After the completion of the inspection, a comprehensive report of the findings and recommendations is provided.
- Licensed
- Qualified
- Familiar with your location
- Covered by insurance especially for professional indemnity.
Most likely, the building inspector is a surveyor, architect or a builder, and you can get recommendations about a building inspector from your conveyancer.
How much does it cost?
Depending on the size, location and the number of services you require from the building inspector, the costs vary and ranges between $200 up to $1000.
- For small apartments up to 100 square meters, the cost ranges between $200 to $250.
- For an average 3 bedroom home in a regional area, it could cost between $250 to $300
- For a large size 4 bedroom home in a regional area, it could cost between $400 to $500.
- For a large size 4 bedroom home in a metropolitan area, it could cost between $800 to $1000.
Building inspection for off the plan new apartment
While you might assume that a new apartment would not have any issues with it, there could be some minor defects with it.
Since most off the plan contracts have a clause that a buyer can do building inspection, it’s best to bring a building inspector with you.
It’s best to know about the defects before you decide on whether to buy the apartment.
Some minor defects which are common for new apartments are:
- Sub-standard paintwork.
- Damage to carpets like staining, chipped tiles, scratches on windows, etc.
- Poor workmanship on cabinets and drawers.
- Aluminium doors and windows are not fitted properly.
- Fixing points on balcony handrails are not fitted properly.
- Power points are not active.
These minor defects can be rectified at no cost by the builder or developer.
Furthermore, if these problems are found post-settlement, the builders’ warranty will not cover it, and the owner has to pay the repairs.
Can I get a building inspection during the cooling-off period?
Yes, you can do a building inspection during the cooling-off period.
In most Australian states, the cooling-off time is up to 5 days, which is the time when signed contracts are exchanged. During this time, either the buyer or the seller can terminate the contract with a written notice.
To do a building inspection during a cooling-off period, you will have to give the consultant prior notice so time can be allocated for the report to be made.
If you decide not to buy the property, you will need to get the letter to the vendor of the agent indicating that you’re withdrawing from the contract.
How to get your house ready for a building inspection?
The first thing is to remove any distractions that will hinder the inspection and make areas accessible to the inspector.
Since the inspector will check every area of the property – from the basement to the roof and the indoors and outdoors – this information will be included in the report as well.
To prepare your property for a building inspection, you should:
- Ensure the doors are unlocked so rooms can be inspected.
- Move furniture so there is ample space between the wall and the furniture.
- Prevent children from entering.
- Keep your pets on a leash or away from your house during the inspection.
- Make the garage accessible.
- Bring down posters, frames, pictures, etc, that are covering your wall.
- Keep the house clear of unnecessary objects.
- Remove any obstacle that blocks access to the roof void.
- If you have tenants in your apartment or home, kindly ask them to leave the premise during the inspection.
Get pre-approved before signing a contract of sale!
If you’re thinking of buying or selling a property, talk to us and get pre-approved before entering into a contract of sale.
We can help you find a home loan that best suits your needs.
Give us a call on 1300 889 743 or fill in our free assessment form.
