Make the smart choice when it comes to your property

You wouldn’t buy a car before test-driving it, so why would you consider buying a house that hasn’t been inspected properly? Virtually all houses have defects, but while some are obvious, others are not. The seller will not be quick to point out the termites eating away at the foundations, or the basement leak that will eventually explode.

An objective pair of eyes will see all the dents, bruises and leaks that you have overlooked because of your tunnel vision. While you may be relieved that you have finally found a house that is in the right location, at the right price, and is everything you ever dreamed of, the idiom ‘buyer beware’ is more important than ever. Don’t let your emotions get in the way of reality.

Here are some reasons why building inspections can save you money:

• If there are any problems, small or large, you can ask the seller to fix them or ask them to reduce the purchase price. This is one way in which a home inspection can pay for itself several times over, especially if you can drop the price of the house at a couple of thousand dollars.
• For your safety and all involved, a building inspection can tell you if carbon monoxide, asbestos, or other harmful chemicals are present. There is nothing worse than having to fork out thousands of dollars in alternative accommodation and service fees so your house can be cleared of any harmful chemicals.
• A building inspection can determine if there are any illegal additions or installations in the home you are looking at buying. If there are, and you have purchased the house, this will become your financial ‘problem to fix.’ Avoid this by getting a building inspection and you can save money and heartache down the track.
• The average termite infestation repair bill is around AU$7000. Unfortunately, you can’t see through your walls to determine if white ants, or termites, are eating away at your foundations. A building inspection can determine this for you, saving you thousands of dollars!

The bottom line when it comes to a building inspection

The costs associated with hiring a trusted building inspector to oversee your property far outweighs the potential thousands of dollars that you may end up throwing at it months down the track.

Despite a building inspection costing you a little bit of your time and money, the peace of mind you gain from buying a property that you know is sound is the greatest advantage.

Ensure you arrange a property inspectionprior to buying your home or property - it’s worth every penny.

About the Author: Guest post contributed by Building Masters Inspections.