Building And Pest Inspections: What You Need To Know

Buying a home is an exciting time, but it’s important you do your research about the property you’re purchasing. One of the most important steps in your research is conducting a comprehensive building and pest inspection. To help you with this task, here are some important things to know about the process.

• Identify Structural Problems: An inspector will assess the property for any structural issues. These could include anything from faulty roofing to problematic foundations. If left unidentified, these issues could mean substantial repair costs down the line.
• Detect Pests: Insects and rodents can cause significant damage to a property. Termites, for instance, can damage wooden structures, while rats can chew through wiring. A pest inspection aims to detect these issues early on, potentially saving you from costly extermination and repair expenses.
• Assess Safety Hazards: Inspections also focus on detecting potential safety hazards, like the presence of asbestos or faulty electrical wiring, which could pose a risk to the occupants' health and safety.
• Future Planning: The information from a building and pest inspection can help inform future maintenance plans. For example, if the inspection identifies that the roof will likely need replacement in the next five years, you can budget for this expected expense.
• Negotiation Tool: If the inspection identifies any significant issues, you may be able to negotiate a lower purchase price to account for the necessary repairs.
  

The duration of a building and pest inspection can vary greatly, depending on the property's size and layout. Generally, a thorough inspection takes between 1.5 to 2.5 hours. It's important to ensure you choose a thorough and diligent inspection service, as rushing the process could lead to overlooked issues.

Absolutely, in fact it's encouraged! Attending your building and pest inspection allows you to gain a firsthand understanding of potential issues and ask relevant questions on the spot. Plus, it gives you an opportunity to discuss any concerns with the inspector directly.

• What is the severity of the issues you identified?
• Are these common problems for this type of building or location?
• Could these problems worsen over time?
• What are the implications if these issues are left unaddressed?
• Can these problems affect the property's value?
  

Following the inspection, the inspector will provide a detailed report outlining their findings. This report is incredibly helpful for helping you decide if the property is right for you. It can even be used in negotiations if any issues are found.

Whether you're a seasoned investor or a first-home buyer, a building and pest inspection is a critical step in your property journey. If you’re purchasing a property in Bathurst or the surrounding areas, contact Signature Inspections & Pest Management. We specialise in pre-purchase inspections to access the structural integrity of a home, while checking for evidence of pest infestations.

Don't let your dream home turn into a nightmare due to unexpected structural or pest issues. Contact us today to ensure the property you're considering purchasing is safe, hygienic and structurally sound.