When To Get A Building Inspection

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you will make in your lifetime. To ensure you’re making a wise decision, it’s crucial to conduct a building inspection. This is especially true in Australia, where environmental conditions like harsh weather and pests can affect property conditions. Here’s a detailed guide on when to get a building inspection as an Australian home buyer.

Before Making an Offer

Auctions

Buying a house at an auction carries a certain level of risk because the sale is irreversible once the hammer falls. To mitigate this risk, it’s crucial to conduct a building inspection prior to the auction date. This enables you to:

• Understand the property’s condition: Know about any structural problems, pest infestations, or maintenance issues that could significantly devalue the property or require costly repairs.
• Set your budget: With knowledge of any potential issues, you can better estimate any additional costs and adjust your bidding limit accordingly.
• Bid with confidence: Having a clear picture of the property’s condition can boost your confidence, helping you to make informed decisions under the pressure of auction bidding.

Engage a professional inspector who can provide a comprehensive report so that you have all the necessary information to decide whether to bid and how high.

Private Sales

In a private sale, you generally have more flexibility and opportunity to thoroughly vet the property compared to auctions. Here’s how to use building inspections effectively in private sales:

Ideally, you want to know what you are potentially buying into before you even make a price offer. Organize a building inspection to uncover any hidden faults or issues. This can inform your initial offer or even deter you from proceeding if the issues are too severe.

If you didn’t conduct an inspection before making your offer, you should definitely do so during the cooling-off period. This period, typically lasting a few business days after your offer is accepted, gives you a legal opportunity to withdraw from the sale if significant problems are discovered. This is a critical time to assess any issues identified in the inspection report and decide if you can negotiate repairs, a price reduction, or whether it’s best to walk away.

During the Cooling-Off Period

If you didn’t conduct an inspection before making your offer, you should definitely do so during the cooling-off period. This period, typically lasting a few business days after your offer is accepted, gives you a legal opportunity to withdraw from the sale if significant problems are discovered. This is a critical time to assess any issues identified in the inspection report and decide if you can negotiate repairs, a price reduction, or whether it’s best to walk away.

When Buying New Homes

New homes are not exempt from issues. Even new constructions can have defects that might only be visible to a professional. Arrange an inspection before the final handover to catch any build quality issues or non-compliance with building codes.

At Key Construction Stages

If you’re building your home, schedule inspections at key stages:

• Post-foundation laying
• Frame stage
• Lock-up/pre-plaster stage
• Pre-painting stage
• Final handover

These inspections ensure each construction phase meets the necessary standards and regulations.

For Renovation Projects

Before starting major renovations, have the existing structure inspected. This can uncover potential problems that could impact your renovation plans or budget.

In Response to Specific Concerns

Pest Inspections

In Australia, termites and other pests can cause significant damage. If you notice signs like wood damage or hear reports of pest issues in the area, arrange a pest inspection immediately.

After Natural Disasters

Post-disaster inspections are crucial to assess structural safety and integrity after events like floods, bushfires, or storms.

Legal Considerations

Regulatory Compliance

Ensure your inspector checks for compliance with local building codes and regulations. Non-compliance can lead to costly fines and necessary repairs.

Insurance

Some insurers require a recent building inspection report to provide or renew insurance coverage. Check with your insurer to see if this applies to you.

Choosing an Inspector

Select a licensed and insured inspector. In Australia, different states have different licensing requirements for building inspectors. Choose someone with good reviews and a strong reputation.

Conclusion

A timely building inspection can save you from future headaches and financial loss. It provides peace of mind knowing the property you’re buying is sound and secure. Remember to get an inspection at critical decision-making points, especially before making offers, during the cooling-off period, and when buying new constructions. Stay proactive about inspections to ensure the safety and longevity of your property.