5 Building Inspection Myths That You Should Know

When you are an interested buyer or seller during building inspections, you may think building inspectors’ job is to simply inspect the house, right? However, have you considered building inspection myths that you should know before purchasing or selling a property? Read on as we uncover some of these myths.

Myth 1: Everything you need to know is in the inspection report.

Fact: After inspecting the property, you will be sent a detailed report. It will include photos of the internal areas, roof cavity, roof coverings and subfloor. Yes, it will tell you the weaknesses in the property but it does not mean it will tell you everything you need to know. You will only get more out of a building inspection if you cooperate with the building inspector and attend it. This will reduce misunderstandings and it will be a great learning curve for you.

Myth 2: A building inspector can tell you the property’s future issues that you should be concerned about.

Fact: According to PayScale, a building inspector’s job is to ensure the property’s structures will be safe for an occupant. This includes conducting an inspection, examining hard-to-reach areas, reporting areas of concern, checking your builder’s work and advising you recommendations for any repairs. However, a building inspector does not have the accuracy to predict the things that will go wrong in the future as they can only tell you the present conditions of the house. A building inspection left Sydney couple James Couche and Sarah McGilvray horrified after discovering an interested buyer left faeces in their bathroom. Note that although building inspection companies have the latest technology such as T3i TERMATRAC and Moisture Sensor to uncover defects, they still cannot take apart your walls for inspection. An inspection is a professional observing the existing conditions of the property.

Myth 3: A building inspection is the same thing as a home appraisal.

Fact: Many people have this misconception that a home appraisal covers a building inspection or that they are simply the same thing. A home appraisal does not guarantee the safety of the property. It is an unbiased professional opinion of what the property is worth. Building inspectors are just interested in the safety of the property, not its value. So, the next time your property receives a high appraisal, it does not mean it is free from any defects.

Myth 4: New houses do not have to be inspected as they were built recently.

Fact: Are you thinking that you may not need a building inspection because your property is brand new? Wrong! Older properties have been lived in and it is not as difficult to notice any signs of leakage, termite infestation or defects that occur over a period of time. However, in the case of a new property, no one has occupied it so it should be inspected under scrutiny.

Myth 5: A renovated property does not need to be inspected as everything was already redone.

Fact: If you got a property renovated by professionals, you may think that every area was inspected. Wrong! It also does not mean the professionals will adhere to the safety guidelines. Some may be cutting corners to reduce costs and earn a higher profit. Renovation television show ‘Fixer Upper’ hosts Chip and Joanna Gaines were fined $40 000 after violating rules on toxic substances and lead paint.

Now that you know these building inspection myths, you will be more aware as a buyer or seller during building inspections. If you require a professional to conduct a detailed house inspection for your property, please do not hesitate to contact us to book a building or house inspection. Building Inspections Melbourne offers services such as timber pest inspections, pre purchase building inspections and special purpose defect inspection.