It can be so easy to overlook the benefits of a pre-purchase building inspection. When you’re looking to buy a house, there are so many things to think about – location, budget, schools in the area, commute to work. Once you’ve settled on a neighbourhood, and a house you love, it can feel like you’ve reached the end of a long road – you just want an offer accepted and a move-in date set. But before you sign on the dotted line, one of the most important things you need to consider is the condition of the property itself. After all, if you’re putting down hundreds of thousands of your hard-earned dollars, you should know exactly what you’re buying,
This is where a pre-purchase building inspection comes in. A pre-purchase building inspection report will tell you everything you need to know about the condition of the property and can help you make an informed decision about whether to proceed with the purchase. Real estate agents act on behalf of the seller, and there’s no requirement for a house to be inspected before it’s sold. If you don’t do your due diligence, you inherit all of the issues, including some the previous owner may not even know about.
A pre-purchase building inspection can save you a lot of money and stress down the road. Knowing the condition of the property before you buy can help you budget for necessary repairs or renovations. It can also give you peace of mind knowing that your new home is in good condition.
Some things a qualified building inspector can help you with:
- You’ll get an opinion from a West Australian Registered Builder on the condition of the property. A building inspector will be able to spot potential problems with the property, such as structural issues, rising damp, or leaky showers.
- You’ll be able to plan for future costs. If there are any maintenance items that need to be addressed, you’ll be able to budget for them in advance.
- You’ll be able to identify potential hidden moisture problems. Moisture meters can spot potential problems with rising damp or leaking showers that the naked eye can’t see..
- You’ll understand if cracking is due to normal settlement or a major structural issue. This is important information to have before settling on a property.
- Potential timber pest damage can be spotted before it becomes a major problem. With Perth being high risk due to building on sand, this inspection is highly recommended no matter the age of the property
So, how do you go about organising a pre-purchase building inspection for the property you’ve got your eye on?
If you’re making an offer, speak to the agent about adding the standard REIWA Building Inspection clause. This clause means you can organise an inspection before you settle on your new home, and if any major structural defects are identified, this is the responsibility of the sellers to rectify.
At Westpoint Building Inspections, you’re dealing with the owner, operator, and registered builder. I have over 22 years of construction experience as a West Australian Registered Builder and have served 4 years on the Housing Industry Association of WA’s Technical Committee supporting our state’s building excellence. I know how a house is put together, and, more importantly, how it can come apart. I understand the root cause of problems, not just the symptoms. This means I can offer detailed building inspections with supported solutions for defects we find, along with having access to a network of industry trades, suppliers and consultants, so you can be confident you’re in safe hands.
To discuss a pre-purchase building inspection, or to book, contact David Davies from Westpoint Building Inspections on 0407 420 569 or send us an email.
