Pre-purchase building inspections you must do

Buying a house is a big decision; one that will change your and the family’s future for better and also require a large financial commitment. For this reason, you need to be sure about the quality of the property you are purchasing. Once you narrow down your options, do a complete inspection of the property before signing on the dotted line and applying for an affordable home loan. Inspections are time-consuming, but they are worth it, as they ensure that you are buying a worthy property that will increase in value with the passage of time.

Here’s how a pre-purchase inspection helps you:

• Confirms if the property is worth the price
• Gives you the power to negotiate with the builder/ developer
• Alerts you of any need for renovations
• Helps you arrive at a budget for repairs
• Saves you from making an unsound financial decision
• Ensure that the home is safe for you and your family
  

Here is a list of essential pre-purchase building inspection requirements:

1. Check for structural damage:

The life of any building depends on its structural strength. Over time, unattended cracks and weak pillars can weaken the building and significantly reduces the life of its structure. It is essential to get a qualified structural engineer to check for potential hazards from the roof downwards

2. Check for electrical and HVAC issues:

Check the electrical systems of the house you are planning to purchase for faulty wiring, off-the-wall power sockets, loose wires, and circuit breakers. Check the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems to ensure that they are working well and don’t have high power consumption. Get these serviced as a precaution or at least get them checked by an electrician.

Additional Read: Four Features That Can Improve Your Property Value

3. Check the plumbing and fire safety arrangements:

Check for water leaks that can damage walls and be quite difficult to repair. From the overhead water tank to the faucets, check for water corrosion and discolouration on the walls. Ensure the fire safety equipment is in place and that the fire extinguishers are well-maintained. Check to ensure that the smoke alarms are working. Also scrutinize the premise to see that the local civic authority’s fire safety standards are perfectly followed.

4. Do a thorough pest inspection:

Check for termites and borers to ensure you don’t lose the woodwork soon after you move in. Get the interior and exterior checked along with any crawl spaces. If there are pests, the inspector will be able to give you the best treatment options.

Additional Read: 6 Renovations that can boost your home's value

5. Identify unsafe areas and those that need maintenance:

Apart from a detailed inspection, you should also identify areas that can be pose safety issues such as slippery stairs, loose window panes, week flooring or a leaky roof. Overlooking these potential hazards can result in serious accidents apart from a large amount of funds for repair later on. Buying a home also means taking up the responsibility to ensure that it is in good health and will keep your and your family safe and secure for years to come. A pre-purchase inspection will therefore help you invest in a property that is healthy and sturdy.