Building Inspection FAQs
Can I Inspect the Property Myself?
Most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective about the property they really want and this may lead to poor judgment. For accurate information, it's best to obtain an impartial third-party opinion by an independent expert.
If My Report is Favorable Did I Really Need an Inspection?
Definitely! Now you can complete your purchase with confidence about the property's condition.
Is an Inspection Necessary for New Construction?
Absolutely! New construction is no longer a problems-free guarantee. While many new homes are well built, we regularly find serious defects in new construction. You can choose to have your new home checked at key building stages including Frame-Up, Waterproofing, and Lock-Up. A Handover Inspection can help identify important items for pre-move-in rectification. You certainly don't want to be discovering building problems after your builder's warranty has expired.
Can a Property "FAIL" an Inspection?
No. A professional inspection is an examination of the current condition of the property. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value, nor is it a council inspection, which verifies compliance to local government legislation. Your inspector will not pass or fail a property, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what may need repair or replacement.
If My Report Is Bad Will You Tell Me Not to Buy?
No. Your inspectors' goal is to report fairly on the condition of the property. Ultimately, the decision to buy is yours.
Do I Get A Guarantee?
Your inspection is a record of observable conditions at a particular point in time and not a guarantee, warranty or insurance policy. Some problems can only be discovered by living in a property.
What If My Report Reveals Problems?
No property is perfect. If your inspector identifies defects, it doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't buy the property, only that you will know in advance what to expect. As a vendor, you may wish to use the information to rectify defects or contract terms if problems are found.
Can You Quote My Renovation Costs?
ABIS inspectors have years of building and renovation experience behind them. However, as inspectors they must remain completely independent and not quote on renovations and maintenance work. Their focus is solely your inspection. The cost of a repair or renovation can vary greatly depending on your taste, the materials used, the design, the method, the economic climate, and the firm undertaking the work.
Are Builders Good Termite Inspectors?
Better! All ABIS Inspectors have undertaken at least a Certificate II in Asset Maintenance Pest Management, plus a further qualification in Timber Pest Management to be qualified as a Pest Controller specialising in Timber Pests including Termites. There's no doubt a qualified and experienced builder with all of these qualifications plus practical experience as a pest controller is one step ahead of a pest controller with no building qualification at all.
Do I Need Separate Firms for Building & Termite Inspections?
Others will tell you that it is important to have your Building and Pest Inspections undertaken by different firms. The reality is that you receive a much higher quality inspection if the same firm and the same individual conduct both Building and Timber Pest Inspections.
Why is This?
To be a good Timber Pest Inspector, your inspector must have full qualification as a pest controller including specific qualifications in termite management and control, but they also need to have extensive knowledge of how dwellings are constructed. They need to understand the types of construction methods that are specifically designed to deter termites, the susceptibility of various timber species and timber products to each of the various timber pests, and knowledge of where man-made tunnels are likely to exist in the building structure to assist in successful detection of termite activity. Many pest controllers undertaking Timber Pest Inspections simply do not have this knowledge.
Conversely, when undertaking a Building Inspection, the Australian Standard requires that structural timber pest damage be reported. A sound working knowledge of various species of termites and other timber pests, their habits, and biology is essential for this. Most builders undertaking Building Inspections do not have this knowledge.
Do You Get On the Roof?
We must be guided by Workplace Health & Safety practice. There are a number of situations when your inspector will not get up on the roof. The roofing material may be unsafe to walk on; the roof may have a steep pitch, may be slippery or not be accessible from a 3.6 metre ladder.
Commonly, when your inspector is unable to get onto a roof they will be able to view the roof from a ladder. It is also possible to make special arrangements to access difficult roofs with the aid of a cherry picker.
It is your inspector's responsibility to ensure their own safety. This may sound like an excuse, but a fall from this height may not only have extremely serious consequences for your inspector, but also for us, and ultimately, you. As professionals, we take the issue of safety very seriously. We understand that you're naturally concerned about the state of the property's roof and will do everything in our power to inspect it, including the use of binoculars and other aids. Besides, your inspector can identify most roof problems from within the roof space and walking on a roof is a common cause of damage to roofing materials.
How Do ABIS' Fees Compare?
We hope that fees are not the sole factor behind your decision whether or not to have an inspection. You might save many times the cost of your inspection by being able to avoid the costs of rectifying significant problems revealed by your inspector.
Your inspector's qualifications, including his experience, training, and professional affiliations, should be your most important consideration.
Fees for all of our services are very competitive, especially when you consider you are getting the best possible service available for a modest price. You can't get better than that and really, would you want any less?