Just think for minute that you have finally found a home in Dandenong that you would have always liked. For the price you got was fair, the street feels so right, and the agent has been very friendly. Then a simple question just comes up to your mind: who will inspect the property?

Here, you have two choices. You can go for the inspector the agent suggests to you. Or you can hire an independent building inspector in Dandenong. Yes, we know it is not such a big decision for you, but obviously it can change the result of your purchase by thousands of dollars.

Why the Agent’s Suggestion Is Not Always the Safest Choice

Yes, agents are helpful people, and most of them do just well. However, you need to keep in mind that their main job is to sell the property to you, and they are paid when the sale is complete. Thus, a very bad inspection report or your concerns related to that property may not be the top priority in their ‘best interest’ list.

More that often, it happens that an agent gives you a short list of building inspectors whom he/she knows very well. There is no doubt that those inspectors may be skilled and experienced ones. Still, they may also need to depend on that particular agent for regular work.

This can be a quiet kind of pressure for them, and thus, he/she can re-shape a report without showing the actual picture of the property to you.

You should ask yourself one thing. Who does this inspector work for in reality? If you think that the answer is may not be “me”, it would be a good idea to look further.

What an Independent Inspector Does Differently

An independent inspector generally has no link to any agent, seller or the real estate office. As their name suggest, they work independently for you. Here, you pay them, so they are loyal to you and likely to present you the ‘actual picture’ of the property which many agent-recommended inspector would perhaps try to hide from you.

Independent building inspector’s only task is to tell you what is wrong with the property and what is right.

Here is what you will generally get:

• A full check of the roof, walls, ceilings, floors and subfloor
• A close look at drainage, damp and signs of moisture
• Notes on plumbing, electrical points and structural cracks
• Photos and clear comments, which you can show to your lender or lawyer
• Plain advice on which faults are minor and which are serious

Obviously, no home is perfect. A good report will not scare you. It will simply give you all the real facts, and with that, you can decide what to do next.

Why an Independent Building Inspector in Dandenong Knows the Local Ground

Dandenong has a mix of older brick homes, townhouses, units and new estates. Each type has its own weak points. Older homes may have rising damp or tired stumps. Townhouses often have problems with shared walls. New builds can have rushed finishes or poor waterproofing.

Many parts of Melbourne’s south-east have reactive clay soil, which moves as the weather changes from wet to dry. That is why a crack in a wall or a door that sticks deserves a careful look. A local inspector will know these signs well, as they see them often.

 Independent vs Agent-Recommended: A Quick Comparison for You

To most of us, the difference is easy to see when it is placed side by side.

• Loyalty

An independent inspector works for you. But an agent-recommended inspector is paid by the agent or contractor. That is why you can get mixed interests.

• Report style

An independent report is usually frank. A recommended report may be softer than it should be.

• Negotiation

With a clear independent report, you can ask for a lower price or for repairs. That is a strong position to be in.

• Trust

You will not have to wonder if someone left a fault out.

When an Agent-Recommended Inspector May Be Fine

It is very true that not every recommended inspector is a poor choice. Some of them are obviously honest and would do their job without being biased. Although, that may be the case, you should still check some important things here:

• Try to know if they have any link with the agent, builder or the agency.
• Always check their licence and insurance and validate those from a reliable source.
• Ask them to show you a sample report.
• Make sure they explain all the findings in simple langue to you in person.

If you find all the answers of these questions satisfying, you can go with that recommended inspector. Otherwise, you can choose your own independent inspector.

How Casey Building Consultants Can Help Dandenong Property Buyers

Here at Casey Building Consultants, we work as an independent team. This means we do not need to tie up with any agent or seller. Our independent building inspector will work for you and make sure that your concerns are fully addressed and mitigated.

For over 15 years now, we have been offering our services in Dandenong as well as in entire Melbourne areas. You can keep your trust in us when the stakes are high.

Here is how we can help you:

• We inspect houses, units, townhouses and new builds in and around Dandenong and cover most other areas of Melbourne.
• You get a written building inspection report in simple language. Out team members will explain all the points. You do not need any other person to help you.
• We point out the faults which matter most, such as structural movement, damp and roof defects.
• They are happy to talk you through the report, so you will feel sure before you sign.

If you are about to bid at auction or sign a contract, it would be best to book an inspection first. A small fee now can save you a very large bill later. Contact Casey Building Consultants today and buy your next property with a clear mind.

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