When buying or building, a home or investment property in Melbourne, having a pre-purchase building inspection done is an absolute must. You’re about to make a major investment, and your inspection will be the foundation for an informed choice. It’s like getting a car serviced before you buy it – you may still end up with an old clunker but you’ll at least know that it won’t sputter to a stop in the middle of the Westgate bridge!
A pre-purchase building inspection will provide you with an in-depth assessment of the condition of a property. By inspecting its foundation, plumbing, walls and structure, your inspector will be able to report on any major faults, defects or renovations which may impact the building’s value. In addition, they’ll give you peace of mind by checking for pests, dampness and safety risks.
Knowing what to look out for in a pre-purchase building inspection can be tricky, so in this post, we’ll look at what is involved, the costs and the benefits. We’ll also provide some tips on what to consider when selecting a building inspector in Melbourne.
What is a Pre-Purchase Building Inspection?
A Pre-Purchase Building Inspection, also known as a Structural or Pest Inspection, is a service provided in Melbourne, Victoria by building inspectors such as PADinspections, who assist buyers of residential and commercial properties. It involves an independent and qualified building inspector providing a comprehensive assessment and report on the condition of the property. By engaging in this service, potential buyers can be reassured that they are aware of any major structural defects or necessary home repairs before entering into a contract to purchase the property.
The analysis of a property with a pre-purchase inspection can provide some reassurance to both vendors and purchasers. For buyers, it offers peace of mind when investing in a property, knowing that their interest has been fully protected from any existing structural changes or safety issues that may exist within the dwelling’s structure. Conversely, for vendors, a pre-purchase building inspection provides documented evidence of the current condition of the property at the time of sale, so as to avoid disputes arising afterward from an unaware buyer.
Those who are investing in brand-new properties may be dissuaded due to their relatively low-risk factor – meaning that older buildings are typically where pre-purchase inspections offer the most value. While this may seem logical Patrick Dunne the owner of PADinspections has inspected many newer properties and although they might be newly built, there can be issues not picked up previously. Making the mistake of trusting the age of the building or structure to decide on whether or not to get a pre-purchase inspection could end up costing you dearly.
Ultimately, while not all investments require a pre-purchase building inspection, many residential property buyers in Melbourne find value in engaging in one of these services as they provide expert insights and help investors enter into contractual agreements with confidence. Moving forward, the next section will discuss who conducts these building inspections in Melbourne.
Who Conducts the Inspection?
When it comes to pre-purchase building inspections in Melbourne, it’s important to know who is conducting the inspection. Typically, a licensed professional builder or surveyor will be employed to carry out the job. Both have the expertise and experience required to evaluate the house from top to bottom and check for any structural issues or defects that may need attention.
It is essential to ensure that whoever is conducting your pre-purchase inspection is appropriately insured, has professional indemnity insurance, and preferably carries a valid contract of service endorsed by a professional accrediting body such as the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). This provides peace of mind that any recommendations made by the inspector are based on the correct information and best practices.
Regardless of what type of worker you hire for your pre-purchase building inspection in Melbourne, it’s vital that you undertake research beforehand to avoid having any surprises at the end of the process. Doing this ensures that you have chosen someone who is highly qualified and capable of delivering good results within the specified timeframe.
Having now considered who conducts pre-purchase building inspections in Melbourne, let’s move on to why this service is worth considering: Why is a Pre-Purchase Building Inspection Worth Doing in Melbourne?
- According to Business Victoria, pre-purchase building inspections are required for all properties purchased in Victoria and must be carried out by an accredited building inspector.
- A 2018 survey conducted by the Housing Industry Association found that 98% of buyers who undertook a pre-purchase building inspection reported that it was very useful and provided them with peace of mind.
- According to Australian Consumer Law, buyers are entitled to a full refund within 7 days of signing the contract if they can prove that the property was not accurately described in the sales materials or contract.
Why is a Pre-Purchase Building Inspection Worth Doing in Melbourne?
A pre-purchase building inspection is a worthwhile exercise for home-buyers in Melbourne, as it reveals key problems with the property that may not be obvious at first glance. Having an inspector check the property thoroughly and report on any defects found offers peace of mind to buyers by ensuring that they understand the exact state of the house before purchase. It also allows them to accurately plan their budget for repair costs or identify any areas of concern before committing to purchase so that they can alternative arrangements, if necessary.
