Whether you’re buying a new property or building your dream home from the ground up, enlisting the help of a great building inspector should be at the top of your to-do list. While a house may look perfect on the outside, many serious problems often lurk beneath the surface.
This is where building inspectors can give you peace of mind. Hiring a professional to assess your property can help you avoid any costly repairs and stressful problems down the track. The question is – how can you make sure you choose the right professional?
Here are a few important questions to ask before hiring a building inspector…
Are they fully qualified, licensed and insured?
This might sound obvious, but in South Australia building inspectors are not required by law to have any formal qualifications. With this in mind, you should always check that the inspector you’re considering is experienced, licensed and insured should anything go wrong. Reputable inspectors will either be licensed builders, surveyors or architects who have a thorough understanding of Australian building standards. It’s important to know that you are within your right to ask for their qualifications and registration information to confirm they are credible and experienced.
Are their reports timely, detailed and clear?
After thoroughly assessing your property, a good building inspector will provide you with a comprehensive report usually within a matter of days. Before you hire someone, you can ask for a sample of their reporting method to ensure that it suits your needs. You can use this sample to ensure that the report you receive will cover all necessary areas of the property and provide you with valuable advice for your money.
A good building report will:
- Contain detailed information about all accessible areas on the property.
- Contain high-resolution photos showing any defects, superficial issues or other problems that may be found.
- Be written in clear, easy-to-understand language that you can understand.
- Offer estimated repair costs of any problems found within the property.
Are they experienced and reputable?
In the age of the internet, a simple Google search usually uncovers a treasure trove of useful information about the inspector you’re looking to hire. Take the time to do your research and check out the inspector’s website if they have one. This should offer a wealth of information on their level of experience, the quality of their previous work and whether other home-buyers recommend their services. Someone who is relatively new to the business or who seems to have more negative reviews than positive ones might not be able to offer the peace of mind you’re looking for.
Are they experts in the type of inspection you need?
There are various different types of inspection services, so it’s necessary to understand exactly what you need in order to hire the right professional. The three overarching options are:
Pre-purchase inspections: If you’re thinking of putting in an offer to buy an existing home or property, pre-purchase inspections are important to ensure you understand the quality of the building and how much it’s worth.
Staged building inspections: if you’re building a new home, staged inspections will assess every phase of your build to ensure it meets all standards and any issues can be fixed before the next stage begins.
Pest inspections: The last thing anyone wants to do is buy a home with a pest problem. This service will ensure your potential property doesn’t come with any unwanted critters.
Get in touch with us today!
Here at Building Inspections Adelaide, our team of highly experienced and qualified building inspectors want to help you find the perfect home. Get in touch with us today to organise a quote for your inspection!
