When hiring a building inspector, whether for a new property purchase or to check the condition of your current home, there are important questions you should ask to ensure you get a comprehensive understanding of the building’s state and any potential issues.
The following questions will not only help you assess the competence and thoroughness of the building inspector but also ensure you are well-informed about the potential investment or maintenance needs of the property.
1. What does your inspection cover?
Understanding the scope of the inspection is essential. Determine whether the inspector will check all structural elements, electrical systems, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, roofing, foundation, and any other critical areas.
Typically, a comprehensive building inspection should examine the structural integrity of the building, including foundations, roofing, exterior and interior walls. It will also look at non-structural aspects such as doors, windows, ceilings and moisture levels, as well as plumbing and electrical systems. It’s important to clarify whether the inspection will also cover other areas like asbestos and pests.
2. Are you licensed and insured?
Before engaging a building inspector, you will want to verify their credentials. This protects you in case of missed defects and damage or errors during the inspection.
A licensed inspector is formally recognised and regulated, ensuring a certain level of expertise and adherence to industry standards. Insurance, particularly professional indemnity and public liability insurance, is equally important as it protects you against any oversight or error in the inspection process.
Knowing that the building inspector is backed by a professional body or insurance framework can assist in the resolution of any disputes or claims.
3. How long have you been in the business?
Experience is often a marker of reliability in the building inspection industry. An inspector with numerous years under their belt will not only have a refined eye for detail but also a vast knowledge of common and uncommon issues specific to different types of properties. They are likely to understand the nuances of local construction methods and materials, as well as be familiar with historical building compliance issues that might affect older properties.
Also, ask about the volume and variety of inspections they have undertaken. This will give you a clearer picture of their expertise across different scenarios and challenges they’ve faced. An experienced inspector can often predict potential future issues based on current findings, which can be invaluable in your decision-making process.
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4. How will the findings be reported?
Ask about the format of the inspection report. It should be comprehensive and easy to understand, containing descriptions, locations, and photographs of issues. The format of the report should meet industry standards, and it should be delivered in a timely manner post-inspection – clarify how soon after the inspection the report will be available.
5. What are the most common problems you find during inspections?
This question can help you understand potential common issues in similar buildings or areas, preparing you for possible future concerns. This question also opens the discussion about how such findings could affect the property’s value and your maintenance budget.
Common issues might include structural faults, old roofing, dampness, or plumbing concerns.
6. How do you determine which defects are major vs minor?
Differentiating between major and minor defects is crucial for negotiating repairs with a seller or planning maintenance. Understanding the inspector’s criteria will help you assess the seriousness of different issues. Major defects might require urgent and expensive repairs, while minor ones could be simple fixes.
Perth’s Best Building Inspector
SURE is a proud member of the Master Inspector Association of Australia™, Master Builders and the Housing Industry Association. We carry out all types of building inspections whether you are building, buying, selling and also for commercial properties. All inspections are carried out according to Australian Building Codes and we deliver detailed same-day reports.
Book your inspection now or call us on 1300 787 327.
