Add a home inspection contingency clause to your sale agreement and arrange a professional walk-through after completion to give yourself peace of mind. If an inspector discovers anything needing repair – such as wood trim that has not yet been painted or cracked tiles – those repairs fall on the builder and should be completed immediately.
Preparation is Key
Home buying is one of the largest investments you’ll make. Conducting a thorough new house inspections Melbourne before purchasing will ensure that it’s safe, healthy, and structurally sound, with no major issues that could cost thousands in repairs later. Identifying issues after moving in can make getting them fixed much harder if they arise after moving in.
Even newly built homes may contain some defects, making a home inspection essential before signing off on construction. A qualified inspector can identify structural and electrical issues and verify whether safety features like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work effectively.
Before your home inspection, clearing away any clutter that might obstruct an inspector’s view, such as trash cans, toys or stored items around your house, is essential. Also important are functional locks on windows and doors and caulking and sealing all windows tightly against each other.
As part of your inspection preparations, be ready to answer the inspector’s queries regarding home systems and appliances such as the dishwasher, refrigerator, oven, water heater, garbage disposal unit, ventilation, HVAC unit etc. Be sure to test all kitchen and bathroom sinks drain properly while all toilets flush fully without leaks or overflows.
Set a Budget
Homeownership will likely be one of the costliest endeavours you ever undertake, so it makes sense to protect this substantial investment with proper due diligence. A home inspection can reveal issues that could cost a small fortune over time; it also helps negotiate a better price, as knowledge about potential issues allows negotiation for better terms.
If you’re shopping around for new construction homes, getting an inspection may seem counter-intuitive – after all, nobody has lived there before, and everything may appear perfect. However, something could go wrong during construction; thus, obtaining a pre-purchase inspection on any such house (stick built house, modular home or shipping container home) you are considering buying is wise.
One of the best times to inspect a new house is after builders complete building its framework before any walls go up. This type of inspection, known as framing or pre-drywall inspection, allows inspectors to view beams, posts, and studs within wall cavities so any issues can be spotted more quickly and addressed as quickly as possible.
An energy inspection can be invaluable when considering green home design. An inspector will ensure insulation has been correctly installed and that any energy-saving lighting, such as ENERGY STAR bulbs, has been included; both will help save on long-term utility costs.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Many new home inspections reveal issues with windows and doors that could result in drafts, higher energy bills and safety concerns. Your inspector will assess their condition and recommend any necessary fixes or replacements.
Ask about their experience and qualifications when hiring a home inspector. A home inspector with extensive industry experience is more likely to understand the type of house you’re purchasing and detect potential issues more effectively.
Ask your inspector about their process and what you can expect during an inspection to gain more peace of mind and prevent any unpleasant surprises from happening later. It can give you peace of mind in choosing them and avoid surprises.
Finally, don’t be intimidated to ask for a sample report from any inspector you consider hiring. A reliable inspector should happily offer one as this allows seeing their capabilities first-hand and help determine whether they are appropriate for your home inspection needs. It indicates their professionalism and helps determine if they are the ideal choice for the task at hand.
Read the Report
Within days of an inspection, you’ll receive your inspector’s report. It should contain a comprehensive list of flaws, pictures, and a more detailed explanation. Take time to carefully read this information and take notes if any questions or concerns arise; this can help you decide whether any contingencies need to be added to your purchase agreement or any issues should be brought up with the builder.