What to expect in your building inspection report
Before committing yourself to buying a house, you will naturally want to be reassured of its quality. Do not just rely on word of mouth from the seller. Be more inquisitive and undertake an observational tour around and within the property. Nonetheless, this gives a superficial impression. It is only by engaging professional building inspection services that a deeper and truer assessment is obtained. The report must satisfy you with detailed and accurate information which you can use when making deliberations touching on repair and maintenance of your property. Your building inspection report must entail the following sections.
Summary The identity of your building (such as whether bungalow or maisonette) is stated alongside its age. Condition and outward appearance is then impressed, with a comment on style and materials used. The main summary body lists detected damage, deterioration, hazards and pest infestations. In compiling the summary, the inspector will give an account of methods and technologies used, and recommend when to next commission an inspection.
Specifics of contract Here the building inspection contractor will record his company's registered name and address, and a serial number pointing to the contractual agreement in which you engage and authorise them to serve you. Also include is your identity, address and contact details. This information is critical in validating the report with credit facilities where the building serves as collateral, and in deciding price during ownership transfers. The reputation of the inspecting agents gives weight and substance to the report, so contract only competent and proven firms.
General information The building inspector will engage with public information sources to determine and state whether your property stands on risky territory. The likelihood of landslides, subsidence, flooding among other local is reported with impartiality. Repair and maintenance history will be put down alongside the problems that necessitated it. Besides querying the physical attributes of the property, the inspector will investigate and establish the proper title holders. They will additionally see if the building satisfies council laws, insurance and safety guidelines and other legislations.
Timber From rafters, inbuilt wardrobe and even floors, the average house utilises timber for structural and aesthetic purposes. As such, your report must have a section giving the status of your timber components. Attention is drawn to cracks, warping, and joint separation. Fungal and pest activity is investigated and its extent duly logged (if present).
Building inspection is not a one-off necessity. Follow your building inspector's recommended schedule to ensure your continued safety.