Unless you’ve bought one before, you may assume buying a house is as simple as falling in love with a property, making an offer and moving in. However, to protect yourself and ensure you’re really getting what you expect, there are three types of inspections you should be carrying out before moving day.
The buyer inspection
From the moment you attend the first open for inspection, you need to have a game plan and a list of things you need to check. It’s easy to get swept up in pretty designs and staging, so take a checklist for yourself and tick things off as you go.
As well as the size and layout, you’ll want to look past the pretty façade and determine what needs work. Open all doors, cupboards and windows. Test the taps. Check out the ceiling and walls for any damage. Inspect the appliances. If you think this property could be a winner, take any measurements you might find handy – whether it’s for furniture or to help you compare with another property.
The professional inspection
Once you’ve decided this is a serious contender, getting a professional pre-purchase building inspection is a must. As well as the things you can see, an inspector will find the things that may be lurking under the surface. From structural damage to leaks and safety hazards, your property inspector provides that much needed expert opinion and line of defence to ensure you’re getting a quality property. After the inspection is complete and you have your report, you can make an informed decision and negotiate the price based on the findings.
The final inspection
The final inspection or the “pre-settlement inspection” is your opportunity to ensure you are getting exactly what you paid for and the home is in the same condition it was when you made your offer and signed the contract. If there were any special conditions or exclusions that were noted on the contract, you’ll need to check that these are being carried out.
It’s a good idea to take the contract along with you for the final check; this will remind you what was included in the sale. For example, were all window coverings and appliances included? If so, are they working?
Similar to your initial inspection, you’ll want to go room to room methodically. On tops of this you’ll want to keep a look out for any damage that has happened after the contract was signed. Wall damage can be common when previous owners move their belongings, so this may be something to look out for. Open all windows and doors, turn on all the taps, switch on lights, flush the toilet and turn on any appliances such as the air conditioner to make sure they work properly.
Once it has your tick of approval you’re ready to move in! Get In Touch to Receive your Open Home Checklist.
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