Before you purchase a property, it is vital you are completely aware of the condition of the home. This will help save you costly renovations and fixes further down the line, causing needless headaches that could have been prevented.
The best way to ensure you’re clear about the state of a property before you buy is by having it undergo an Emerald pest and building inspection for pest control and structural damage. We’ve written this guide to these inspections so you are aware of the process
Positive Pest will require the inspection through the experts at the place. The studying of the damage caused to the place is necessary. It will help in selecting the right measure to stop the destruction and have the desired benefits at different places.
Pre-Purchase Property Inspection Report
One of the types of building inspections we will be referring to throughout this article is commonly referred to as a pre-purchase property inspection report. This is often a written document about the state of the building and should inform you of any problems with the structure, such as dampness, safety issues or problems with the roof.
However, this report is different to a pest inspection report, which will look at the visible damage that could have been created by termites or other building-destroying pests. This is another type of inspection that you need to have done before you exchange contracts as a new home owner.
Why Should You Get A Building And Pest Inspection?
There are lots of reasons why you should have your property looked at before you buy, and these include knowing what issues there are, the chance to negotiate a lower price if there are problems, and the chance to get expert advice on how the issues can be fixed and how much it would cost.
Choosing Suitable Experts For The Inspections
It is vital you hire someone who knows what they are doing to inspect the property. For the building inspection, they should be qualified as either a licensed builder, architect or surveyor.
For Emerald pest inspections, make sure you use a registered company and ensure they comply with Australian standards.
These entities should also have adequate insurance cover, in case it is needed.
What Is Included In The Reports?
Sometimes the building inspection reports will use a comprehensive checklist, although other times the company might choose to tailor the report specifically to the home. Factors such as the size and age of the home will influence the cost of both the pest and building inspections.
A building inspection will flag up the details of any problems, although if it is just a standard visual inspection it might not catch all the structural issues if they are hidden away.
A pest inspection should take a good look at the structure points of the building, and especially any parts of the home that are built out of wood, such as timber, as this is where termites like to hang out.
A thorough inspection should take over an hour. If the inspector is in and out in less than half an hour then it might be cause for worry that the inspection wasn’t thorough enough.
The Areas An Inspector Needs To Examine In A Building Inspection
A good building and pest inspector will completely look over all of the property, including inspecting the interior and exterior of the home, the roof space, the underfloor area, and the roof exterior.
In certain situations, as a potential homeowner, you might want to enquire about potential asbestos areas, problems with electrical safety and the smoke alarms.
It is not simply the home but the areas that connect to it that should also be looked at. These include the garage, shed, outdoor toilet, any retaining walls, outside steps, stormwater runoffs, and driveways.
Pest Inspection Reports
A good pest inspector report will discuss any areas where there are visible termite damage and activity within the property. If you are moving to an area where there are many timber homes, or where pests are known to be a problem, then a pest inspection is vital before moving in.
Having The Building Inspection Carried Out By The Person Selling The Home
Sometimes the people selling the property might decide to get the building report done themselves, so they can show it to potential buyers. However, you should be wary of these reports, and in most cases, it is important for you to get your own independent report carried out.
Why is this? Because if you purchase the property and then find there are issues with the structure of the building – problems that weren’t outlined in the building or pest reports – then you may have to consultant a lawyer. This can cause you a lot of undue stress and become a very expensive process.
Building And Pest Inspection Emerald Without Warranties Or Guarantees
Be cautious of service providers who cannot back up their work. Professionals know how to do the job properly and the last thing you need is to get a receipt for paying for a pest inspection where in 6 months didn’t really do the job and there is some “loophole” in the terms and conditions. Get it done right the first time.
The Many Factors To Consider When Buying A Home
A building and pest inspection are only one of the few things to think about when purchasing a home. However, these inspections are very important and should not be overlooked, otherwise, you could face problems later down the line that would’ve been very handy to have known about upfront.
