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Julie-Ann
21-10-2010, 08:24 PM
I have known several people who could have saved themselves an enormous amount of grief and money if they had used a Building Inspector when purchasing a home. This is something I strongly recommend. Insist on a satisfactory structural report being a condition of sale of the house.
I read this great article (http://www.homeloanfinder.com.au/home-inspection/building-inspectors/building-inspector/) recently on exactly what a Building Inspection involves and why you should have one.


There are many things to think about when you’re thinking of buying a property, either as your residence or as an investment. One of the most important things you need to consider is the soundness of the property, and that’s where a building inspector comes in. This article will explain some of the duties of a building inspector.

What is a building inspector?

A building inspector is a professional who carries out building inspections on residential or commercial buildings. Building inspectors specialise in the inspection of buildings and report on various aspects of the building.

Building inspectors are an important part of building or renovation a property. Their job is to inspect buildings under construction or renovation to make sure that the buildings are safe and that the building work has been carried out to Australian standards. A building inspector will provide a written report to give you do***ented proof of the condition of the property that has been inspected, giving you information about the general condition of the property and identifying any significant building problems.
You should to have a building inspector inspect the property before you buy to determine whether there are any building problems in the building that may need to be repaired. You can use the information in the building inspector’s report in two ways. If the inspection report reveals minor problems that may need to be repaired you can use this information as the basis of negotiating a lower price for the property. If the inspection report shows that there are any major problems in the building, now is the time to get specialist advice on how they are likely to affect the building in the future, and decide whether you want to go ahead with buying the property.


What does a building inspector look for?

A building inspector focuses on the materials used in the building, and the workmanship that was used in carrying out the construction or renovation. Among the main areas a building inspector will report on are:

Structural. The building inspector will inspect areas including foundations, walls and roof to check the structural integrity of the building and quality and suitability of the materials used in construction. It’s important that any potential structural problems are identified and corrected before they become safety issues.
Electrical. The inspection report will cover the electrical work that has been carried out on the property including compliance with government and industry safety requirements, and the inspector may give an opinion on whether the wiring installation needs upgrading to meet current electrical standards. The electrical installation of the building is important because faults can be dangerous as well having the potential to cause fires.
Plumbing. The inspector will provide an overview of the property’s plumbing and drainage systems. It’s important for the health of the residents of a building to have a safe and clean water supply and sanitary facilities. The condition of the plumbing and drainage systems are important because faults and failures can lead to leaks which undermine the foundations and compromise the entire structure of the building.
Evidence of pests. A building inspector will not find, treat or eradicate pests, but will inspect and report on visible signs of damage by termites, wood borers or other timber pests that could weaken the structure of the building.

Did you get a Building Inspection on your home?

yvette72
22-10-2010, 07:37 AM
yes julie-ann i agreed with you on this one use a building inspector or if you feel there is something wrong strurual use a sutural enginner(sorry cannot spell)When i worked in real estate always said get a building inspection and a pest report done.It save as from buying to property and lots of money.One had termites and the extension was leaving the side of the house, and the other property had strutral damage to the roof so it can save you lots in the long run

bubbles
22-10-2010, 09:05 AM
No we didn't.
We drove past the house a week before auction and I said no to it as it looked like to much work. I was right as usual.
Hubby decided that morning that he would go and check out the auction but had no plans to buy it. As we were house hunting he would often go to auctions to get a feel for the market.
He bought the house (well four walls anyway) without even looking inside the property :eek: as he got to the auction at the last minute.
But he fell in love:love it: with the location and the house. The structure was fine and it is on blue stone foundations.
I cried when he told me he bought it:(.. I have gotten over the shock now and getting used to the idea of living there.

Julie-Ann
22-10-2010, 09:13 AM
Oh Bubbles I would have to strangle my hubby if he bought a house without my consent. Thank goodness it is structurally sound- phew.