Industry Insights

Building inspection: Facts and tips -

Written by Staff Writer | Dec 2, 2015 5:30:43 PM

If you’re planning on skipping building inspection, you might want to think it over again. Whether you’re renovating, building, or buying a new home, it’s important to ensure that the property is structurally sound. By hiring a building inspector, you can find out about existing or potential defects or damage to the property and save yourself from additional and costly expenses.

What is a building inspection?

Building inspection is basically checking the interior and exterior of a property, and it can be a quick inspection or a thorough investigation with a detailed report. Nevertheless, the procedure typically covers interior and exterior walls, windows and doors, roof space, roof exterior, underfloor space, and site inspection.

Site inspection includes any structure that can be found outside the actual house or building. Garages, driveways, retaining walls, drainage, and stormwater run-off are some of these.

If you want a more thorough pre-purchase inspection of a property, you might want to go for building and pest inspection services. This may be more expensive than the basic building inspection package, but this will effectively prepare you for possible pest issues.

Hiring a building inspector

Note that not all building inspectors offer the same service. They don’t have the same level of expertise so make sure that you’re hiring someone who is qualified to do the type of inspection that you require.

Typically, a licensed builder has expertise in the structural aspects of a building. Meanwhile, a structural engineer has more extensive knowledge in potential and existing defects, and a building surveyor can spot site problems that others may fail to notice.

Also, don’t forget to ensure that your agreement with the building inspector is put into writing. This gives you a form of guarantee that he/she will cover the areas that you’re most concerned about.

Tip: It’s not recommended to hire building inspectors whom real estate agents recommend. There might be a conflict of interest, and you may not get an objective report on the property.