Why a Pre-Purchase Building Inspection is Essential for Homebuyers

/in /by

Buying a home can be an exciting experience, and you should rightfully remain excited throughout the process but not at the expense of caution and due diligence. There could be a number of faults or defects – some obvious, some not – that could require remediation before moving in.

If you haven’t gotten a property inspection, you could end up having to pay out of pocket for these sorts of unforeseen problems, which means that it’s essential (even if it isn’t legally mandatory) to obtain a professional building inspection as a homebuyer.

Below are some of the key reasons why a building inspection is essential for homebuyers in Australia:

  • Identifying Structural Issues

Perhaps the most obvious reason why a building inspection is essential is because it can identify and quantify any structural issues with the building. This includes a thorough inspection of structural and non-structural elements on the home’s interior and exterior, such as cracks, problems with the foundation or load-bearing walls, mould or moisture, and problems with plumbing or the electrical system.

Knowing which faults/defects exist and roughly how much they will cost to remediate can make a big difference during the negotiation stages of buying a new home.

  • Detecting Pests and Termite Damage

It’s fairly well-known that we’ve got our fair share of creepy crawlies here in Australia, and that includes all sorts of rodents and termites that can cause not only a nuisance to homeowners but also hazards to hygiene and to structural stability of the home. 

The signs of pest and/or termite damage are sometimes quite obvious, but sometimes they’re not so obvious (or worse, they may be hidden during any site visits). A building inspection can identify any such problems so that prospective buyers can account for fumigation or extermination, or negotiate the cost of these services with the seller.

  • Assessing Safety Hazards

Older homes may have safety hazards such as lead paint, asbestos, or problems with the gas or electrical systems. Newer builds must adhere to certain safety standards, but they can still come with potentially unsafe hazards due to neglect or incompetence. Either way, it is essential that a building inspector analyse and inspect the property for any possible safety hazards so that they are well-known to the buyer before finalising the purchase.

  • Estimating Repair and Maintenance Costs

As we’ve hinted at in the previous sections, knowing and identifying the types of faults/defects found during the property inspection is one thing, but it’s crucial for the buyer and seller in order to determine the cost of remediation. This includes any needed repairs and maintenance, which could be further broken down into essential (e.g. cracks in the foundation wall, presence of mould) and desirable remediation, i.e. not as essential (e.g. walls in need of a fresh lick of paint).

  • Importance of a Professional Building Inspection

A building inspection is not legally required in order to purchase a home in States and Territories across Australia, but that doesn’t mean you should take your chances either. In Victoria and the ACT, sellers are required to disclose any faults or defects, but it is still no substitute for a professional building inspection. A professional survey can possibly alert you to an undesirable property, or it can help during the negotiation stages of the property purchase. 

Building Property Inspections

Retain the services of building inspections in Melbourne today.

If you’re in need of reliable building inspections in Balwyn, building inspections in Blackburn, building inspections in Canterbury, or building inspections in Mitcham, 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.