If you’re considering purchasing a property, it’s vital that you have proper inspection reports prepared before you actually sign the contract. These reports can help identify problems that can be very expensive for you to fix in the future. The type of report you require would vary based on the type of property you are purchasing.
If you are buying a house you would need a building and pest inspection report. On the other hand if you are investing in a unit, you will require a strata inspection report. These are two very specific types of inspections that examine the different features of these properties and can reveal different types of details. Let’s take a look at what the differences between a house inspection and a strata inspection are:
Building and Pest Inspection
During a house inspection, the building inspector will examine a variety of details about the site and the building itself. They will inspect various parts of the property to determine their condition and state of repair. Some of the areas the inspector will examine include:
- Exterior of the structure
- Roof exterior
- Interior of the house
- Roof space
- Underfloor space
- Stormwater run-off
- Paths and driveways
- Fencing
- Detached structures such as carports, garages and sheds etc.
The inspector will identify all the areas of damage as well as a potential problem features. They will also look out for signs of termite damage and visible signs of asbestos installations. In addition, the inspection report will detail areas that haven’t been inspected and also provide the reasons why they weren’t surveyed.
Make note that a building & pest inspection will not cover certain areas such as:
- Fireplaces and chimneys
- Plumbing & gas fittings
- Electrical wiring
- Appliances
- Air-conditioning systems
- Footings
There are a number of companies that offer building and pest inspection services. However it is important that you hire the services of licensed and experienced professionals that have a good track record. Most professionals would require at least 2 to 3 days of notice before they can arrange access to the property, with the vendor. In most instances, the prospective buyers need to pay to get the building and pest inspection done. However, there are times when the vendors would provide this.
Strata inspection
A unit inspection involves a different set of criteria than a house inspection. Aside from the physical condition of that unit, the inspector will also examine the strata agreement as well as certain aspects of the building in which the unit exists. Some of the details that will be looked at in a strata inspection include:
- Exterior of the unit
- Interior of the unit space
- Whether the strata scheme is in compliance with asbestos & fire rules
- Insurance for the building
- Other special levies
- Entitlements and voting rights
- Building reports
- Major expenditures & proposed major expenditures
- Quarterly strata fees
- Whether or not the structure is harmonious
A strata inspection will also look at all the copies of the minutes from meetings such as the owners’ corporation AGM’s etc. A strata inspection report is important because the apartment unit you’re purchasing doesn’t exist in isolation. It’s subject to all the rules & regulations governing the property in which it exists.
While a house inspection report and a strata inspection report examine different details, both of these are crucial for a property buyer. The few hundred dollars that you spend on getting these inspections done can provide you peace of mind and save you a significant amount of money in the long term.
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 and we will revert shortly.
Thanks for reading,
Inspect It First Team
1300 557 047