Pre purchase building inspections and 4 things you need to know.

A pre purchase building inspection may seem like one of the more tedious aspects of buying a home, but trust me, you will be thankful. It’s surprising how many people don’t think about getting a pre-purchase building inspection or even contemplate commissioning one, for the sake of saving a few hundred dollars. Some people believe that forgoing a pre purchase house inspection will speed up the buying process, but as you’ll discover, an inspection is essential for the following reasons:
1. Pre purchase building inspections consider the structural elements of a house. Inspectors access the roof space and subfloor. They assess the level of workmanship of the frame and closely look at the condition of the timber. Inspections cover the exterior walls, looking for cracking in brickwork or fungal decay of weather boards. The roofs exterior is inspected, including guttering, downpipes and the site’s general drainage status and effectiveness.

2. Pre purchase house inspections include assessment of all interior elements also. Inspections include plaster walls, floors, doors and joinery. They list minor defects in tiling deficiencies and make suggestions of any required maintenance.

3. Pre purchase pest inspections predominantly look for termite activity, however timber pest inspectors also search for borer activity and any fungal decay or rotting timber. Inspections cover subfloor and roof space, and generally includes a site inspection searching for any areas around the house that are conducive to future timber pest activity. A timber pest inspection will always make recommendations for the removal of any of these conditions and suggest time frames for future inspections based on the risk of the property.

4. Generally a pre purchase building and pest inspection in Melbourne will clearly notify you of the structural condition of the house. It will identify any minor defects and should make recommendations as to who is required to fix the defect.

In summary pre purchase building inspections can help you avoid purchasing a building with major structural issues – saving you major financial and emotional heartache. The average cost of a combined pre purchase building and pest inspection is between $500 and $600 and is well worth the cost. Contact us at Melbourne House Check here or call us on 1300 729 352 for further information.

Other pre purchase inspection articles:

The positives of a pre purchase inspection

5 Frequently asked pre purchase inspection questions

Pre purchase house inspections – Don’t risk not getting one

Why is it important to have a pre purchase inspection before buying?

You can view our Google+ post on these points here.