When buying or selling a property, building inspections are an essential step in ensuring that the transaction goes smoothly. Building inspections can help identify any issues with the property that may affect its value or safety. However, not all building inspections are created equal. There are different types of building inspections, each with its own purpose and scope. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of building inspections and when to use them.
- Pre-purchase building inspection
A pre-purchase building inspection is the most common type of building inspection. As the name suggests, it is carried out before a property is purchased. This type of inspection is designed to identify any issues or defects with the property that may affect its value or safety.
A pre-purchase building inspection typically covers the entire property, including the structure, roof, electrical systems, plumbing systems, and more. The inspection is carried out by a licensed inspector who has been trained to identify any issues or defects.
A pre-purchase building inspection is recommended for anyone looking to purchase a property. It can help identify any issues with the property before the purchase is finalized, giving the buyer the opportunity to negotiate with the seller to have them fixed or to walk away from the transaction.
2. Pre-listing building inspection
A pre-listing building inspection is carried out before a property is listed for sale. This type of inspection is designed to identify any issues with the property that may affect its value or marketability.
A pre-listing building inspection typically covers the same areas as a pre-purchase building inspection. However, the focus may be slightly different. For example, the inspector may pay more attention to cosmetic issues, such as peeling paint or damaged flooring, that may affect the marketability of the property.
A pre-listing building inspection is recommended for anyone looking to sell their property. It can help identify any issues with the property before it is listed, giving the seller the opportunity to fix them before potential buyers see the property.
3. New construction inspection
A new construction inspection is carried out on a newly built property before the owner takes possession. This type of inspection is designed to ensure that the property has been built to code and is free from defects.
A new construction inspection typically covers the entire property, including the structure, roof, electrical systems, plumbing systems, and more. The inspection is carried out by a licensed inspector who has been trained to identify any issues or defects.
A new construction inspection is recommended for anyone purchasing a newly built property. It can help identify any issues with the property before the owner takes possession, giving the builder the opportunity to fix them.
4. Progress inspection
A progress inspection is carried out during the construction process. This type of inspection is designed to ensure that the construction is progressing according to plan and that the property is being built to code.
A progress inspection typically covers the structure, foundation, electrical systems, plumbing systems, and more. The inspection is carried out by a licensed inspector who has been trained to identify any issues or defects.
A progress inspection is recommended for anyone building a property. It can help identify any issues with the construction process before they become major problems, giving the builder the opportunity to fix them.
5. Strata inspection
A strata inspection is carried out on a property that is part of a strata scheme, such as an apartment or townhouse. This type of inspection is designed to identify any issues with the common areas of the property, such as the building exterior, roof, and plumbing systems.
A strata inspection typically covers the common areas of the property. The inspection is carried out by a licensed inspector who has been trained to identify any issues or defects.
A strata inspection is recommended for anyone purchasing a property that is part of a strata scheme. It can help identify any issues with the common areas of the property before the purchase is finalized, giving the buyer the opportunity to negotiate with the strata management to have them fixed or to walk away from the transaction.
Rental property inspection
A rental property inspection is carried out on a property that is being rented out. This type of inspection is designed to ensure that the property is safe and habitable for tenants.
A rental property inspection typically covers the structure, electrical systems, plumbing systems, and more. The inspection is carried out by a licensed inspector who has been trained to identify any issues or defects.
A rental property inspection is recommended for anyone who owns a rental property. It can help identify any issues with the property that may affect the safety or comfort of the tenants. The inspection can also be used to document the condition of the property at the beginning and end of a tenancy.
When to use each type of inspection
Now that we’ve looked at the different types of building inspections, let’s explore when to use each one.
A pre-purchase building inspection is recommended for anyone looking to purchase a property. This type of inspection can help identify any issues with the property before the purchase is finalized, giving the buyer the opportunity to negotiate with the seller to have them fixed or to walk away from the transaction.
A pre-listing building inspection is recommended for anyone looking to sell their property. This type of inspection can help identify any issues with the property before it is listed, giving the seller the opportunity to fix them before potential buyers see the property.
A new construction inspection is recommended for anyone purchasing a newly built property. This type of inspection can help identify any issues with the property before the owner takes possession, giving the builder the opportunity to fix them.
A progress inspection is recommended for anyone building a property. This type of inspection can help identify any issues with the construction process before they become major problems, giving the builder the opportunity to fix them.
A strata inspection is recommended for anyone purchasing a property that is part of a strata scheme. This type of inspection can help identify any issues with the common areas of the property before the purchase is finalized, giving the buyer the opportunity to negotiate with the strata management to have them fixed or to walk away from the transaction.
A rental property inspection is recommended for anyone who owns a rental property. This type of inspection can help identify any issues with the property that may affect the safety or comfort of the tenants. The inspection can also be used to document the condition of the property at the beginning and end of a tenancy.
In conclusion, building inspections are an essential step in buying or selling a property, as well as in owning or building a property. Knowing the different types of building inspections and when to use them can help ensure that the inspection process is thorough and effective. Whether you’re buying, selling, or building a property, consider hiring a licensed inspector to carry out a building inspection to help identify any issues or defects with the property.
