Problems and extra costs are avoided when you know the condition of the property before you purchase it. A pre-purchase property inspection report known as a building inspection report is the best way to avoid headaches and heartaches.
Building and pest inspections Melbourne offer the services you need to know if the property is sound or not. Having an inspection done helps you decide whether to proceed with the sale or get out of the deal.
Reasons to hire a building and pest inspections services
Some buyers may think that having a property inspected by a building and pest inspector is an extra expense they can do without. However, consider the following reasons before you judge it to be an unnecessary expense:
- A building and pest expert can advise you of any major problems about the property
- Lets you know about the problems of the property in advance
- Provides you a way to use the information as a negotiation tool to lower the price of the property
Contents of the inspection report
The condition, age, and size of the property determine the cost of the report. There are variations to the building inspection reports. Some of them will be in a standard format while a comprehensive checklist may be used by some. Customised reports can also be requested which may or may not include photographs. A report that complies with the Australian Standard is the most important thing.
Only a visual inspection is included in a standard building inspection report. Other hidden problems and structural defects may not be identified by the report. Additional assessment can be requested from a suitable and experienced building and pest inspector, structural engineer, water supply authority, surveyor or electricity supply authority.
Site information included in a building and pest inspection report
- Paths and driveways
- Garden shed, garage, and carport
- Stormwater run-off
- Separate toilet or laundry
- Surface water drainage
- Non-structural small retaining walls
- Fencing
- Steps
Areas of the property normally included in the inspection
- Site of the property
- The building’s interior
- The building’s exterior
- Spaces under the roof
- Spaces under floors
- The exterior of the roof
Other inspection requests
- Operable smoke alarms
- Visible asbestos problems
- Existence of an electrical safety switch
Things that will not be covered by a standard inspection report
- Parts of the property that could not be inspected
- Parts of the property that were not inspected
- Inspections that are beyond the expertise of the inspector
- Repair costs estimate
- Detection of termites
- Other minor defects
Things that are not normally checked and inspected
- Television reception
- Footings
- Hazards
- Concealed damp-proofing
- All windows
- Smoke detectors and electrical wiring
- Air conditioning
- Paint coatings
- Gas fitting, plumbing, and drainage
- Watering systems
- Linoleums and carpets
- Pool equipment and swimming pools
- Intercom and alarm systems
- Appliances such as range hoods, ovens, hot plates, ducted vacuum systems, and dishwashers
- Chimneys and fireplaces
Are you thinking of buying a property in Melbourne? If you want to get the best value for your money and not be surprised by any damages and unforeseen expenses, investing in building and pest inspections services should be your first step before acquiring a property.