A home is a huge investment, and you want to be sure that it’s in good condition before you sign on the dotted line.
A pre-purchase building inspection can help identify any problems with the property so that you can either negotiate for them to be fixed – or decide not to buy at all. You want to be informed about any issues that could potentially affect the value or livability of your new home or investment.
Read on to find out why getting a pre-purchase building inspection is so important.
What does a Pre-Purchase Building Inspection Involve?
Getting a building and pest inspection done is a vital step in the home-buying process, as it allows you to get an honest and unbiased assessment of the property you are considering purchasing, from the interior to the exterior, inside and out.
The inspection aims to identify potential problems or defects so that you know what you’re getting before making such a large investment. Some common issues that our Brisbane building inspectors find include:
- Structural Damage: This includes cracks around windows, doors and walls which can indicate structural damage caused by foundation movement or other factors such as tree roots, soil erosion or other issues.
- Water Penetration and Mold: A home inspection will identify whether there is any moisture damage, which can include mould and mildew. This may be caused by poor ventilation, a lack of insulation in the roof cavity, and leaks in plumbing or roofing materials.
- Electrical Problems: The inspector will also check for electrical problems, such as frayed or chewed wires due to rodents, and overloaded circuits. These constitute a hazard that could threaten your property and your family.
- Termite Damage and Wood Rot: Termites and wood rot can damage the structure of your house, and at Trimax Building Inspections we have the equipment and expertise to uncover any signs of this in your home. We use the Termatrac device to check for moisture in walls, and take note of any termite droppings, scent trails or mud tunnels that lead to where they live inside the walls.
- Roofing Problems: This can include leaking that results from aging shingles, missing tiles, or improper installation of flashing around chimneys, dormers and skylights. Brisbane storms can be fierce, so you want to make sure your property is waterproof before storm season begins!
- Plumbing Issues: We check for signs of plumbing leaks, even under the house where it is harder to see, and the condition of any flexi hoses under sinks (did you know these should be replaced every ten years?).
- Toxic Materials: Our building inspector will look for signs of toxic materials in the home, such as lead in the paint or asbestos used in walls or insulation. These can be a serious health hazard, especially if you have children, and quite costly to remediate.
Make an Informed Decision
A pre-purchase building inspection helps you to make an informed decision about what is potentially the most expensive item you will ever buy. It can help you avoid costly repairs and maintenance issues down the road, from plumbing and electrical to pest problems – or, if you decide to go ahead with the contract and major repairs are needed, you’ll be able to negotiate the sale price with the vendor.
If you’re looking to buy a new home or investment property in Logan, Redlands and Brisbane, Trimax Building Inspections is here to help. We’ll give you a complete report on the condition of the property, including photos, within 24 hours – call today to book your pre-purchase building inspection on 0418 433 533.