Hiring an inspector can also facilitate negotiations between the seller and buyer over necessary repairs prior to purchase. Knowing exactly which breaches exist helps both parties come to an agreeable resolution that satisfies all involved. Home inspections are often requested before financial approval is granted, meaning they can help speed up the process and keep things running smoothly.
Identifying Potential Major Defects
When performing a pre-purchase building inspection in Melbourne, one of the most important components is assessing the property for major defects. This involves in-depth analysis to identify any defects or damage that could potentially alter the value of the property. It can help buyers to make informed decisions and avoid any costly repairs or unforeseen renovations post-purchase.
Inspectors generally assess potential major defects as either visible or concealed. Visible defects are ones that are easily identifiable on the surface – such as peeling paint, cracking walls or water damage. These should be noted during the initial walk-around inspection and taken into consideration when valuing the house. On the other hand, concealed defects are ones that can’t be seen until further investigation is conducted – such as structural issues, broken foundations or electrical wiring. These require more detailed and complex analysis and may need additional testing such as a termite inspection, non-invasive scan or a specialist to provide an accurate assessment.
It’s important to consider both visible and concealed defects when assessing a property, but they can sometimes present conflicting opinions. For example, an inspector might identify an aesthetic issue like rotting timber around the windowsills, while a termite inspector may differ on their opinion, revealing no traces of infestations or damage. As such, it may be beneficial to get a second opinion from another qualified professional if you’re debating whether or not to invest in a certain property based on what appears to be potential major defects.
The identification of potential major defects is essential for pre-purchase inspections in Melbourne as it can help buyers fully understand the condition of the property so they can make an informed decision before signing off on any purchase. In the next section, we’ll explore how much these inspections typically cost in Melbourne so you can budget accordingly.
How Much Does a Pre-Purchase Building Inspection Cost in Melbourne?
It’s important to consider the cost of a pre-purchase building inspection in Melbourne before making a commitment to purchase. The cost of an inspection ranges from $350 onwards, depending on factors such as the property size and age. There are many factors that go into the total price for an inspection, so it’s best to get an upfront quote where possible.
The cost of a pre-purchase building inspection should also be balanced against the costs of repairing significant defects which could be uncovered during an inspection. If a significant defect is disclosed and it costs more than the initial fee to repair, then having the inspection could prove beneficial in the long run. On the other hand, if major defects are not revealed, the buyer may simply have paid for peace of mind that was never required. Ultimately, it’s essential for buyers to do their own research, be realistic about what they can afford in terms of repairs and weigh up whether or not it would be beneficial to engage a qualified inspector.
Investing in a pre-purchase building inspection can provide purchasers with reassurance that their purchase is in good condition. As such, this leads us into our next section – what does a pre-purchase building inspection include in Melbourne?
What Does a Pre-Purchase Building Inspection Include in Melbourne?
When it comes to Pre-Purchase Building Inspections in Melbourne, there is a range of considerations to be aware of. Typically, a pre-purchase building inspection in Melbourne will encompass the visual assessment of various aspects of the building and its infrastructure. During this, the inspector will provide an objective and expert opinion on the condition of each element. These elements include, but are not limited to, electricity, plumbing, roof structures and drainage systems. Depending on the structure being examined, these inspections can also cover weatherboard walls, stumps and any structural components such as garages or sheds that may be included in the property.
The nature of this inspection is to reveal areas that need repair or potential issues that should be addressed. With this in mind, some may argue that it does not cover all elements of a full home inspection as it does not investigate for materials such as asbestos and/or mould growth. However, a pre-purchase building inspection provides essential information about the areas which have been visually surveyed and any issues that have been identified in the process. It is therefore important to be made aware of what is included within this before arrangements are made with an inspector.
Exterior Inspection
A pre-purchase building inspection in Melbourne typically includes an inspection of the exterior of the property being evaluated. Such an examination should focus on safety hazards and potential structural problems. Inspectors may also pay attention to cosmetic issues such as paintwork or landscaping, although these are not typically included as part of a professional evaluation.
