Building Inspections Tips for First-Time Home Buyers

Buying a home is a big investment for anyone, but particularly if it’s your first time. It can be easy to get overwhelmed by the experience and overlook issues. This is why it’s important to be thorough in getting multiple inspections done, including a building inspection. Spending the extra time and money on inspections can help you make an informed decision and spend your money wisely.

Why inspections are important

It’s easy to be taken in with the cosmetic and aesthetic appeal of a house. Beautiful hardwood floors might distract you from the cracks on the walls. A luxurious spa bath might make you overlook the mould in the shower and the disintegrating grouting.

Building inspectors, however, are experts at finding the less-observed issues with houses. Using their advice, you can negotiate the price of the house or decide if it’s not worth your time. A building inspector can advise you if repairs will be simple or extensive.

You may also not know what signs to look for when it comes to finding evidence of pest infestations. Pest inspectors can help make sure there are no hidden nasties.

Do your own inspection

Before hiring a building inspector, do your own inspection. You may have only briefly seen the property during an open house or this might be your first time walking through the front door. Completing your own inspection can help you decide if you want to proceed with other inspections or if you want to look at another property.

Your inspection should look at things like:

• Confirming all the windows and doors open and close properly
• Checking locks work 
• Looking for signs of water stains, mould or dampness on walls and ceilings
• Checking if ceilings are sagging or walls are buckling or cracking
• Checking the plumbing works properly by testing taps in the bathroom and kitchen
• Checking the state of floorboards, including looking for cracks and evidence of termites
• Testing light switches in each room for evidence of poor wiring
• Looking for any signs of regular maintenance or, alternatively, poor maintenance

If you can, bring along a friend or family member who has previously bought their own house or has worked in real estate. Ask them to help you look for the above issues and to give their opinion on the property.

Building inspection

Once you’ve done your inspection and you’ve decided you’re interested in the property, organise a building inspection.

Find a reputable building inspector – do not just use the one the seller recommends. Speak with friends and family for their recommendations. Organise for them to see the house soon.

The building inspector’s check will be thorough and cover things like:

• Interior issues: They will check all rooms, noting any damage to or issues surrounding walls, ceilings, doors, plumbing, ventilation and basic electrical.
• Exterior: They will check things like the condition of the exterior walls and outdoor areas, including outdoor buildings and fences.
• Roof: They will look for mould or plant growth on the roof and in guttering, as well as any other concerns.
• Under the house:If the property has space under the house, for instance, a basement or extra storage area, they will also check the structural properties of this space.

If you have any concerns from your own inspection or particular concerns in general, ask the building inspector to pay special attention to these areas.

Pest inspection

A pest inspection is as important as a building inspection. Both these inspections can save you a lot of money on potential future repairs. This is especially important if the property is in an area where pests, including termites, are more prevalent, like near bushland.

Your pest inspector should be appropriately trained and will look for signs of a number of pests. This includes mice, rats, termites, wasps, bees and cockroaches. Their report will outline their findings and if you will need to deal with any pests.

Pest infestations can quickly become costly and hazardous. Termites can compromise the structural integrity of a home, while mice, rats and cockroaches can spread disease. Pests can also be difficult to budge if they have been living in the house for a long time.

Final advice

With all the inspections over, you should now have enough information to help you decide if you’re going to buy the property. Don’t make this decision lightly – properties cost a lot of money, not just to buy but to keep well maintained.

If you are keen on the property but you have some concerns, speak with the seller to negotiate the price. You can also consider asking them to repair or fix certain issues before you would be willing to buy, for instance, organizing for a pest extermination.

Keep in mind that some repairs may have ongoing consequences, for instance, faulty plumbing can cause water damage over time.

Using trusted experts like building inspectors and pest inspectors can help you make the right choice when it comes to buying a house. Additionally, if you’re considering building your own home, a building inspector can provide important services like dilapidation reports.