Property Inspections
So many important processes are involved in anything that has to do with real estate, which includes buying or renting a house. One of these processes, which often gets overlooked, is property inspection.
What is Property Inspection?
A property inspection is a series of checks you conduct to ascertain the condition of a property you are about to acquire. When buying or renting a house, you want to get value for your money’s worth, especially when you have worked very hard to get the money. Nobody wants to sink their entire savings into a property that will end up not being what they bargained for, or worse, put you and your family’s lives in danger. For this reason, you must do your due diligence when acquiring a property, and this is where property inspection comes in. With property inspection, you can check out all the facilities in the building you want to rent or buy so that you do not encounter any unpleasant surprises after purchasing it. You should know that the government sometimes performs property inspections to ensure buildings comply with given standards.
Why Should You Conduct Property Inspection?
There are many reasons why a property inspection is essential. Think of it like going to the market to buy some apples. When you get to the apple seller’s store, you don’t just choose any apple randomly. You inspect the apples for spoilage, discolouration, or anything that might indicate that the apples are going bad. Real estate works the same way. Before buying or renting a property, you must inspect the property for damages to ensure you are not merely throwing your money away. Here are the reasons why a property inspection is essential:
- To spot hidden defects or areas of maintenance needs the building might have
- To get value for your money’s worth
- To avoid the future stress of finding another property if the one you settled for turns out bad
- To avoid you putting yourself and your family in danger due to poor maintenance of the building
- To ensure the house meets your preferred standards for the purpose you intend to use the building for
- To save your time and money by helping you early if you want to go through with the transaction or not
- To prevent future disputes between the tenant and the landlord/estate agent or between the seller and buyer, as the case may be
What is a Property Inspection Checklist?
A property inspection checklist lists things you should prioritize when inspecting a building. It is not enough to check the aesthetics of the house or its location, although these are equally important. You must ensure that you check for things that could stand in the way of your enjoyment of the property or put your life in danger. Some of these things are:
Foundation
Before anything else, you must check the foundation to confirm the house’s structural integrity, so it does not pose problems in the future.
Walls and Roofing
The walls and roof go hand-in-hand with the foundation, so if one has issues, chances are the other also has issues. Things you should look out for when inspecting the walls and roofing include leakages in the roof, cracks in the walls and ceilings, and where the walls join the ceilings. Take note of any significant crack in the walls, as this could spell danger. Also, check the walls and roof for signs of water leakage, like brown patches on the wall and ceiling or paint peeling off the wall.
Plumbing
It is vital to inspect a building’s plumbing because plumbing issues can leave you stranded and get very uncomfortable. Confirm that the pipes are flowing well and are not clogged up, thereby restricting water flow. Be sure that the pipes are not rusty or leaky. Also, confirm if the house has a proper drainage system.
Ventilation
Check if the rooms are adequately ventilated, especially the bedrooms and kitchen. You don’t want to end up drowning in heat from poor ventilation. Check the windows and doors to ensure they open and shut correctly, and ensure that the building gets adequate natural lighting during the day. You should also check each room to confirm that the services, e.g., plumbing, electrical, etc., are functioning properly.
Electricals
An electrical inspection is also crucial. Make sure the electrical connections and appliances are functioning and up-to-date. Check if the cables are working, and take note of every detail. Find out if the sockets are working and if there is any sign of overheating from the fuse. Most importantly, ask if there has been a fire outbreak in the house in the past as a result of an electrical malfunction.
Who is a Property Inspector?
A property inspection can get overwhelming, especially when unsure of what to look for in a building. But rather than just settling for the first building within your budget, you can employ the services of a property inspector. Property inspectors are professionals that inspect residential properties for compliance with regulations. As professionals, they often know the right things to look out for and the right questions to ask. They perform thorough property inspections, interview homeowners, and prepare inspection reports. A property inspector may work for the government or a private real estate company. Be sure only to employ a firm whose expertise you can confirm to avoid getting swindled or receiving poor property inspection reports.
What is a Property Inspection Report?
A property inspection report is a document created during a property inspection that records property details and conditions. It may sometimes recommend repairs for the property where necessary. A property inspection report often includes details such as:
- Administrative information, which includes your name, reason for inspection, and the property type
- General property information such as occupancy status, access, violations, exterior grounds conditions, and so on.
- Appearance and neighbourhood information
- Main exterior structural information such as windows, roofs, doors, foundations, decking, etc.
- Utilities and facilities information
- Interior information
- Detached structure exterior information, which focuses on structures not attached to the buildings
The entire process of property inspection may seem stressful because you might go through several buildings without finding a suitable one. However, it saves you from the stress of discovering hidden issues in the building after you must have paid for it. So, it is always better for you to take your time when selecting a house to rent or buy. Inspect every vital detail and ask critical questions before paying for it or signing a contract. By doing this, you ensure you don’t have to put up with any uncomfortable scenarios that may come up in the future.
