Over the past few weeks we’ve been discussing tips about contracts and property reports and if you thought contracts were exciting, pest and building inspection reports will knock your socks off!

Let’s define what a pest and building inspection report really is. It’s usually carried out by a professional on free standing homes, who basically inspects every part of the property and looks for structural damage, pest activity i.e. termites, any significant building defects, rising damp, movement in the walls (cracking), safety hazards or a faulty roof. If it’s a brand new build, you won’t need a pest and building inspection report.

Even though the report may seem boring, it’s very important. You want to know that your hard earned cash is not being spent on a money pit full of problems. A pest and building inspector will check the ins and outs of the property, so you’re not sprung with more than meets the eye.

3 things to look for in your pest and building report.

1. Rising Damp – When moisture impacts the integrity of the structure.
2. Structural Damage – Any damage to frames, floors, walls, etc. that requires repair.
3. Termites – This is a BIG one. Active or inactive termites usually hide behind walls, timber floors or in the roof and could be costly.

It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy the property if any of the above is present, it simply means you need to make further enquires to understand the extent of the damage and you should speak directly to the inspector about your concerns. It’s very important to also understand the amount of money it’ll cost to repair any damage by speaking to a professional builder or trades person. The biggest thing to decide is whether you’re willing to spend money to treat or repair the damage and you could also see it as an opportunity to negotiate on the sale price of the property.

Tune in next week to see what checks you can do yourself.

Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. – Steve Jobs –

Thank you for reading.