How to make sure you buy a home not a headache

How to make sure you buy a home not a headache

The most well presented homes can have hidden defects that cause constant financial difficulties long after the property settles.

Houspect WA Director Chris Walsh said homebuyers will spend more than $450,000 buying a house, but only one in four arrange a pre-purchase building inspection costing only a few hundred dollars.

“When people decide to purchase a $40,000 car, their first thought is to have it inspected for mechanical defaults, so why is purchasing a house different?” said Mr. Walsh.

‘When you consider that purchasing a new home is usually the largest investment of a lifetime, every ‘Offer to Purchase’ real estate agreement should state that a pre-purchase inspection be undertaken,” he said.

“In addition in the current market place more and more home owners are embarking on renovations and its vitally important those structures are checked before the property is placed on the market."

"In some instances Councils can demand incorrectly built renovations be demolished immediately”

"A Building Inspection will examine the property prior to it being listed to help home owners ensure their property is free of defects that may jeopardise the sale.”

Mr. Walsh said a building inspection can save purchasers many thousands of dollars in the long term simply by having the following checked:

• Internal and External roofing
• Roof frame
• Internal and external walls
• Patios , balconies and stairs
• Guttering and downpipes
• Pools, pergolas and paving
• Internal and external windows and frames

“When purchasing or selling a home most building inspection companies will provide an inspection report, that includes aspects of structural soundness and the overall condition of the entire property. “ he said

“A detailed list of maintenance issues requiring immediate attention can also be added to the inspection report if required.

Chris Walsh owns Houspect WA which provides building inspection reports that are designed to meet the conditions of Australian Standard AS4349.1 “

All Houspect building inspectors are registered builders with years of experience which allows them to accurately report on the condition of a property and in simple terms explain what needs to be done.

Homebuyers or sellers can contact Houspect by calling them on 08 9383 1043