Property Inspect Before You Invest: Why a Property
Inspection Is Essential

When it comes to buying or managing real estate, many people ignore the importance of a detailed home or property inspection. Whether you’re buying a family home; investing in rental units; purchasing or managing a commercial property, a professional property inspection can help you steer clear of expensive surprises whilst also providing peace of mind to a seller or a buyer.

What is a Pre-Purchase Home or Property Inspection?

Firstly, a property inspection is NOT an evaluation (as conducted by estate agents or bank inspectors). A property inspection is also NOT a code inspection as conducted by a municipal building control inspector.

A Property Inspect4u comprehensive pre- purchase or pre-sale home or property inspection is conducted by an InterNachi certified property inspector – qualified and experienced to carefully investigate and assess the structural integrity of the building as well as any latent and patent defects.

Latent defects are those that are visible to a reasonable inspection such as cracked tiles, broken window latches, swollen cupboard doors and should be disclosed at the time of the offer to purchase.

Patent defects are those that are not necessarily visible on visual inspection and could include issues such as rising damp, water pipe leaks, failed waterproofing. These should also be disclosed at the offer to purchase stage.

The “voetstoots’ clause covers sellers in the event of latent or patent defects as long as they have not ‘knowingly withheld’ that information from a potential buyer.

However, there are increasingly more and more buyers who are holding sellers accountable for ‘non-disclosure’ or ‘intentionally withholding’ such information from buyers, resulting in costly legal interactions.

Should a Property be Inspected even if it’s Sold ‘Voetstoots’?

Yes, yes and yes!

While most homes are not being sold new, unless being bought off plan, they are indeed being sold ‘second hand’ and are not expected to be perfect.

Anything that is reasonably visible would for the potential buyer to pick up on and the seller is under no obligation to disclose such even though it should be included in the disclosure form, yet it is important to note that a seller is not compelled to do so. The onus remains on the buyer to inspect the property to their satisfaction. This is quite tricky to do in a 15 min walkthrough at a viewing or two, prior to making an offer.

Which is why we, at Property Inpsect4u, advise our clients to make an offer subject to a comprehensive pre-purchase property inspection.

Whilst sellers are required to disclose patent defects that they have knowledge of, such as water intrusion issues, roofing issues, plumbing issues, electrical issues and failed waterproofing on leaking patios, some may or may not be visible to either the seller or the buyer. What is included on an offer to purchase disclosure form is usually according to ‘the seller’s knowledge’.

So, the question to consider is – particularly where owners are located elsewhere – are they really ‘in the know’ about the condition of the home or property? Could there be aspects they may be unaware of? Quite possibly! Although a managing agent or estate agent may be representing the seller to the best of their ability with the best intentions, they cannot be held liable for anything not disclosed by the seller. And in reality – even some sellers who have knowledge of their property – may not always be aware of all patent defects.

Which is precisely why both sellers and buyers benefit from a professional home or property inspection prior to closing the deal and ensure that they are both safeguarded from potential future legal wrangles.

New builds can also be quite contentious, specifically where – on occasion – the snagging process is not conducted to the buyer’s satisfaction, or, by way of example – a year after moving in, rising damp issues, mould issues and/or structural cracks appear.

Engaging an unbiased certified, professional property inspector can significantly streamline this process, preventing much aggravation and stress.

What’s Included in a Comprehensive Pre-Purchase or Pre-Sale Property Inspection?

A reputable company like Property Inspect4U will include:

Structural assessments
Roofing and insulation checks
Electrical and plumbing systems
Moisture and damp detection
Identify certain pest and possible mould issues
Infrared and thermal imaging (where needed)
Maintenance planning
Aprons and external wall assessments
Pools
Retaining walls
Boundary Walls and driveways
Patios (specifically in complexes)

Why Property Inspect?

A professional property inspection is designed to help buyers:

Assess the overall condition of the property to ensure that they are making a sound purchase
Identify hidden issues: trained inspectors can spot things that may not be obvious to buyers: from unobtrusive water damage to foundation cracks or structural component and related issues.

Ascertain whether the purchase price is feasible given any unforeseen costs that may arise due to undisclosed issues that would need to be addressed.

A professional property inspection is designed to help sellers:

Assess the home or property’s attributes, reinforcing and underscoring the indicated value of property.
Provide assurance to potential buyers of full disclosure thus ensuring a transparent sale process, thereby reducing risk of comebacks from purchasers.
Ascertain what should be included in the disclosure form reducing the likelyhood of being ‘negotiated down’.

A professional property inspection is designed to help property owners and/or landlords:

Ensure safety and compliance: Inspections are an important way to ensure that the property complies with all health and safety, and certain building regulations – an important consideration for landlords and business owners too.

Are all Property Inspections the Same?

The easy answer is NO. Property Inspect4u offers a range of inspections that fit clients’ needs:

Comprehensive pre-purchase or pre-sale inspections
Snag list and/or project management inspections (new builds)
Commercial buildings and /or site inspections
Commercial DB inspections (Thermodynamics)
Water damage and moisture intrusion inspections
Mould and air quality inspections (Laboratory results)
Asbestos inspections
Roof inspections
10 – year Maintenance Plan inspections and reports

A comprehensive report with photographic evidence is provided post each inspection, detailing the findings which could include moisture meter readings and laboratory results (where relevant) as well as recommended actions, if required.

Who Needs a Property Inspection?

Pretty much everyone in the property market should property inspect:

Home or property buyers: Before committing to a purchase, a complete inspection can reveal potential deal-breakers.
Sellers: Getting an inspection before listing your home or property helps you address or disclose issues proactively and present a trustworthy sale.
Landlords and body corporates: Regular inspections and well planned 10 Year Maintenance plans keep your investment safe, compliant, and well-maintained ensuring investments grow
Investors: A good property inspection strategy protects your portfolio and ensures a better return on investment.

Final Thoughts

If you’re serious about protecting your home or property, your investment, or your reputation, don’t pass up the opportunity to property inspect or home inspect. A detailed property inspection is one of the smartest steps you can take – whether you’re buying, selling, building or managing a property. Our advice to clients: shop around – ask questions – the most important one being: what certification do you have? Request examples of reports provided.

Then call us and compare OUR offer!

Ready to book your home or property inspection?