To most of us, a freshly painted home looks like a safe bet. However, it is very true that paint can sometimes hide many things which we perhaps need to give attention. If you are about to buy, you should know that building and pest inspections in Melbourne are the best way to find out what the seller may not want to tell you. A pretty kitchen will never tell you about a rotten frame.

Why Melbourne Homes Need a Closer Check

Melbourne has a wide mix of old Victorian terraces, post-war brick homes and new townhouses. Whatever type may it be, almost each type has its own weak spots.

Many suburbs in Australia are set on reactive clay soil. It can swell when it is wet and can get shrunken a bit when in the drier month of the year. At this, the walls of a construction can have cracks in it. Besides, the floors can sink over the years.

In older homes, there could be the issue of blocked drains, rusted roofs or poor underfloor air flow. Similarly, newer homes can also have issues like leaks and weak waterproofing. These can be a sign of rushed work or poor craftmanship.

What a Building Inspection Will Cover for Your Property

A licensed building inspector’s job is to minutely check your property from the roof to the floor. Here, they will generally check almost all the visible parts of the property such as:

• roof space
• walls
• ceilings
• floors
• windows
• plumbing
• drainage
• outside area (such as fences and retaining walls).

Generally, the inspection follows Australian Standard AS 4349.1, which sets out what the inspector must check and report. Some of the important findings can be:

• Cracks in walls or footings
• Damp and water leaks
• Roof damage
• Poor drainage around the house
• Signs of unapproved building work

Obviously, the inspector cannot cut open your walls and check. Besides, the areas which are hard to reach, such as a locked roof space or a wall hidden behind heavy furniture may not be examined. That is why it is very important that you read that part of the report with utmost care.

What a Pest Inspection Will Find

However, a timber pest inspection is a separate check and it follows AS 4349.3. The inspector here will look for the existence of termites, borers and timber rot. All these are the main threats to the wood in your home.

Quite often, it happens that termites have been at work for years before you even realise their presence. They are active in many Melbourne suburbs, mostly near bushland, old tree stumps and timber fences. Yes, that is surprising to many buyers, but unfortunately it is true.

Here a timber pest inspector will use specialised tools such as a moisture meter and a thermal camera. They often tap on the timber surface to listen for any hollow sound (which often is a proof of termite-presence). You need to remember that termite damage is mostly not covered by home insurance, so a hidden termite issue can become a good cause of your monetary concern in future, if left unattended.

Why Building and Pest Inspections in Melbourne Matter Before You Sign the Final Contract

Most repair works for a construction can cost you thousands of dollars. A new roof, restumping or termite treatment is obviously not a matter of small expense. That’s why it would be much better to know about these things before you go on and purchase/build your home.

Timing is also very important. In Victoria, a three-day cooling-off period is generally applied to any private sale (although it does not apply to auctions). So, if you plan to bid for a property, you need to have your reports ready before the final day. That is why many smart buyers book their inspections much in advance.

Once you have the report, you will mostly have three clear options:

1. Ask the seller to fix the issues (found on the report).
2. Negotiate a lower price with the seller.
3. If nothing works, you can walk away from the deal.

Do remember, any of these is better option than to have an unwanted surprise after you sign the deal.

What It Will Cost and How Long It Takes

Yes, prices of building and pest inspections mostly differ by the size, condition and location of the property. Still, if we want to give you a rough idea, a combined building and pest inspection will generally cost between $500 and $900. Most building inspectors in Melbourne will prepare and hand over their building inspection reports to you within same day to maximum in two days.

It is also very true that, to the most home buyers, this cost can seem to be an additional one. But when you compare it with the price of the home (and of any prospective damage caused by termites), this will seem very smaller.

How to Read Your Building Inspection Report

Many people can feel a bit lost when they receive a long building inspection report, but it is not to be. Here is a simple way to go through it step by step:

• You can start with the summary, where major defects are mentioned.
• Check the photos of the concerned areas as they show you exactly what the problem is.
• Identify which items are minor/negligible (for now) and which needs your attention on urgent basis.
• Ask for a quote from a specialist if the report indicates any serious issue.

You should also try to attend the inspection if you can. The inspector will be able to show you the problem areas in person. Quite often, this is more useful than any written note.

How Casey Building Consultants Can Help Melbourne Residents

So, you want a clear answer before you spend your savings on a home. Here, Casey Building Consultants in Melbourne can give you exactly that. Our team will inspect the property with care and explain you the findings in very simple language.

You will get a clear report with photos. That means you can see by yourself what is wrong and how serious it is. We will also be happy to answer your questions after the inspection, which is important if you have a tight deadline. With building and pest inspections in Melbourne, thus, you can make your decision with facts rather than guesses. Contact Casey Building Consultants today to book your inspection and buy with confidence.

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