Whether you’re seeking a new home or selling your home, it is wise to enlist the services of a building and pest inspection service. Why? Because buying a home is one of the biggest financial investments you will make in your life, so it is smart to ensure you won’t run into any unexpected expenses after you seal the deal.
Likewise, if you are trying to sell your home, it is smart to know what issues might be hiding that could cause your home to sell for less than what it is worth. You can turn that around and make the necessary repairs or improvements that will boost the value of your home.
For buyers, property inspections can uncover potentially dangerous or hidden damages that may be on the property. It isn’t unusual for a builder (or DIY renovator) to coverup flaws and issues just to make the sale, therefore it is crucial to select a building and pest service that knows all those tricks of the trade.
If you aren’t sure what to look for, finding a building inspection service can be a challenge, since they aren’t alike. Here are five things you should know before selecting a building and pest inspection service.
- Are the inspectors qualified?
While you would expect that every building inspection service will have qualified personnel to inspect your property, there may be no formal qualifications required in your area of Australia for building inspectors.
That could mean that any person with a business card can refer to themselves as a building inspector. Some areas of Australia do have regulations and requirements for property inspectors, so it is important to know about those laws.
Take some time to check out the inspection service by finding out how long they have been in business. Also see if they have licensing whether it is required or not.
- Do they have expertise in the kind of inspection you need?
Different types of inspections require special skillsets. For instance, a pest inspection requires expertise in tracking and analysing pets, while a building inspector will have expertise in building and construction.
- Do they provide thorough inspections?
A comprehensive building inspection may take between 30 to 90 minutes to complete, depending on the complexity of the issues and on the size of the home. Generally, they are looking for:
- Electrical flaws
- Cracks in the walls
- Mould and leak stains
- Leaks, drainage, and other plumbing problems like water pressure
- Signs of a pest infestation
- The structural integrity of external structures
- The integrity of the roof
This is not a full list, but it gives you an idea of what they do. It is crucial that you have a detailed analysis of any pests that may be inhabiting the property, which will involve a separate pest inspection.
- Are they insured?
Professional indemnity insurance cover is what you should be looking for when you ask about whether a building inspection service is insured.
Your typical building and pest inspection service will also be a licensed builder, so they understand the nuances of solid home construction. While that isn’t always the case, it is good to know if any of their inspectors have building and construction experience.
- What about the inspection report?
You need to ask how long it will take to get your report and what will be included in said report. It is good to find out if they include color photos, impartial reporting, and a full report in a reasonable time. Some of these reports are 75 pages or more and should be provided within 48 hours.
Final Thoughts
Always read the testimonials and reviews, if provided, on the building and pest inspection company’s website. This provides you with invaluable information about their customer service and their integrity.
Before you make a significant investment in a home, consider having a building and pest inspection performed. It could save you money, time, and future frustration.
If you require a building & pest inspection or swimming pool certification please call our friendly team on 1300 883 806.