For current housing issues, please refer to the HIA website
Q. WHAT IS A "HOME INSPECTION"?
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation. Having a home inspected is like giving it a physical check-up. If problems or symptoms are found, the inspector may recommend further evaluation.
Q. WHY DO I NEED A HOME INSPECTION?
The purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment you will ever make. You should learn as much as you can about the condition of the property and the need for any major repairs before you buy, so that you can minimize unpleasant surprises and difficulties afterwards.
Of course, a home inspection also points out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. We will spend up to one hour with you on site to discuss any concerns that you may have about the property, this consultation is included in our fee. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the property you are about to purchase.
If you are already a homeowner, a home inspection may be used to identify problems in the making and to learn preventive measures, which might avoid costly future repairs. With the dramatic rise in property values it's a good idea to protect your investment by having a regular inspection every 2-3 years.
If you are planning to sell your home, you may wish to have an inspection prior to placing your home on the market. This will give you a better understanding of conditions which may be discovered by the buyer's inspector, and an opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.
Q. WHAT WILL IT COST?
The inspection fee for a typical 3-bedroom house is $320. The inspection fee may vary depending upon the size of the house and the location, particular features of the house, its age, and possible additional services, such as specific item inspections.
However, do not let cost be a factor in deciding whether or not to have a home inspection, or in the selection of your home inspector. The knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth the cost, and the lowest-priced inspector is not necessarily a bargain. The inspector's qualifications, including his experience, training, and professionalism, should be the most important consideration.
Q. CAN'T I DO IT MYSELF?
Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector who has inspected many hundreds of homes in his or her career. An inspector is familiar with the many elements of home construction, their proper installation, and maintenance, and can also recognise dubious additions and workmanship. The Australia Building Code is constantly changing, your inspector should be aware of these changes and how they may affect the durability of a house. He or she understands how the home's systems and components are intended to function together, as well as how and why they fail.
Having the proper tools to carry out the inspection is another factor. Damp meters are very expensive instruments, without this tool a significant aspect of the inspection process would be missed. It is very important that the shower cubicles are inspected for damp, especially in timber-framed houses where significant damage can be done to the structure. The sensitive moisture meters that the inspector’s uses today are non-invasive and can check damp behind tiles without damage to the fabric of the home. Exterior walls and footings need also to be checked for rising damp.
Above all, most buyers find it very difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may affect their judgment. For the most accurate information, it is best to obtain an impartial third-party opinion by an expert in the field of home inspection. At Inspex all we do is property inspections - and devise and implement maintenance programs for domestic and industrial buildings. We are not affiliated with any Real Estate agents, nor do we solicit or tender for any building work, or recommend builders to our clients
Q. CAN A HOUSE FAIL INSPECTION?
No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of your prospective home. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what may need repair or replacement, however, he may advise that the costs of the repair work may make the purchase of the house a dubious financial investment.
Q. WHEN DO I CALL IN THE HOME INSPECTOR?
A home inspector is typically contacted right after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed; the inspection is performed within the cooling-off period. However, before you sign, be sure that there is an inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase obligation contingent and subject to the findings of a home inspection.
Q. DO I HAVE TO BE THERE?
It is not necessary for you to be present for the entire inspection, but it is recommended that you attend for the last half-hour or so. You will be able to observe the inspector and ask questions directly, as you learn about the condition of the home, how its systems work, and how to maintain it. You will also find the 12-page written report easier to understand if you've seen the property first-hand through the inspector's eyes.
Q. WHAT IF THE REPORT REVEALS PROBLEMS?
No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies problems, it doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. A seller may adjust the purchase price or contract terms if major problems are found. If your budget is tight, or if you don't wish to become involved in future repair work, this information will be extremely important to you.
Q. IF THE HOUSE PROVES TO BE IN GOOD CONDITION, DID I REALLY NEED AN INSPECTION?
Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with your eyes open as to the condition of the property and all its equipment and systems. You will also have learned many things about your new home from the inspector's written report, and will want to keep that information for future reference.
For
current housing issues, please refer to the HIA website
For any other questions you have feel free to contact
me.
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| www.InspexInspections.com.au Rod Parr Builder/Engineer ph: (08) 8298 8094 mobile: 0403 212 967 |
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