Why Is a Building Inspection Important? What Is It and When Should I Get One?

If you’re looking to buy a property, there will be lots of things to consider. One thing that doesn’t change, no matter the property, is the importance of a building inspection. Since every building is so different, each purchase needs as much information as possible, so that you can buy with confidence and peace of mind. A building inspection gives you a better picture of the property and ensures you pay the right price, avoiding hidden costs or headaches.

What does a building inspection show?

A building inspection is a thorough visual assessment of the property you’re looking to buy. It goes beyond the surface inspection that you conduct as you walk through the place, and instead it asks deeper questions about the building. A building inspection is a professional visual assessment of the structure and readily observable condition of the property. It can uncover major issues to the building, such as:

• A movement to walls that may result in cracks to the walls.
• The state of the roof, and whether there are any weaknesses or gaps that could cause further problems.
• Rising damp in the walls which could lead to costly adjustments
• Termites in the wood and other pests in the building
• Other safety hazards

When should I get a building inspection?

There is no set rule about when you should get a building inspection, but here are some key steps in the process that you might want to consider:

• Before you sign a contract

  Getting a building inspection before you sign a contract may seem early, but it is the best time so that you know exactly what you’re committing to, plus it ensures you’re getting the property at the best price. Knowing all the ins and outs of the building means you can negotiate on price with confidence and clarity. Booking your inspection before signing a contract also means you won’t be doing extra work during the settlement period. Plus, if you do discover something that makes you want to back out of the sale, you won’t be in danger of losing your deposit.

• After signing a contract

  If you’ve found a place and already signed a contract, don’t worry, you still have time to do a building inspection. When you enter into a contract of sale for a property, in most states (and outside of auctions) you may still have time to back out of the sale, known as the cooling-off period. Getting a building inspection at this time can be crucial to give you a clear idea of what you’re buying, and any risks or damage you are taking on with this investment.

• Not getting a building inspection

  Anyone involved with property transactions would encourage that you make sure you’ve done a building inspection. For your own due diligence and peace of mind, it’s a dangerous idea to proceed with a sale without one. There will be cases where it works out, but the unknowns of each building can contain some very costly issues.

How do I arrange a building inspection?

We’re glad you asked, and we’re here to help. Rapid Building Inspections help countless Australian home-buyers like you, every day. We want to make sure that every customer can approach this big transaction with confidence and clarity. We love what we do, and we’re here to make sure you get a fair deal and a great property. Plus, if you’re in Western Australia our inspections are completed by a licensed builder to help make sure you meet the requirements for your Keystart loan. So give us a call today at 1300 407 341, and get the information you need from one of our team members.