Safety hazards should be carefully inspected before purchasing a property, due to the significant risk posed by collapsing structures or other life-threatening conditions. Any signs of rotting timber, loose tiles, weak framework, rusting metal, and so on all raise red flags which must be attended to.
Whilst it is important to note any external structural flaws, it is also necessary to consider potential environmental concerns too. If a property lies close to bodies of water, a quick check for signs of flood damage will provide peace of mind; likewise checking for asbestos and mildew can protect against future health risks if anything is found.
Immediate repair works and improvements can often seem expensive – but in the long run, this can prevent more serious problems from arising later down the line. Making informed decisions about the exterior of any prospective property is essential for a successful purchase.
Finally, it is beneficial for buyers to consider cosmetic features too. Keeping track of aspects like landscaping, paintwork and other external aesthetic qualities can vastly improve the value of the home in coming years; savvy buyers should factor this into their decision making – both before and after acquisition.
Ultimately, inspecting the exterior state of any house or building prior to purchase could save buyers thousands in repairs down the line – making many consider pre purchase inspections essential!
Interior Inspection
Uncovering the condition of a property’s interior is one of the key reasons to complete a pre-purchase building inspection. A home inspector should check walls, ceilings, furniture, appliances, and other fixtures and fittings for any problems such as dampness or infestations from pests. All potential safety issues will be examined, including smoke alarms, wall outlets, and door handles.
Not only does an interior inspection provide an insight into any potential for costly repair and maintenance in the future, but it can also give buyers the opportunity to determine if their dream property can be transformed into the type of living space they desire. Buying a property with loft conversions or extensions – while they may offer additional space – can often incur extra outlays when it comes to renovating to make them livable spaces.
An experienced inspector will also look at electrical installations and conduits, plumbing fixtures, air conditioning units and other central systems within the home to ensure all meet required government standards. Furthermore, appraising living spaces for any evidence of previous leaking appliances that could lead to mold or water damage being overlooked is important for prospective buyers.
Having this information available before signing a contract means that prospective owners can rest assured about their investment decision and make an informed choice about what conditions are acceptable.
Conclusion
Overall, pre-purchase building inspections can be a great way to ensure that potential buyers are aware of any potential problems with a property before purchase. In the long term, this could save the buyer thousands on structural repairs or even improve the value of the property if any defects or issues are addressed prior to purchase. As such, anyone considering purchasing a property in Melbourne should strongly consider getting a pre-purchase inspection as part of their due diligence.
On the other hand, it’s important to remember that pre-purchase inspections can be expensive and time-consuming, and the information they provide may not always be accurate. As such, prospective buyers should do their own research and take advice from trusted professionals before making any financial decisions based solely on the results of a pre-purchase inspection. Ultimately, it is up to buyers to weigh up all of these factors before deciding if a pre-purchase building inspection is worth the cost.
If you would like to a quote or learn more about Pre Purchase inspections you can contact PADinspections clicking here.
Answers to Common Questions
How much does a pre purchase building inspection in Melbourne typically cost?
A pre purchase building inspection in Melbourne typically costs between $350 and $500. This cost may vary, depending on a few factors such as the size of the property, whether or not it is strata-titled, and any special requirements. If a property is in an area that requires asbestos testing then this may increase the cost of a building inspection.
It is important to note that most inspections are fixed price, so be sure to get several quotes before making a decision. Always make sure you know what additional fees may apply and always ensure that the person performing the inspection is licensed and qualified. To maximize the value for your inspection money, use an experienced inspector who is familiar with local laws and regulations.
What do I need to prepare for a pre purchase building inspection in Melbourne?
If you’re preparing for a pre-purchase building inspection, there are a few key things you should do. First and foremost, it’s important that you familiarize yourself with the relevant Australian standards, codes and regulations pertaining to the type of building being inspected.
You should also ensure that you have all relevant documents on-hand, such as any certificates of occupancy or building plans. Additionally, it can be helpful to have a checklist of any defects or issues that you would like to be inspected.
Once at the property, it’s important to conduct some brief visual inspections before the inspector arrives; this will help set expectations for what areas may need further investigation by the inspector. Make sure that all access points to the building are unlocked or accessible and make a note of any other items that may need further assessment. Finally, don’t forget to take photographs – they can help provide additional insights into potential issues with the building’s condition.
