Photo Above: Structural Damage in a Sydney home we recently inspected. The roof structure was close to collapse while it had been shored-up only with a plastic belt!
You work hard for your money and value is important to you. So, when you’ve finally found the house you’ve been looking for, the price is right and finances are in order, how do you know the house is worth purchasing? Unless you are a builder yourself you will most probably have to seek for proper advice. But many people skip this vital step in the most important investment they make, their home. Building inspections are just as critical as any other product research that you do, probably more so.
“What is the Building Inspection fee?”
Although this is the first question we usually hear, the price should not have the most bearing on whom you hire. Inspection companies that market themselves with low prices usually do so because they are new in the business (read: inexperienced) and, being unable or unwilling to distinguish themselves with high quality service, they fall back on low prices. It is a mistake to hire a company simply because they have the lowest price – you will end up with the lowest quality service and you may end up really regretting it, having to repair and fix things and facing a big bill at the end.
“If you pay peanuts you only get monkeys”. It may be an old adage, however certainly one you should consider. This is because you may spend more time, energy, as well as money when you repair the hidden damages. (In 2005) The Office of Fair Trading stated on their website the average cost is $500 for each inspection. Never book an inspection on price, book only on ones proven ability and knowledge. Inspecting and reporting on a home is a 5 to 7 hour process.
Watch out for cheaper alternatives! We regularly receive calls from people claiming to have only paid $150 to $350 for combined pest and building inspections. Unfortunately for them within approximately 3 months of moving in, they found termites and/or structural issues costing $100’s to $1,000’s of dollars in legal claims and rectification works. Some claims are even over $1million dollars! Your home insurance does not cover this type of damage.
As a guide only, the fee should be between $400 and $1,000 depending on the inspector’s experience and the size of the property being inspected. Book experienced and registered inspectors only!
Quality Building Inspection Sydney is a member of PPI, the Pre Purchase Inspectors National Registry.
Call us toll-free on 1800 656 343 for a worthwhile Pre Purchase Building Inspection.
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