pre-purchase inspections

Pre purchase home inspections are essential for anyone buying an existing property, a written inspection report is also useful to show prospective buyers if you’re planning to sell your house.

The purpose of a pre-purchase (or pre sale) inspection is to advise prospective purchasers on the condition of a particular building to assist them to make an informed decision with regards to its soundness and general state of repairs.

A house or building inspection covers the general condition of main structural components such as walls, roofing, storm water drainage system, floors and ceiling. May include plumbing and electrical, as well as doors, windows, built-ins, fences and outbuildings.

Basically, these inspections are based on the Australian Standard (AS 4349.1-1995 Inspection of buildings Part 1: Property Inspections-Residential Buildings). This is a broad inspection covering many different aspects of the property rather than a detailed inspection of a specific part of the building.

Our inspections are non-destructive and we take great pains to cause the least amount of disturbance. We inspect everything that we can see without moving, removing or lifting obstacles that impede visibility. Please note that we do not inspect appliances such as ovens, air conditioners, heaters and so on.

Also note that while we keep an eye out for termites this is not a termite inspection. Professional indemnity insurance does not cover termite inspections unless carried out by a appropriately licensed pest inspector.

the procedure

Ideally the pre-purchase inspection should be scheduled during the cooling off period (two days after contract signing in South Australia). In this case if the inspection is carried out on the first day of the cooling off period it is optional for the client to be present during the inspection even though we would strongly advise that they be present. If carried out on the last day of the period it is essential that the client be present and stays with us for the entire inspection.

You can sign a contract that is subject to a satisfactory inspection or have the house inspected prior to signing but we strongly recommend that you schedule the inspection during the cooling off period.

When an inspection is scheduled, we require unimpeded access to the property at the scheduled time. Usually we can contact the owner or real estate agent to arrange this but if not we'll ask you to arrange access at the scheduled time. Please note that if you are planning to accompany us during the inspection that the owner and/or the real estate agent must give permission for you to be there as well.

the report

A written pre purchase inspection report is usually available the day after the inspection and can be delivered by e-mail followed by a printed copy by regular postal mail. We strongly discourage asking for verbal reports as you will lose your right to claim against negligence unless a written report is provided.