You’ve made an offer on a home, what comes next? Ideally you would have inspected the property before you started negotiations. Completing inspections before buying a house will ensure that you know what condition the property is in and then you will be able to factor in any anticipated future expenses in your offer.
Once you have a signed contract, you need to arrange to have the property inspected by qualified, licensed and experienced technicians. When evaluating your potential inspector, you should find out exactly what their report covers and what it doesn’t cover. Don’t be afraid to ask to see a sample report to ensure the property inspector services you’re signing up for are in line with your needs.
Found a property and want a professional’s opinion on whether it’s worth investing in? Get in touch with ASBIR, Brisbane’s trusted house inspection company.
Types of Inspections
The Most Common Inspections Before Buying a House
- Building inspections
- Pest inspections
- Pool safety inspections
- Solar system inspections
- Pre-Settlement inspections
Less Common Inspections Before Buying a House
- Electrical inspections
- Plumbing inspections
- Air-conditioning inspections
- Smoke detector inspections
- Engineering inspections
- Asbestos inspections
- Certifier inspections
- Septic inspections
- Fireplace inspections
Which Inspection is Required?
Your solicitor will guide you as to which property inspector services will best suit the property you are purchasing; however, it is vital that a Building & Pest Inspection is conducted.
You should write into your contract terms that will allow you to cancel the sale if the property receives poor inspection reports.
Our Recommended Inspections Before Buying a House
Building & Pest Inspections
It is wise and sensible to ensure that your inspector holds a current licence from the QBCC. Don’t be confused by some of the inspectors portraying themselves as licensed. The licence may just refer to the business or only refer to construction. A building inspector in Queensland must hold a completed residential building inspection licence with the QBCC. This is in addition to their low-rise builder’s licence.
You should also ensure that anyone advertising property inspector services is fully insured with not only Public Liability Insurance but also Professional Indemnity Insurance. Nobody wants to think that mistakes will be made but your right to claim for negligence or professional malpractice will be extremely hampered and complicated, and likely unsuccessful without insurance.
To conduct Timber Pest Inspections as part of the pre-purchase inspection process, the inspector must also hold a Pest Management Technician Licence. FYI: Timber Pest are Termites, Borers, Fungal Decay (rot) and Chemical Delignification.
Learn More About ASBIR’s Building and Pest Inspections.
Pool Safety Inspections
Currently in Queensland a property can be sold with or without a pool safety certificate. If a property is sold with a current pool safety certificate, the seller must give the buyer a copy of the certificate prior to settlement. A pool safety certificate is valid for 2 years.
If a property is sold without a current pool safety certificate, the seller must provide a signed Form 36 (notice of no pool safety certificate). A copy of this form is sent to the QBCC. This information will help you make a more informed decision about purchasing the property.
If you buy a property without a pool safety certificate, legislation requires you to get one within 90 days of settlement via a licensed inspector.
A licensed inspector will check that the pool is safe for use. They will make sure that the swimming pool follows safety regulations, such as signs and fences, and meets construction standards.
Solar System Inspections
If the home has a solar system, you should consider having a professional inspect it to ensure it is performing efficiently and safely. Only use an appropriately qualified professional such as a licensed electrician or a Clean Energy Council Accredited Solar Panel Installer.
The inspector should check at least following:
- solar panels are clean, secure, and undamaged, and no parts have deteriorated.
- vents are free of debris.
- switches are undamaged.
- wiring is undamaged and has not deteriorated.
- fittings and cables are secure.
- the isolator switches are not blocked off.
- emergency procedures for shut down and isolation are clearly displayed.
- all components are operation as intended.
The inspector should also check the inverter display panel for any recorded faults. You should also ask the sellers to provide the documents they have in relation to the system. This could include a warranty document (which may be useful in the event of any faults or repairs), and maintenance schedules as set out by the installer at the time of purchase.
Pre-Settlement Inspections
One of the most important inspections before buying a house is a pre-settlement inspection, which should be completed again 2 or 3 days before settlement. This inspection will allow you to make sure that the property is in the same condition as when you signed the contract. You should pay particular attention to any negotiated repairs or maintenance.
You should also check that anything you specifically included in your contract is present and in acceptable condition. Don’t forget to ask your solicitor if all other conditions of the contract have been met before settlement day.
Put Your Trust in Experience, Honesty, and Reliability
Before you purchase a property, make sure you have enlisted the services of a reliable and honest building inspector. If you’re ready to take the next step in this exciting part of your life, get in touch with ASBIR on 1300 553 007, via our online contact form, or feel free to browse our full range of property inspection services to arrange your inspections before buying a house.
