Pest and building inspections
Of all the boxes that need to be ticked as part of the purchase of any property, having a comprehensive pest and building inspection is probably top of the list.
Why? Because understanding what’s going on beneath the surface of a property offers true peace of mind during one of the most important transactions of your lifetime.
So what’s involved in pest and building inspections and what can they reveal?
What is a pest and building inspection?
At this stage it’s important to point out pest and building inspections are actually two separate assessments, but some companies offer them both as a single service.
Building inspection
The building inspection examines a list of things that includes:
- Structural defects
- Differential settlement
- Rising damp
- Mould
- Cracks
- Leaks
- Uneven flooring
The inspection encompasses both the property’s interior and exterior and can extend to outdoor areas such as patios, pergolas, garages, fencing etc.
It also includes an inspection of each room of the property along with the roof cavity, and the home’s finishes, fixtures and fittings.
Ultimately, its purpose is to identify any issues that are likely to cost you (the home buyer) money to be remedied.
Pest inspection
Pest inspections are designed to identify the current or previous presence of pests including termites, borers, and fungal decay.
Again, the purpose of having this inspection undertaken is to save you money in the long run.
Registered inspectors
When selecting a pest and building inspector, it’s important to ensure they are registered and licensed where required.
The company you choose should also provide you with a clear indication of exactly what they intend to look at and a comprehensive report at the conclusion of their inspection.
Not just for buyers
Although pest and building inspections should be a non-negotiable part of the purchasing process for buyers, sellers might also wish to have a pest and building inspection conducted prior to marketing their home for sale.
This allows them to identify any issues that might affect their property and have them fixed before their home goes to market.
The benefits of pest and building inspections
Make no mistake, a comprehensive pest and building inspection can save you very real money in the long run.
As stunning as a property may be to the naked eye, there’s a lot that goes into a home behind the scenes. And this is what pest and building inspections are designed to assess.
They’re looking at the type of issues that may not be obvious to a buyer (or seller) and may be costly to remedy.
Importantly, they offer peace of mind that the money you are about to spend on a dream home or investment property is in fact money well spent, and there are no nasty surprises that will crop up down the track.
Ready to buy or sell?
You can learn more about the selling process here, or reach out to our team of professional agents for advice here.
