Building and Pest Inspection Australia - The Ultimate Guide [Everything You Need To Know]

[@jimmydunga1210]

A lot of good information there, Well worth getting a inspection ask around tho guys a lot wont go under the house or in the roof space. which is a crucial part of the inspection. Its potentially the biggest purchase of you life you want to make sure you are doing it right

[@vrsecky100]

Your comments and anecdotes are very accurate and detailed. As an inspector my self I always suggest that my clients attend the inspection and in fact some clients as you pointed out insist on it. Sometimes of course, its not possible, for example, when buyers are interstate or overseas, or have to be at work, and I've also had vendors prevent it by telling the agent only an inspector can attend the inspection. While it can sometimes be distracting to have someone else (client) tag along, most often they investigate their own things and catch up confidentially at the end.

[@MortgageBrokerAustralia]

It's excellent to hear your perspective as an inspector, and your approach to encouraging clients to attend inspections is commendable. Having clients on-site can indeed enhance their understanding of the property and the inspection process, fostering a transparent and informative environment. In cases where attendance isn't possible, it's important to provide clients with a detailed report and possibly a follow-up discussion to cover any concerns or questions they might have. Your experience with vendor restrictions highlights the variety of scenarios inspectors must navigate, underscoring the importance of flexibility and clear communication in ensuring clients receive the insights they need to make informed decisions.

[@greenpestcontrolsydney]

Thanks for this comprehensive guide! Really helped me understand the crucial aspects to consider during a building and pest inspection. Great content!

[@MortgageBrokerAustralia]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nushydude]

Great guide, Nathan

[@MortgageBrokerAustralia]

Thanks Nushy! Appreciate it!

[@ezza1236]

Building inspection for a unit

[@vrsecky100]

In terms of using the building and pest inspection report as tool for negotiating a better price? Well, of course you can use any tool to negotiate a better price or a discount for remediation, whatever!! This is where a good inspector will be transparent about the issues discovered, not underestimate rectification costs nor over bake problems. It is often hard to know what the cost of defects might be (after all, you are not setting the scope or quality of work, nor quoting on any job), but the inspector should be candid about potential costs and problems that exist or could crop up further down the line. Ultimately, any contract should be based on 'quid pro quo' basis and as long as the parties agree on what is being offered for sale and what is being bought then its legitimate, which could mean that the vendor may not have to honor a disputed contract either. That is to say, if the contract doesn't meet the 'subject to conditions' (whatever they are) then its likely the contract can be terminated at that point by either party.

[@MortgageBrokerAustralia]

Absolutely, a building and pest inspection report can be a powerful tool in negotiations. It provides concrete evidence of the property's condition, allowing you to discuss price adjustments or repairs before finalising the sale. A thorough and honest inspection report not only highlights current issues but also gives an indication of potential future problems, helping both buyer and seller to have a clear understanding of the property's value and the work needed. This transparency can facilitate a fair negotiation process, ensuring both parties are satisfied with the terms of the sale based on a mutual agreement of the property's condition and value.

[@user-gr1qp4uw5i]

Great and comprehensive guide, quick question, should we do the building and pest inspection for a new home?

[@MortgageBrokerAustralia]

Certainly! Conducting a building and pest inspection is a wise decision regardless of the age of the home. For a new home, it ensures that the construction has been completed to a high standard and identifies any potential structural issues or pest infestations before you finalize the purchase. It provides peace of mind and could save significant hassle and expense in the future. The inspection can also provide a basis for negotiating the price down or requesting that the seller address any identified issues. It’s all about ensuring that the home you're investing in is sound and secure from the get-go.

[@user-gr1qp4uw5i]

@@MortgageBrokerAustralia thanks for the detail answer. What if the vendor has done it already and they are willing to provide it us? Can we rely on it?

[@marcellberto2538]

Great tip about scheduling an electrical inspection when a solar pv system is involved! But is it always possible-or even realistic-to schedule a building/pest inspection and electrical inspection at the same time?

[@MortgageBrokerAustralia]

Scheduling a building/pest inspection and an electrical inspection at the same time is both practical and beneficial, particularly when assessing properties with solar PV systems. Conducting these inspections together can save time, provide a comprehensive overview of the property's condition, and may even be more cost-effective. However, the ability to coordinate them simultaneously depends on the availability of the inspectors and the property owner's consent which you can usually tee up with the agent! Thanks for watching!

[@Ravenfearhers]

Great vid. A recent S32 stated the purchaser can break the contract if the report shows any defect on any structure on the land which is determined to be a major structural defect;. But who defines what is major?

[@MortgageBrokerAustralia]

Hi Marty. Thank you for watching our video and reaching out with your query! When it comes to the S32 (Section 32) statement, the term "major structural defect" can indeed seem a bit ambiguous. Typically, a major structural defect would refer to a problem with the foundational elements of a property, such as the foundation, beams, walls, or roof structures, which might compromise the safety or usability of the property. However, the determination of what is considered "major" can be subjective and might vary based on the situation. In most cases, it would be advisable to get an opinion from a qualified building inspector or structural engineer. They have the expertise to provide an assessment on whether a defect can be classified as a major structural issue. If you're considering buying a property and have concerns about potential defects, I'd highly recommend getting a professional inspection. That way, you'll have a clearer understanding and peace of mind. I hope this helps! If you have any other questions or need assistance with your home buying journey, feel free to reach out to us at Hunter Galloway. We're here to make the process stress-free and straightforward for you.

[@ralph9987]

Can I rely on an inspection report commissioned by the seller?

[@MortgageBrokerAustralia]

It's wise to be cautious when relying on an inspection report commissioned by the seller. While it can provide valuable information, having your own independent inspection conducted ensures that you receive an unbiased report, tailored specifically to your interests and concerns. This extra step could reveal issues the seller's report may have overlooked or understated, offering you peace of mind in your decision-making process.

[@jimmydunga1210]

@@MortgageBrokerAustralia I have seen this exact situation play out twice this month alone

[@jimlyttle7394]

You actually said you would misrepresent what the building Spector said ( if no issues with property)on the basis’s to be able to renegotiate on something that actually was not a problem! Not really ethical or at least fair. If the inspection shows problems by all means renegotiate but not the other method please.

[@MortgageBrokerAustralia]

Thanks Jim, certainly not what I meant. We had a client who's building and pest inspector said to the agent the property was all good, When our client received the report, there were minor issues with the property the buyer wanted fixed prior to settlement. For example there was no termite mesh, the back fence was leaning and there was a hole in the wall that needed to be fixed. The building and pest inspector was correct that the property was all good, with nothing major. But these 3 issues needed to be address by the seller (vendor) and should have be sorted through routine upkeep of the home (which it hadn't). Although these things aren't major, they were things that our client wanted fixed. As the building and pest inspector said the property was all good, when our client went back through the solicitor to renegotiate the real estate agent said the building/pest inspector said the property was all good and they won't be doing any of the requests that our client was wanting.