With some real estate restrictions now easing across Melbourne and the rest of the state, the property market is gathering pace as we enter the busy spring selling season.
There are many ‘boxes to tick’ when buying a home. Arranging for a pre-purchase house and pest inspection is an important step to ensure your dream home is just that and doesn’t become a nightmare of worry and expense due to unforeseen problems and repairs.
Why Arrange a Pre-Purchase House Inspection?
Attending open for inspections will give you a good overall impression of the property for sale, and a feel for whether it meets your needs.
You may be able to identify some problems which are immediately apparent– but what about structural and safety issues which are not always obvious at first glance?
An independent inspector can carry out a comprehensive inspection including a thorough assessment of internal and external structural elements and the general condition of the property, including other structures such a sheds and patios.
Experienced inspectors will be able to see and record issues and defects that an inexperienced eye may not detect.
Your inspector can also offer advice or recommendations on how to tackle problems as well as things you can do yourself to keep your home in good repair.
The cost of a pre-purchase house inspection is a drop in the ocean compared to the thousands of dollars you may need to spend in repairs once you own the property.
Following is an example of a serious defect uncovered by our inspector in the course of a pre-purchase house inspection:
Inspection Type: Pre-Purchase House Inspection
Location: These images shows the stumps/brick piers. An inspection of the sub-floor framing revealed signs of movement and settlement.
Inspector Comments: ‘The stumps have been excessively packed (see arrow) and the floor throughout is out of level and undulating. The internal walls and external brickwork have excessive cracking. I would recommend engaging a structual engineer to investigate the cause of these major structural defects’.
Inspector Comments: ‘This stump is clearly not supporting the floor in any way. Further investigation found that this site was once marsh/swamp land and that other properties in the area have similar issues’.
Outcome: This contract of sale had already been signed, subject to the results of a pre-purchase building inspection. The prospective new owner opted not to proceed with the purchase after viewing the report findings.
Buying At Auction?
Arranging an inspection before the auction will give you the confidence to go to an auction as an informed bidder, with all of the facts and no nasty surprises once the gavel falls!
What’s Not Covered?
An inspection generally doesn’t include estimates for repairs or information on parts of the property that couldn’t be inspected. Keep in mind that plumbing, electrical wiring, gas and water supplies and appliances are not inspected- these must be checked by other relevant tradespeople. Thoroughly check the terms and conditions of an inspection contract before proceeding.
The Benefits of A Pest Inspection
If you are thinking of buying a property in an area prone to termites or other pests, a pest inspection can potentially save you thousands of dollars in potential future repairs. New homes are not immune from termite and other pest damage, and the signs are not always immediately visible.
The Home Inspection Hub can get you one step closer to signing off on your dream home with a pre-purchase house inspection from an independent and reliable inspector. Our experienced inspectors will check over 250 separate items and provide a comprehensive report with photographic evidence, which is emailed to you within 24 hours of your inspection. We partner with a fully-qualified and reputable provider – Crunch Pest Control – for our pest inspections.
Need more info?
Our Frequently Asked Questions page covers all the common questions about our services and booking procedures?
Ready to book?
Our spring promotion is now on! Book and pay for a pre-purchase house inspection before COB, Friday 15th October, and we will take $75 off your inspection fee!
Phone us on 1300 071 283 , email our knowledgeable booking team at info@thehomeinspectionhub.com.au or ask us for a free quote today.
