5 Steps in a Home Inspection Process
A new home is a significant investment that shouldn’t be taken lightly. That’s why home inspectors play such a vital role in the decision to buy or pass on a prospective new home. Since home inspection is so important, it’s equally important to understand the process of home inspection from the inspector’s point of view so that you know what to expect should you decide to hire one (and you should).
01. Meet the Inspector
A preliminary meeting with your desired home inspector is the first thing you’ll want to do after contacting home inspectors in your area. Not only will the inspector guide you through the process and alert you to things that they typically look for in a home, but you’ll also feel more at ease putting a face to the name.
Home inspectors need to have substantial knowledge of current building practices, but a good home inspector understands which corners are often cut during the building project and which areas raise red flags and which ones are manageable. As an added bonus, keep an eye out for a building inspector that previously worked as a building contractor. This experience is invaluable in identifying potential flaws in the home.
02. A Thorough Home Inspection
The home inspection itself is the most important aspect for the prospective homeowner and the inspector. A good inspector will thoroughly look at the following:
- Roofing (internal, external)
- Walls (internal, external)
- Doors & doorframes
- Subfloors
- Balconies, patios, and stairs
- Fences and exterior structures
- Cabinetry
03. Debriefing
After looking at the home, the inspector will be happy to answer any of your concerns and to explain to you in layman’s terms their first impression as well as any problematic areas that initially come to mind. This early analysis can give you a general impression of whether or not the home is a good purchase or not.
Be sure to ask plainly which problems are of concern, how long they would take to bring up to standard, and roughly how much it would cost. Knowing this information is a huge asset that can save you lots of potential headaches in the future.
04. Detailed Findings and Recommendations
Once the building inspector has completed the inspection, ensure that you’re provided with a detailed report which contains their findings and recommendations. Not only will an inspection report lay bare in black and white which areas will need to be addressed, but you should also be able to put together an estimate as to how much the renovations or repairs will cost. This will be a factor within any cost-benefit analysis of the home.
05. Ongoing Service Relationship
A good building inspector won’t simply hand you the report and walk away. Many of the key findings in the report may be unclear and you may not be comfortable knowing how to proceed should you purchase the home. Look for a building inspector that is willing to work closely with you to resolve any enquiries you may have so that you can go forward with your decision with confidence.
Building Property Inspections
With so much money going into the purchase of a new home, you’ll want to rest assured that you’re getting what you pay your hard-earned money for. Get in touch with the friendly inspectors at Building Property Inspections in Melbourne before making the big decision and let us guide you through the process confidently.
If you’re in need of reliable building inspections in Croydon, building inspections in Eltham, building inspections in Endeavour Hills, or property inspections in Preston, look no further. Our experienced team of inspectors will thoroughly assess the condition of your property, identifying any potential issues or safety concerns. With our comprehensive reports, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing the true state of your building.