Firstly to home owners – fix and repair obvious defects in the home, particularly water leaks and lighting, anything that is going to be seen by purchasers when they come through.
My second tip to home owners is to avoid “band aid” solutions when fixing defects; my mantra is “do it once, and do it properly”.
My third tip for home owners is to make sub floors, roof voids, and detached garages or sheds easily accessible for the building consultant to get in.
So now, my top ten tips for purchasers are, firstly, select a reputable building consultant. There is a wide discrepancy in services out there. It is important to ask about details like licenses, insurance and experience before you go ahead and pay for a report that you find may not meet up to your expectations.
My second tip for purchasers is to meet your consultant on site if possible. Have another look around and get the consultants feedback while physically looking at the problem, can prove invaluable. Building consultants will be more than happy to talk to you, right after the inspection.
My third top tip for purchasers is to ensure that you select the right service. Many building consultants, don’t have timber pest qualifications, and won’t offer a combined timber and building inspection as standard.
Tip four – check their environmental credentials. Most good building inspectors will offer information about building orientation, solar hot water, photovoltaics, insulation, heating and cooling systems contained within the building.
Tip five – read the entire report. Don’t just rely on a conversation with your building consultant to form an opinion.
Tip six – further information can prove invaluable. Remember the inspection is visual only, and there are many reasons why your building inspector may not be able to pick up on a subtle or hidden defect. Ask the vendor to clarify your questions so you understand the story of the property. Get a strata records inspection if it’s a strata property. Get an engineer’s advice, follow up the timber pest-related advice. All this is very important.
Tip seven – always check with the council about certificates relating to building work on the property. Especially if there has been owner-builder work.
Tip eight – we think vendors and purchasers want the same thing out of this process; in the main, a vendor wants to sell a property that shows him or her in a good light. A successful sale depends on open, accurate and clear advice, and depends on all parties acting on that information accordingly.
Tip nine – when thinking about building defects, ask yourself 1) can I live with it and 2) is it reflected in the selling price?
My final tip – there will always be defects found in properties; many are age-related or just poor building work. The building consultant is not there to say how good the house is, he is there to report on the problems found in the property, so keep it in perspective.