Making the Most of Property Inspections
When you have found a property you’re interested in buying you should inspect it for any sign of repair, maintenance or other problems that could be expensive to fix. Many people don’t notice the imperfections in their new home until after they have moved in.
Some of these can be minor problems but being extra vigilant about inspections in the early stages of a purchase can help to avoids costly repairs.
There are a number of things that you should investigate before you sign a contract of sale for a property. Not all problems may be obvious at the time but could have long term effects once the property’s yours. Here are some things to check when inspecting a property:
Mould
One of the biggest indicators of mould is odor. Buyers should note any musty smells in the home and also keep an eye out for any visual signs of mold such as mouldy walls, stains on the ceilings, internal or external walls, lifting tiles, peeling paintwork or pools of water. Mould can be caused by improper air circulation as well as water leaks and could mean problems with drainage or excessive moisture.
Pests
Having to commission a pest eradication company is a costly activity. Termite damage can be widespread. Blistering or bubbling paint, or mud splatters around door jambs and skirting boards could indicate termite activity. Make sure you inspect the roof and floor structure for any signs of insects as well as for dampness and rotting. Also check the condition of roofing material, including paintwork and guttering.
Water & Drainage
When you’re at the property, the best thing is to test the water. Run the shower and taps and flush the toilets. Listen out for any odd noises or rattling pipes and look for water discoloration as this could indicate rusting in the pipes. Check how long it takes for the water to heat up and how hot it gets. Check the septic system, ask how old the system is, the last time it was pumped and check if there’s any sign of surface leakage.
Drainage is also something to keep an eye on, a slow-draining sink could indicate a minor blockage in the U bend or be an indication of a bigger problem.
Electrics & Heating
One of the biggest concerns over faulty electrics is fire hazards. Fires can be caused over outdated fixtures and faulty wiring. So the key here is… inspect the wiring! Include the circuit breaker panel, fuse box and electric sockets. Also give the light switches a test.
If there is air conditioning, check that it works and note where the vents are. Check the heating system equipment, if it works and if there any fireplaces whether they work or they are sealed.
Structural issues
There are a number of signs that could indicate structural problems. Fretting or cracked brickwork, whether doors and windows open and close properly or are they warped could suggest structural issues as could sloping floors which may indicate that stumps may need to be replaced. Also check for dry rot and any cracked or broken roof tiles or sagging roof frames as this could result in costly roof repairs.
External signs
Often what’s going on, on the outside of the property is also a good indictor as to any notable issues. For example, check that large trees aren’t growing too close to the building as tree root systems can cause structural problems and clog water and sewerage pipes. Check to see if there are any common walls shared with a neighbour.
Check steps, decks, frames and porches for signs of rot, borer damage, termite infestation, salt damage, crumbling structures, concrete cancer. And note whether the downpipes and gutters are in good repair.
In Summary
It is strongly recommended that you make the sale of a property subject to receiving a satisfactory building inspection report. i.e have a home inspection before making an offer and a purchase contract is signed.
You should organise for this to be conducted by a professional. Surveyors, architects or building consultants can carry out a building inspection. The building inspection report will detail any potential repairs or maintenance that may be required and give an estimate of how much these are likely to cost. Be there when the inspection is done and ask questions, it is important to know what is being checked, why, and the condition of each area.
If you suspect that the property shows evidence of termite activity you can make the sale subject to a satisfactory report from a licensed pest inspector. If you suspect there are serious structural problems you can make the sale subject to a satisfactory report from a structural engineer.
If you do find anything that’s cause for concern, it does not mean you have to reject the house. You may want to weight up the cost of rectifying the problem over the price you offer for the property but make sure you get accurate estimates. Alternatively, a purchase offer can include a contingency clause that identifies what needs to be corrected before the sale is finalized.