Pre-Purchase Building Inspection Report

Pre-Purchase Building Inspection Report

For anyone lucky enough to be buying their own home the decision can be an exciting time but for many of us a very stressful experience and with today's property market fierce the competition of buying the home you want is extremely tough. Just when you think you have found the perfect home and before you have time to go ahead and think about the purchase along comes an extra 20-30 people at the open house also thinking just like you. Be ahead of the pack and have a pre-purchase building inspection report and here at APBI we have taken the stress away from you.

What is a pre-purchase building inspection report? 

A building inspection is just one check you can get done before buying a property.

Sometimes referred to as a ‘standard property report’, a pre–purchase property inspection report (subsequently referred to as a ‘building inspection report) is a written account of the property’s condition. It will include any significant building defects or problems such as rising damp, movement in the walls (cracking), safety hazards or a faulty roof. It is usually carried out before you exchange sale contracts so you can identify problems which, if left unchecked, could prove costly to repair.

Why do I need a building inspection report?

Benefits of getting a building inspection report done before buying a property are:

• knowing in advance what the problems are
• using the information to negotiate a lower price for the property ie. you may have to pay to repair some of the problems
• gaining specialist advice about any major problems and how they will affect the property over time
• The house is structurally sound
• Advise of any repairs / maintenance
• Check there are RCD’s across the electrical circuits and smoke alarms are fitted
• Identify any unsafe areas in the home

Look Beyond the Surface

Decorations, paint and wall paper can all add up to provide a beautiful looking home on the surface but you need to look beyond that to ensure there isn't a nightmare lurking behind the walls that could create major problems and cost you a fortune. Our clients at APBI are aware of the importance of a pre-purchase building inspection conducted by the highly qualified inspectors at APBI, all of whom have many years experience in the building industry plus relevant industry qualifications offering you the most comprehensive pre-purchase building inspection report in Australia. APBI have building inspectors located in all Australian cities including Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane along with regional centres such as Geelong so there is a building inspector located nearby to you.

There are some things you can do for yourself when inspecting a property

Check for water damage

Ensure there is no signs of moisture on any walls, especially walls that back onto the bathroom or laundry as there may be water leaks. Whilst this is not a structural defect, it can be a costly repair.

Check for mould

Whilst mould can sometimes just be a sign of poor upkeep and not enough airflow, if an ongoing problem, it can be quite expensive to have it professionally removed. It’s important to know the cause of the mould to ensure there is no health risk to your family

Check for large cracks

Cracks that are larger than 2.0mm in width or properties with excessive cracking can be cause for concern and advise should be sought from a qualified building inspector

Check inside all cupboards

Open all cupboards to see if there is any smell of dampness as damp smells can be an indication of rising damp or water leaks.
 

The Benefits of a Pre-Purchase Building Inspection

These are just a few things you can look out for, by yourself but It’s important when you’re interested in a home, you engage the services of a professional building inspector Why is it important? Because they can save you from major financial and emotional stresses. 

Don’t risk your greatest asset over a few hundred dollars, call APBI now

Note: A building inspection report is different to a ‘pest inspection report’. While a building inspection report should identify any visual damage that may have been caused by termites, it usually won't include termites or other timber destroying pests. You may choose to get a separate pest inspection report done before you buy a property.