Pre-Purchase Building Inspections

Here at Adelaide Hills Building Inspections we understand that buying a property can be a stressful procedure, our team is there to help that your decision is made on informed grounds protecting you, your family and your investment from risk. Our expert team provides a fast, easy to understand pre-purchase building inspection report on Adelaide properties with detailed photographs, on your potential purchase covering the following:

  • Safety Hazards – including asbestos
  • Identification of major defects – aspects that require immediate attention
  • Identification of minor defects – expected property maintenance
  • Damage by Pests – including termite damage
  • Suggested Works – including relevant trade information
David marking some findings on his ipad.

FAQ

What is the purpose of pre-purchase building inspections?

In short, a pre-purchase building inspection is designed to give you peace of mind. It should give you the full picture on the condition of a property before you commit to buying.

  • The inspection gives you a ‘heads up’ on structural, safety and other issues that can otherwise easily be missed by the untrained eye.
  • It gives you an indication of potential future problems and helps you avoid being faced with unforeseen expenses further down the line.

It can boost your negotiating position, enabling you to cut through the real estate agent’s spiel and pitch your offer based on the true condition of the property.

What do inspectors check during a pre-purchase inspection?

Inspectors will check the following during a pre-purchase inspection:

  • Structural integrity. This includes identifying major defects (e.g. damp and shifting foundations) in need of immediate attention.
  • Minor defects and maintenance issues. Examples include problems with drainage, plumbing and wiring.
  • Safety hazards, including fire risks and the presence of asbestos.    
  • Damage by pests – including termite damage.

Should you have a building inspection before making an offer?

The building inspection should be done before the exchange of contracts. This can be either before or after making the offer.

Some buyers prefer to know as much as possible about a property before they give the seller their initial price. Others are happy to make an initial offer (and check to see if the seller is happy with it), but also to keep open the option of revising or withdrawing the offer depending on issues raised in the building inspection report.

Can you get a building inspection after auction?

It is definitely not recommended. However, some homeowners may choose to purchase a building inspection after an auction for general input into where they can improve their home for their own use or future resale.

What does ‘subject to building inspection’ mean?

This relates to situations where the buyer makes an offer before the building inspection report is available. You should always seek legal advice to ensure that your offer gives you enough wriggle room to pull out of the transaction or alter the terms of your offer, depending on the findings of the inspection.

What is included in an inspection report?

The building inspection report should include the following:

  • The address of the property and date of inspection.
  • The scope of the inspection.
  • Details of any areas that were not inspected and the reasons for this (e.g. issues with access), and, where necessary, recommendations for additional investigations.
  • A summary of the overall condition of the property as related to building code requirements and standards.
  • A list of problems currently in need of attention and issues that are likely to arise in the future.
  • A summary of suggested remedial works.
  • If necessary, recommendations for further assessment.