For a large number of people, the most significant purchase they make in their lifetime is their home; and it’s never a good idea to hire an unqualified building inspector, just so you can save a few dollars. The unfortunate part is that Queensland is the only state in Australia that requires pre-purchase building inspectors to hold licenses. This means in all other states just about anybody without the relevant qualifications or license can claim to be building inspectors.
Building inspections are a crucial aspect of the property purchase and sale process; it gives both the parties peace of mind. A building inspection can also be used as a warranty on your new structure within 12 months, to fix any problems that arise in the construction. And so, before you dive right into the home purchase process, look for a qualified and experienced building inspector. There are a number of benefits to hiring a certified professional for building inspection, such as:
#1 Legal requirements
As per Australian Standard 4349.1., it is legally required for building inspectors to be licensed. These professionals will also have a good knowledge of the standards that are required to be followed in the construction industry, the Building Regulations, the Building Act, Building Code of Australia, and different Australian Standards within the construction industry.
#2 Peace of mind
When you are dealing with a qualified building inspector, you can rest assured that an accurate and legitimate report will be given to you. With almost 40%-45% of pre-purchase reports ending in disputes, it’s best for you to hire a qualified and experience building inspector and have peace of mind you are purchasing a property that won’t throw sudden problems in the future.
#3 Well-informed choice
The report given by a qualified building inspector will have a sound footing as it is a result of extensive industry knowledge from various building trades ranging from plumbing, roofing, tiling, concreting, landscaping, gyprocking and more. This allows you to make a well-informed decision when it comes to a property purchase.
#4 Discover hidden faults and damage
A licensed inspector uses various tools and the latest technology such as thermal imaging to identify if there is any structural damage. Termite damage is something only experts in the field would be able to identify. Termites are highly destructive pests and the damage they cause can be prohibitively expensive to fix; it’s important to find the damage or signs of termite activity sooner than later, by hiring the services of a certified building inspector. A building inspection identifies any hidden surprises that exist within the property; these can include:
- Structural cracking & movement
- Dampness
- Deformation
- Defective plumbing
- Timber pest damage
- Defective roof plumbing & flashings
- Poor quality or incomplete construction
- Defective/bridged damp-proof course
- Corrosion in trees & shrubs
- Inadequate subfloor ventilation
- Internal finishing and secondary element defects
- External finishing and secondary element defects
- Safety Issues
- Any items that the building inspector thinks could pose a safety risk
This is just a basic guideline and there could be a number of other issues that could be discovered when a building inspection is being conducted. A building inspection is an important part of the house buying process and it gives you peace of mind that you are making this investment with your eyes open.
If you want to know more about our services here at Inspect It First, don’t hesitate to call us at 1300 557 047 or contact us through our contact form.
Thanks for reading,
Inspect It First Team
1300 557 047