Learn how to avoid unpleasant surprises by getting a pre purchase building inspection done before you buy!
Pre-purchase Building Inspections in Sydney
When someone puts a house or other building on the market, it will typically have been made to look its best. You can expect it to be very clean, and for minor damage like nail holes in the walls to have been fixed. However, this can very well be as far as the repairs have gone.
Newly-purchased structures often contain bad surprises, and they may be quite expensive. If you're not prepared for this, you can find yourself in a financial jam. You may have to come up with thousands of dollars for a new roof or to fix water damage inside of a wall. How can you prevent these problems? Easy. Hire a building inspector before you sign the purchase papers.
Building inspection Sydney involves a professional going to the location and examining the building or house inside and out. Here are some of the things the inspector will look for:
Water Ingress – Water can leak into a house from a large number of places. Common leak points include windows, doors, roofs, and balconies. Inspectors will also check for leaks at vents, chimneys, and other such openings. Signs of rot and mold will also be checked for.
Building Movement – Over time, structures settle on their foundations. Some of this motion is normal, but if it is too extreme or happens in the wrong way, it can mean expensive repairs are ahead. Inspectors have the experience to know when it's worth worrying about a crack in the wall, and when it's really okay to just refinish it.
Failing or Failed Infrastructure – During the quick walkthrough a real estate salesperson gives you, it's hard or impossible to know whether critical building components are working. Plumbing, water heating, regular heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems can all seem fine during those few short minutes. However, the prolonged use that comes with even a week's worth of actual occupancy can reveal a world of things to fix. An inspector can spot these problems without the surprise factor.
Intentionally Hidden Problems – Some unscrupulous sellers go to surprising lengths to hide problems in order to get their buildings sold. Good inspectors know the ploys, and make sure to look closer when they see any signs of tricks. Whether it's a cracked apartment building foundation with a conveniently placed drip tray, or a rotten part of a house that has been covered over with a new board, the experienced inspector will spot it.
Existing Bad Repair Work – When people fix things themselves, or hire unqualified help, bad repairs can result. These may technically work at the time, but may fail prematurely, be unsafe, or fail to meet code requirements. An inspector can let you know of any repairs that will need to be redone before they're safe and reliable.
Bad "Upgrade" Work – As with repairs, poor workmanship can lead to unsafe, unreliable, or code-failing results. Any upgrades like new lights, DIY-installed dishwashers, or DIY decks will be thoroughly checked.
Pests – Pest infestations can be very serious, and lead to thousands of dollars' worth of damage. Termites and other wood-eaters are some of the most feared pests, but inspectors will also check for other vermin that can be hard or expensive to eradicate.
Minor Damage – Scuffed paint, small holes in walls and doors, and scratched faucets may not be big deals by themselves, but with enough of them, it can still be costly to bring a house from "okay" to "perfect." Inspectors will report all of the little things as well as the big ones.
These are just some of the things that building inspection Sydney can find for you. Contact your local inspector to learn more.