Why is a Building Inspection important?

A building inspection acts as a snapshot in time identifying safety hazards, major and minor defects that are present in the building.  Building inspections therefore have a number of purposes and benefits.

The primary reason to have a building inspection is to ensure that the home you are buying or occupying is safe and doesn’t pose a health risk to occupants.

The major reasons to have a building inspection are outlined below:

•             Many defects are concealed and difficult to detect without expert knowledge of construction methods and materials

•             Most people won’t get onto the roof, into the roof and under the floor of a home during their own inspections of a property which may mean potentially significant and costly defects would be missed.

•             Many individuals don’t have the expertise or time to assess the potential cost and works implications of the defects that are easily identified or obvious

•             Interstate investors may buy property ‘online’ and a building inspection allows them to get independent advice and information about a property rather than relying on the advice of agents who have a vested interest in the sale proceeding

•             You can rely on the findings of a building inspection as they are backed by Professional Indemnity insurance provisions; the advice of a ‘mate’ or ‘friend’ in the building trade doesn’t have the same assurances

•             Prevent financial loss which may occur if you find major defects and safety hazards

•             Assist you to plan for repairs and renovation and their likely cost

•             Determine the rate of return on potential investments given the likely maintenance requirements

•             Aid in negotiations for the sale or purchase of a property

•             Document the condition of an adjoining property prior to major works which may create unintended damage

Building inspections are particularly critical when considering that a home or building may have Asbestos or other potential contaminants present including mould or lead products which are known health hazards.

When purchasing a building many people will plan to spend up to their maximum financial capacity to acquire the property.  Without a building inspection these investors and home owners may then find themselves unable to meet the costs of repair works required to address defects.

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