Looking to purchase a property but wondering if you actually really need a building inspection? The short answer is yes! The logical answer is yes! The potential to “save you from a world of pain” answer is yes.

The purpose of a building inspection is to have a qualified inspector cast their expert eye over the property. An expert inspector has the ability to see flaws that could potentially be hidden, or not obvious, to the every day person.

A building inspection is carried out on the property by a certified expert. The expert visually inspects the property for visible signs of problems, or potential problems. These problems can include:

• Termite damage (or other pests) which, left unchecked, has the potential to destroy your home
• Cracks in the walls which could indicate some movement in the structure
• Safety hazards which can pose serious risk to you or anyone using/living in the property
• Dampness. Dampness can indicate issues with the waterproofing or draining problems around the property

Any of these above problems can cost you thousands of dollars to repair, or the worst case scenario is that the damage cannot be repaired.

When should you get a building inspection?

As a purchaser, ideally prior to signing a contract, or ensure that the contract is conditional upon a building inspection being undertaken and has a satisfactory result. It is essential that it is carried out prior to settlement and the contract to purchase is conditional upon a satisfactory building and pest inspection.

As a seller, it is wise to carry out a building inspection prior to putting your property to market. This will allow you to identify any potential issues and have these rectified ensuring a smooth sale of your property with peace of mind.