11 Top Myths and Misconceptions About Building Inspections

myths

Despite the momentous changes that purchasing or selling a home introduces to our lives, pervasive myths and misconceptions around building inspections in Adelaide often result in unrealistic expectations, poor investment decisions, and even scuppered deals. In this blog post, we’ll dispel some of the top myths surrounding the building inspection process, so that you can confidently move forward with your property transaction. If you’re in the market for a new home, or are looking to sell your current property, read on to learn the truth about building inspections and how they can help you secure your future investment.

If you’re buying a brand-new home, it’s still essential to have a building inspection carried out. While it’s true that newly constructed homes are subject to more stringent building codes and regulations than homes constructed many decades ago, this doesn’t mean that they’re immune to defects or problems. Many new homebuyers are surprised to learn that their brand-new home has several hidden defects that were only uncovered during the building inspection process. While it’s unlikely that you’ll find any significant structural issues with a new home, your building inspector can identify any potential problems that could snowball into costly conundrums down the line.

2. The real estate agent will take care of everything

realestate agent home sale  

The real estate agent is there to represent the vendor and not the purchaser. It is the buyer’s responsibility to commission a pre-purchase building inspection before exchanging contracts. However, if you’re selling your home, consider arranging a building inspection beforehand to address any uncovered issues and avoid potential delays.

3. Building Inspectors will inspect everything on the property

Building Inspectors are not required to inspect every nook and cranny on the property. Most building inspection companies will have a standard checklist of items they examine, but this can vary from company to company. Be sure to ask your building inspector what is included in their inspection so that you know what to expect. In South Australia, pest, termite, and pool inspections are conducted separately from the building inspection. Because of this, it’s best to arrange these services separately.

4. All building inspectors are qualified and insured

In South Australia, general building inspectors have no mandatory licensing or insurance requirements. However, many reputable companies will only employ inspectors that are either licensed builders or have extensive experience in the construction industry. Additionally, many building inspection companies will hold professional indemnity insurance to protect their clients if an issue is missed during the inspection.

5. The seller will tell me about any defects on the property

It is not the seller’s responsibility to disclose any building defects on the property to potential buyers. In many cases, the seller will not be aware that any hidden defects exist, so it’s essential to have a professional building inspection before exchanging contracts.

6. I can do the inspection myself

While it’s true that you could technically carry out your building inspection, it’s not recommended. Qualified building inspectors are trained to spot even the most subtle defects that could go unnoticed by the untrained eye. Hiring a professional building inspector is one of the savviest things you can do when buying or selling a property. Not only will they uncover hidden defects, but they can also provide you with peace of mind knowing that your investment is sound.

7. A building inspection is the same as an appraisal

No, a building inspection is not the same as an appraisal. An appraisal is conducted by a professional appraiser and is used to determine the value of a property. On the other hand, a building inspection is carried out by a qualified inspector to assess the property’s condition.

8. The report will tell me how much it will cost to fix the defects

Your building inspection report will highlight any potential defects or issues with the property. However, it’s important to note that the cost of repairs is not included in the report. If you’re concerned about the cost of repairs, it’s best to consult a professional contractor.

9. A newly renovated home doesn't need a building inspection

Just because a home has undergone a recent renovation does not mean it doesn’t need to be inspected. Having a professional inspector look at any newly renovated property is often a good idea. This is because even the most experienced renovators can make mistakes. A building inspection will help to ensure that the property is up to code and that any potential defects are caught early on.

10. I can trust the seller to organise the building inspection

While the seller may be happy to organise a building inspection on your behalf, it’s not advisable to trust them to do so. The seller may choose an unqualified or inexperienced inspector. Additionally, the seller may try to cover up any potential defects to sell the property more quickly. It’s always best to choose your building inspector personally to ensure you get an accurate property assessment.

11. The inspector will tell me whether I should buy the property

A qualified building inspector will never tell you whether or not you should buy a property. Their job is to assess the property’s condition and report any potential defects or issues. It’s up to you to decide whether or not you want to proceed with the purchase after receiving the inspection report.

Wrapping Up

Building inspections are an integral part of the home buying and selling process. It’s essential to be informed about precisely what a building inspection entails and how it can aid you on your journey, as you seek to sell or purchase a property. At Select Building Inspections, we adopt a no-nonsense approach to reporting. We believe in providing our clients with all the information they need to make an informed decision about their property purchase. Our reports are comprehensive, feature photographic records of defects and are designed to be quick to read and easy to understand. For further clarification, we’re always available to answer any questions you may have. If you’re in the market for a building inspection, contact our friendly team today. We’re always happy to help sellers and prospective buyers ensure they make the best decision they can.

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