Much like a new build, any renovations and extensions must meet national, state and local building codes and standards to ensure the building is free of safety risks, defects and structural issues.
Things to consider when planning an extension or renovation
FAQ
What’s the difference between a pre-purchase and a renovation inspection?
A pre-purchase inspection focuses on the general condition of a property, including its structural integrity and the presence of any safety issues. By contrast, a renovation inspection is concerned specifically with the changes that have been made – or that you are planning to make to the property’s structure.
The purpose is to ensure that the renovation is completed to a reasonable standard – and to ensure that the work conforms to current Australian Standards, State and local building regulations and codes.
It is worth obtaining a renovation inspection in the following circumstances:
- You plan to renovate your existing property
- The property you are intending to buy has undergone renovation or remodelling
- You are buying a property with the intention of renovating or remodelling it – and you want to check that your plans are feasible.
How will the process be different?
A renovation inspection specifically targets the areas of the property that are going to be renovated (or, in the case of the purchase of a recently renovated home, the areas that have already been remodelled).
Similar to a pre-purchase report, the inspector will check carefully for safety risks, general structural issues and defects. Alongside this, the inspector will also check matters such as the impact of the new structure on drainage, floor & stump levels between the original building and the extension and any potential plumbing and electrical issues.
When should the renovation or extension be inspected? At what stage is it best to get professional help?
If you are planning a major alteration to your home, you should hire a renovation inspector before the work commences. You should then get the inspector to assess the progress as each project stage is completed.
This approach can help ensure that your contractors do not stray into a breach of the relevant legal standards and building codes. It helps stop minor issues turning into expensive problems along the way – and helps you make sure that any snags are rectified before you hand over final payments to your contractors.
If you are buying a property that has been recently renovated – or one that you plan to remodel post-purchase, you should obtain an independent renovation report before you exchange contracts.