Why conduct a building inspection before buying?

Posted by Theblueprint on June 4th, 2013

As a first time home buyer it is important to really know what it is you are actually buying. The best way to know this is to complete a building inspection. The building inspection is an objective and professional examination of the condition of the property, providing valuable information about the biggest purchase in your life. It helps to determine whether there are any defects or issues on the property that you should be aware of and is the first step of three, of your Due Diligience when looking to purchase your home.

A building inspection will generally cover the following things:

· Electrical work on the property

· All plumbing and drainage

· Conditions of the windows and doors

· Any fittings and fixtures within the home

· All joinery (kitchen cabinetry, cupboards etc)

· Walls – internal and external

· Underfloor space

· Roof and roof space

· Driveways

· Retaining walls

· Outbuildings (sheds etc)

· Guttering and downpipes

If you wish for a more comprehensive building inspection, you can include areas such as cosmetic issues, if termites are present or estimated costs of repairs. You will need to ask for a Special Purpose Property report as well as a Pest Inspection.

Ensure that the building inspection is conducted by a qualified building inspector who is fully licensed and insured. To work this out, see if they have a website and gallery or a sample report. A sample report will show you exactly what you should expect from your contractor. Also ask them how long they have been conducting inspections and challenges they have experienced. This will provide a good indication of their suitability.

About The Blueprint:

TheBlueprint.co.nz is one of the most popular educators in New Zealand to provide house buying guides and strategies through seminars and online learning for first time home buyers. Over the past two years TheBlueprint.co.nz has delivered their strategies to almost 1000 individuals assisting over 120 people into their first home.