If you’re preparing to buy a property in the near future, you hopefully already know that a pre-purchase inspection should be at the top of your priority list. However, in order to receive a thorough report that provides you with peace of mind, it’s important to know how to pick a great inspector you can rely on.
To help you in your search, here are a few essential questions to ask yourself when deciding on the right building inspector for your needs.
Are they qualified?
First and foremost – do they hold the necessary qualifications to conduct property inspections? Unfortunately, many building inspectors don’t hold any qualifications or training in the industry.
To avoid hiring someone substandard, it’s a good idea to inquire about their training. A trustworthy inspector should
• work as a registered builder
• have building qualifications
• be a registered pest inspector
• have years of experience in the professional building industry
What are their reports like?
The most important part of a pre-purchase inspection is the report you receive afterwards. From this report, you want to understand exactly what issues a property has, where the problems are and what may need to be done to rectify them.
A good report has a few key qualities:
• It’s comprehensive and thorough; a report above 70 pages is a good sign.
• It’s written in easy-to-understand terms; no professional jargon.
• It includes coloured images to demonstrate issues and details.
This report is what you’ll ultimately use to decide whether a property is worth buying, and it can even be used to negotiate a better settlement.
How thorough is their inspection?
It’s no secret that there are a myriad of issues that could affect a property and your desire to live in it. Structural problems, plumbing issues, pest infestations – while it may be a lot to cover, it’s important to check all boxes to ensure there are no underlying problems.
Before you choose a building inspector, it’s essential that you understand what areas of the house they will be assessing. Every company is different, and may provide a different scope of service.
Generally, you should make sure your inspector covers
• all interior areas
• all exterior areas
• the roof and ceiling
• flooring, walls and windows
• painting and plastering
• insulation and ventilation
• garage, patios, sheds, driveways and paths
• all cabinets, vanities, showers, tapware, toilets and other essential amenities
Are they willing to answer your questions?
At the end of the day, it’s important that you trust your building inspector and feel comfortable enough to ask any questions that might pop up. Your chosen inspector should be happy to go through your report with you and explain any findings that you are unclear on. This way, you can be sure that you’re getting exceptional value from your service.
