, and it comes in the form of a building and pest inspection report. This guide takes you through what’s involved with both types of inspections, including how much they cost, which parts are inspected and more. If you’re looking to buy a property then this blog is for you. Don’t let fate decide your future – instead, take the time and learn about buying a property whether it’s your first time or you’ve done it before. Hopefully, by the end of this, you can be well on your way to learning how to treat property like a business. Importance of building and pest inspections Due diligence is crucial to make sure a building is safe and sound. It is important for the property buyer to know what the property consists of, ensuring that there are no hidden concerns or issues that may lead to bigger problems in the future. When purchasing a property, it is important to ensure that the building and pest inspections are completed. No matter how old or new the property is, these inspections are essential in order to protect yourself from any unexpected surprises. This is where you get an inspector to come in and check the condition of the building, look for signs of pests or termites, and see if any major repairs or defaults are there. Let’s break this down into 2 sides, you have a building inspection and you have the pest inspection. Both of these are independent of each other but are both very important. A building inspection looks at the structure and integrity of the property, while a pest inspection checks to see if there are any types of pests like termites or rodents that may be damaging the property from the inside out. Building Inspector Let’s first talk about the building inspector. When looking for a building inspector it is also important to find an inspector who has the experience and qualifications necessary to do the job properly. Don’t be scared to call and interview your building inspector to ensure that you are getting someone who is qualified and up to date with the current building regulations. With experience comes knowledge so you would want to check the inspector has at least 5 years of experience and a full builders license. Pest inspector The 2nd person you need is a pest inspector or someone who has experience in pest management. This is important to identify if there are any infestations of pests or termites as this could lead to bigger issues and more expensive repairs in the future. Experience in pest inspections is also essential, so again check qualifications and license and we still would suggest looking for someone who has at least 5 years of experience in pest inspections. While these are 2 separate tasks, you can get an inspector who does both to save time and money. This will ensure that you are getting a complete overall evaluation of the property and can make an informed decision about whether or not to purchase the property. Let’s work with you using a professional that does both. Tasks for the building inspection You’ve found a reputable inspector, it is important to know what they will be looking for during the inspection. The tasks for the building inspection are as follows: Inspecting the building’s structure and materials to identify any defects or damages Checking for any water damage, cracks, moulds, and other forms of decay Identifying safety hazards like electrical faults and gas leaks Checking for signs of infestation or termite activity Inspecting the building’s systems such as plumbing, drainage, and ventilation Brief appliance testing such as water heaters, dishwashers, and ovens Providing a thermal image evaluation of the areas to identify any drafts or insulation issues You should also be aware of what is included in the pest inspection: Checking for signs of pests like termites, rodents, and other insects. Evaluating the property’s risk factors associated with pests. Inspecting the building for entry points that pests could use to get inside Checking cracks in walls or foundations for signs of termite activity Inspecting areas like under the house and inside cabinets for any signs of infestation Examining furniture and other belongings for any signs of pests or eggs Checking for any signs of water damage or mould that could attract pests Identifying any weak spots that may need repairs to prevent pests from entering the property Building and pest inspections limitations While understanding the importance of both building and pest inspections is essential, it is also important you know the limitations of these inspections. These limitations include: – The inspector may not be able to access certain areas of the building, such as crawlspaces or attics if they are blocked off or inaccessible. – In some cases, the property may be too old and have outdated building materials that are no longer in compliance with current regulations. – Pest infestations can be difficult to identify if there are not any visible signs or evidence, so it is also possible for pests to go unnoticed during the inspection. -They aren’t licenced for electrical, plumbing, gas fitting or drainage, so these areas and systems may need to be evaluated by separate professionals. -Some things, like asbestos, for example, may not be able to be picked up during an inspection. -It is possible that there may be more serious underlying issues with the property that are not visible during the inspection and can only be found through further investigation, such as a structural engineer. Obviously, we are starting to understand the roles which a building and pest inspection play on our property decisions, but at what point would you carry these out? Should arrange a building…
