How To Find The Right Building Inspector

A lot goes into property ownership; whether you are buying, selling or maintaining a property, it can be a complicated process to navigate. With so many considerations and moving parts, it can be easy to overlook the importance of a building inspection.

However, a thorough building inspection is a crucial step in this process. It provides a detailed assessment of the property’s condition, helping you identify potential issues before they become costly problems. And, by ensuring that you have a trusted and qualified building inspector on your side, you can make well-informed decisions and avoid unexpected surprises.

In this post, we help you understand how to find the right building inspector – from the benefits of professional inspections to the top factors to consider when making your decision.

The Benefits of Professional Building Inspections

When it comes to property ownership, investing in a professional building inspection offers significant advantages that go beyond just checking for obvious issues, these include:

Uncover Hidden Issues

Professional building inspectors are trained to identify problems that may not be immediately visible to the untrained eye. From hidden structural damage to termite damage and leaking showers, a detailed inspection can reveal underlying problems that could affect the safety and value of your property. By uncovering these issues early, you can address them proactively and avoid costly repairs down the line.

Provides Negotiating Power

Armed with a comprehensive inspection report, you gain valuable insight that can strengthen your position in property negotiations. If the inspection uncovers significant issues, you can use this information to negotiate a better price or request repairs from the seller before finalizing the deal.

Advice & Guidance

Beyond just identifying issues, a professional building inspector provides expert advice and guidance on the condition of the property. They can offer insights into the severity of problems, recommend appropriate actions, and help you understand the potential impact of any issues found. This insight is essential when making informed decisions about your property journey.

9 Things You Should Consider When Finding A Building Inspector

With so many building inspectors available, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. To ensure you make an informed decision and select a qualified professional who meets your needs, consider the following:

1.   Qualifications

Typically, there are no formal qualifications required to perform a building inspection, so it’s essential to ask potential inspectors about their industry experience and how long they have been in business. Ideally, your building inspector should be a Licensed Builder with a deep understanding of home construction.

Based in NSW, th BeSafe Inspections team consists of licensed builders and building inspectors with a deep understanding of construction and building standards. Our expertise allows us to identify issues that others might miss, ensuring a thorough evaluation of your property.

2.   Are They Experts In What You’re Looking For?

Not every property inspection is the same, and thus, requires different skill sets. Where a pest inspection needs an expert in pest tracking and analysis, a pre-purchase building inspection should be conducted by someone well-versed in the building and construction.

By ensuring your chosen inspector specializes in the specific type of inspection you need, you can be confident that they have the relevant knowledge and experience to provide a thorough and accurate assessment.

3.   Are They Thorough?

A comprehensive inspection typically takes between 2 to 3 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the property. This timeframe allows for a detailed examination to identify both major and minor defects. A building inspector should assess:

• Wall cracks
• Mould and leak stains
• Waterproofing issues
• Subsidence issues
• Structural integrity of gates and other external structures
• Signs of pest infestation
• Roofing

At BeSafe, our inspections are thorough and cover all accessible areas of the property. All our inspections meet Australian legislation and standards, including Standard 4349.1.

4.   Are They Insured?

It’s crucial to ensure that the building inspector you choose has adequate insurance coverage to protect you from any potential issues that may arise during the inspection process.

At BeSafe, we carry comprehensive insurance coverage that includes:

• Public Liability Insurance: This covers any damages or injuries that might occur to individuals or property during the inspection. It ensures that if any accidents or unforeseen damage happens, you won’t be held financially responsible.
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: This provides coverage in the event that a mistake or oversight in our inspection report leads to a financial loss for you. While these situations are rare, they safeguard against claims of negligence or errors in our professional services, ensuring that you receive fair compensation if an issue arises.
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: This insurance covers our team members in case they are injured while performing the inspection. It guarantees that any workplace injuries are handled with appropriate medical care and compensation.

5.   Do They Allow You Onsite During The Inspection?

Some building inspectors may be hesitant to allow clients to be present during the inspection, which can sometimes be a red flag. At BeSafe Inspections, we believe in transparency and open communication, which is why we actively encourage you to attend the building and pest inspection.

Being onsite during the inspection allows you to see firsthand how the inspection is conducted and to ask questions in real-time. Our experienced inspectors will provide you with a verbal report on the day of the assessment, walking you through their findings and explaining any issues clearly, ensuring you have a thorough understanding of the property’s condition and any potential concerns.

6.   Do They Offer Detailed Reports?

An inspection report is a crucial component of a thorough building inspection. It should provide detailed information on the findings from the inspection, including descriptions of any issues, their locations, and their potential impact. Additionally, high-quality reports will include photographs that illustrate the identified problems, helping you to visualise the issues more clearly.

We ensure that you receive a detailed and well-organized report within 24 to 48 hours after the inspection is completed. You can choose between a detailed written report, which provides an in-depth account of the findings and includes all necessary documentation and images, or a face-to-face discussion where our inspectors walk you through the report and answer any questions you might have.

7.   Do They Offer Guidance?

Post-inspection guidance is essential for several reasons. Not only does it allow you to review findings in-depth, but a reputable inspector will take the time to provide context, and discuss potential solutions or next steps.

When choosing a building inspector, it’s crucial to consider whether they offer post-inspection guidance and support. Be cautious of inspection services that either do not provide any follow-up support or charge extra fees for discussing their findings in detail.

8.   Consider Pricing

Pricing for pre-purchase inspection reports can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of inspection, the size of the property, and its complexity. While it might be tempting to select the cheapest option available, the lowest price doesn’t always mean you’re getting the best value.

When comparing pricing between building inspectors, focus on the quality and thoroughness of the inspection service rather than just the cost. Inspectors offering significantly lower rates might cut corners or overlook critical details, which could lead to missed issues that may cost you more to address later.

9.   Check Reviews

Lastly, when choosing a building inspector, take the time to read reviews and testimonials from previous clients. These can provide valuable insights into the inspector’s reliability, professionalism, and the overall quality of their service.

Key Takeaways

Choosing the right building inspector is an essential step in the property process. By carefully considering factors such as qualifications, expertise and thoroughness, you can find a building inspector who will provide a comprehensive and reliable assessment.

At BeSafe Inspections, we are committed to delivering top-notch building and pest inspection services in Sydney. Our team of licensed builders and experienced inspectors ensures a detailed, thorough evaluation of your property, providing you with clear, actionable insights and support throughout the process.

Don’t leave your property decisions to chance. Contact BeSafe Inspections today to schedule your building and pest inspection and gain the confidence you need to move forward with peace of mind.