Although there have been a few changes made to strata and building laws, dodgy builders continue to cut corners to keep their development costs low. As a result of this, owner-occupiers end up paying huge sums to fix serious defects. So, if you’re looking to buy a new or existing property, you ought to hire the services of a qualified building inspector. A qualified inspector will make sure potential building problems don’t go undetected. Building inspectors examine the structural quality and overall safety of a variety of buildings such as fire & gas hot rolled pipe inspection, roof, floor, walls, pathways, plumbing work, security system, plumbing, and sewer line inspection and a lot more things have to check
Finding a good inspector can be quite a daunting task. It’s thus important to keep a few guidelines in mind when calling in the experts for a pre-purchase inspection.
Are They Licensed?
Depending on your location, the building inspector may or may not be required to carry a license. Before you hire someone, find out if they have formal qualifications and a license number. If you’re not sure about their credibility, you could always look up their registration details.
Do They Have PI Insurance?
Not all building inspectors carry professional indemnity insurance, but the more credible ones do. Ask them to give you a proof of their PI insurance. It will tell you at once how professional they are.
How Experienced Are They?
Sometimes, even registered building inspectors don’t have sufficient experience to spot defects and other problems. A professional inspector should have received sufficient training in this particular area. They should be able to uncover defects that often go unnoticed in beautifully staged homes.
Do They Have a Good Track Record?
Find out how long the building inspector has been in business. Ask them whether they have experience inspecting your kind of property. Residential and commercial properties have different qualities from heritage properties. To find out whether they’re qualified and experienced in reviewing your specific type of building. Also, find out if they have a proven track record and a well-established reputation. You could look for reviews online and ask friends or family for recommendations.
What Do They Cover During the Inspection?
Don’t assume the building inspector will look into each and everything during the inspection. Most building inspectors have to cover the essentials though. These include inspections for cracks, leaks, electrical faults, rust, missing tiles, dampness, and minor structural imperfections. Sometimes, the damage to a sewer pipe is so extensive it cannot be lined. For example, it’s impossible to line a collapsed pipe. In these cases, professional plumbers use a minimally-invasive, trenchless sewer repair technique called pipe bursting to replace the damaged pipe with a brand new HDPE pipe. Depending on the overall nature, condition, and location of the property, you might also require a separate pest inspection before you buy
