You always prefer trying outfits or shoes on before bringing them up to the cashier. You always scrutinize the quality of the baby food before your child eats it. Then why would you hesitate to get a pre-purchase inspection before buying a new home for your family which is a much bigger purchasing decision?
The building and pest inspection process is now standard procedure of a pre-purchase building inspection. No property is ever built perfect. With time and the forces of nature, this leads to dilapidation and subjective wear and tear. Most building check reports will outline a list of faults.
What are these issues and how detrimental can they become?
- Structural cracking: Movement of the footings or slab can often be a serious problem owing to the difficulties rendered with the rectification of these items. Ground movement, insufficient drainage, poor-construction or under-design may lead to issues with the foundation movement. Houses also undergo “settling”, wherein the entire pressure of the house makes it settle into the ground, causing hairline cracks.
- Water/drainage issues: Plumbing or sewerage inspection is yet another aspect to probe into. Fungal decay, water staining or standing water can each create their own unique issues if not promptly addressed on the spot. Water issues can arise from anything starting from the skylight to a leaking roof to deteriorated downpipes or gutters. Roof leaks lead to the decay of wood in the internal frames, thereby attracting termites.
- Termite activity: Even if there are no termites detected, most homes inspected will present conditions that encourage the growth of pests. The Queensland climate, being wet and warm, keeps your home damp. Usage of timber and wood in the construction can lead to disastrous results. The hidden nature of termite activity can mean a lot of damage if they are left undetected.
- Roof problems: Water damage to ceilings or a sagging roofline often entails very costly repair options. Replacing a roof is an expensive exercise, so it is important to get the building inspector involved in a detailed inspection.
- Mould: Poor ventilation options teamed with moisture can bring mould to your home. Black mould in the crawl space can lead to serious structural issues which can lead to lengthy & costly remedial measures.
Worried about your purchase decision? A pre-purchase inspection will give you the peace of mind to ensure the home that you purchase has minimal flaws, making it a sound investment.