Buying a property is an exciting but often stressful process. Exciting because you’re finally getting onto the property ladder, or expanding your property portfolio – and stressful because there are so many unknowns. As the buyer, you want to know you’re getting a good deal and won’t be surprised with major defects and huge repair bills. The only way to know for sure is to get a professional building inspection. But just like there are dozens of types of property you can buy, there are an array of different types of building inspections to choose from, each with a different purpose.
To help you understand building inspections and figure out which type you need, here is a guide to some common types of building inspections in Australia.
Dilapidation Report
If a property is located in an urban or high-density city area, it’s likely that major construction will take place in the area at some point. When this happens, the integrity of the property is at risk of damage relating to nearby construction.
This is where a Dilapidation Report comes in. Dilapidation reports document in detail the current condition of properties in the surrounding area of major construction projects before and after completion. A specialised type of inspection report, it notes pre-existing issues or defects so that any claims or issues that arise regarding damage from construction can be assessed accurately.
Usually, the operator of the major construction will request a dilapidation report prior to commencing work as part of mandatory compliance processes.
Strata Inspection
Apartment buildings and other multi-level residential properties are generally jointly owned on ‘Strata title’. This sets them apart from traditional houses where there is only one title and one owner, and requires a different set of criteria to create a comprehensive inspection report.
Inspections of buildings owned under Strata title are called Strata inspections. In them, inspectors must examine the relevant strata agreement and assess the more intangible aspects of the complex that the apartment is in, including shared facilities and structures like stairways, lobby areas and pools.
Strata Inspections include assessment of, among other items:
- The interior and exterior of the unit,
- Body corporate meeting minutes,
- The Strata agreement, including whether it complies with fire and asbestos rules,
- Voting rights and entitlements for owners,
And a range of other items.
Pre Purchase Building Inspection
Purchasing a property is one of the biggest investments you’ll make. A building and pest inspection by a qualified inspector is the way to ensure you have peace of mind, and it could reveal hidden issues that will cost you money down the track.
Pre-Purchase Building and Pest inspections are carried out prior to exchanging contracts for sale and the purchase of your property. During the inspection, inspectors examine the property’s structures, search for signs of pest infestation, and use thermal imaging and moisture reading technologies to identify potential damage. Then, they compile their findings into a report in a way you can understand.
Coastal Building Inspections are here to help you discover any faults or problems with your new home before buying or selling. As a local business here on the Central Coast, we are happy to offer honest reports you can trust. Our reports are detailed, yet easy to understand and our staff are available to talk you through anything we might uncover that we think needs your attention. We can get the inspection report to you in most cases within 24 hours.
Get a free quote today or book us in to inspect your property prior to purchase.
